By John 
Ram truck drivers could be sitting on a cash windfall, all thanks to Stellantis coughing up millions to settle a nasty legal battle over wonky brakes in some of their heavy-duty beasts. We’re talking rigs built between spring 2017 and the tail end of 2018—specifically the Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models. Lawyers argued these trucks had a serious case of brake gremlins: glitchy anti-lock systems and sketchy hydraulic control units that, let’s be real, nobody wants failing at 70 mph. Imagine slamming the pedal only to get… nothing. Or worse, locking up entirely. Yeah, not exactly a joyride.
Cash-strapped owners who got stuck footing repair bills might finally catch a break. Stellantis, playing it coy without admitting fault, is offering up to $3,000 back for documented fixes. Stranded without wheels while your rig was in the shop? They’ll toss you another grand for rental rides. Nice.
Here’s the kicker: buried in all this legal mumbo jumbo is a freebie recall for those dodgy brake parts. Revised pump motor brushes—whatever that means—but hey, free fixes beat empty wallets any day.
Now, the paperwork gauntlet: dig up your 17-digit VIN, hunt down those repair invoices, and prove you actually paid. Rental receipts? Yeah, those too. No rush though—deadline’s still up in the air, so breathe easy while you comb through your glovebox chaos.
Safety risks, wallet drains, and corporate shrugs—typical auto industry drama. But this time, the little guy might actually walk away with something. Just maybe.
Shawn Henry