If you bought or leased a 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, you may be entitled to a cash payment of up to $3,575 under a class action settlement that is now accepting claims. The deadline to file is May 16, 2026, and missing it means forfeiting your share.

The settlement resolves Crawford v. FCA US LLC, a lawsuit alleging that a specific engine component in these trucks can fail in a way that creates a fire risk. Stellantis (formerly FCA) has not admitted wrongdoing, which is standard in class action settlements, but the company has agreed to compensate affected owners and lessees across multiple benefit tiers.

Here is what the settlement covers, how much you could receive, and exactly what you need to do before the window closes.

The defect: what went wrong with the EGR cooler

The lawsuit centers on the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler installed in Model Year 2014 through 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Ram 1500 Classic EcoDiesel trucks sold or leased in the United States. According to the complaint, the EGR cooler can develop cracks that allow engine coolant to leak, and that leaking coolant can come into contact with hot engine surfaces, potentially causing a fire.

The official settlement website confirms that both the standard 1500 EcoDiesel and the 1500 Classic EcoDiesel are covered. If you owned or leased one of these trucks during the relevant period, you are likely a member of the settlement class unless you previously opted out.

How much money is available and who gets what

Not every class member receives the same amount. The settlement establishes different compensation tiers based on what you experienced:

• Fire claims (up to $3,575): Owners whose trucks suffered an engine fire linked to the EGR cooler defect are eligible for the highest payout. According to the settlement FAQ, fire claims must include documentation of the fire event, vehicle details including the VIN, and proof of ownership.
• EGR cooler repair reimbursement: If you already paid out of pocket to repair or replace a cracked EGR cooler, you can seek reimbursement for those costs. The settlement FAQ outlines what qualifies under its “Reimbursement Related to EGR Repair” section, including repairs that fell within warranty parameters.

The $3,575 figure represents the maximum individual payout for fire-related claims, not a guaranteed amount for every class member. Your actual compensation depends on your specific circumstances and the documentation you provide.

How to file a claim before the May 16, 2026 deadline

The settlement is not automatic. You will not receive a check simply because you owned an eligible truck. You must actively file a claim, and the deadline is May 16, 2026.

Here is what the process involves, according to the official case FAQ:

1. Confirm your vehicle is covered. You need a 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel or Ram 1500 Classic EcoDiesel that was purchased or leased in the United States.
2. Gather your documentation. At a minimum, you will need proof of purchase or lease (such as a title, bill of sale, or registration) and your vehicle identification number (VIN). Fire claims require additional documentation of the fire event itself.
3. Submit your claim. Claims can be filed online through the settlement portal or by mail using forms provided by the Settlement Administrator.

If you paid for an EGR cooler repair, keep those receipts and service records. The settlement specifically allows reimbursement for qualifying out-of-pocket repair costs, but you will need to show what you spent and when.

What to know about the fine print

A few details worth flagging before you file:

Stellantis has not admitted liability. As with most class action settlements, the company agreed to the terms without conceding that the EGR cooler is defective. The settlement resolves the claims without a trial.

Proof of purchase is mandatory. The settlement overview on Top Class Actions confirms that documentation is required. Claims submitted without supporting records will not be processed.

The May 16 deadline is firm. Late claims are unlikely to be accepted. If you think you qualify, start gathering paperwork now rather than waiting until the final week.

For the full list of terms, benefit categories, and claim forms, visit the official settlement site at ecodieselegrcoolercase.com.