13 Jul 2026, Mon

Stellantis Settles Ram Brake Defect Lawsuit, Offering Owners Up to $3,000

Image via Stellantis

Stellantis has agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging brake defects in certain heavy-duty Ram trucks, with eligible owners able to recover up to $3,000 in repair costs. The settlement covers Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models built between spring 2017 and late 2018.

What the Lawsuit Alleged

According to the lawsuit, affected trucks were equipped with anti-lock braking systems and hydraulic control units prone to malfunction, potentially resulting in reduced braking performance or unexpected wheel lockup. Stellantis has not admitted fault as part of the settlement but agreed to compensate owners who paid out of pocket for related repairs.

What Owners Can Claim

Under the settlement terms, owners with documented repair costs tied to the alleged defect can recover up to $3,000. Owners who needed a rental vehicle while their truck was in the shop for related repairs can also claim up to $1,000 in additional reimbursement.

A Recall Is Also Included

Separately from the reimbursement program, the settlement includes a recall addressing the brake components at issue, which will replace pump motor brushes in the affected hydraulic control units at no cost to owners.

How to File a Claim

Owners looking to file a claim will need their vehicle’s 17-digit VIN along with documentation of repair invoices and proof of payment. Those seeking rental reimbursement will also need to provide rental receipts. A final claim deadline has not yet been set, giving affected owners time to gather the necessary paperwork.

By John Lloyd

John Lloyd writes for The Auto Wire, where he covers the more entertaining corners of the car world—celebrity rides, motorsports drama, and whatever automotive thing happens to be blowing up online that week. He's drawn to where cars meet culture. One day that's breaking down why some celebrity dropped a fortune on a hypercar; the next it's explaining why a particular model is suddenly all over everyone's feed. He likes handing readers the context behind the headline, usually with a little attitude. The way John sees it, cars aren't just transportation—they're status symbols, money pits, lifelong obsessions, and occasionally pure chaos, and that's exactly the stuff worth writing about.