Ram 1500 Class Action: Steering Defect Alleged in FCA Lawsuit

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against FCA, alleging a defect in the power steering system of Ram 1500 trucks.

Consumers Affected: Owners of Ram 1500 trucks.

Court: U.S. District Court District of New Jersey

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been hit with a class action lawsuit accusing the company of knowingly hiding a defect in its 2013-2024 Ram 1500 trucks that can cause the electric power steering system to fail without warning. 

According to the suit, this defect creates a serious safety risk, as drivers lose steering control unexpectedly, putting them and others on the road at significant risk. For years, the lawsuit alleges, FCA allegedly hid the issue to avoid costly repairs and refunds, even as complaints about the defect poured in from vehicle owners across the U.S.

Ram 1500 Owners Sue FCA Over Alleged Power Steering Defect

The lawsuit was filed by two Ram truck owners from New Jersey, Nancy Ludwig and Joseph Spillane. Both plaintiffs allege that they bought their vehicles based on FCA’s promises of reliability and safety, only to discover the dangerous power steering defect after the fact.

Nancy Ludwig purchased a used 2016 Ram 1500 from an authorized dealership in 2020. In January 2024, Ludwig’s partner was nearly involved in an accident when the truck’s steering wheel suddenly became stiff while exiting a McDonald’s drive-thru. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the couple was forced to pay $4,484.59 to replace the faulty steering system after FCA refused to cover the repair.

Similarly, Joseph Spillane bought his 2013 Ram 1500 in 2014. In August 2024, Spillane experienced a sudden loss of power steering while pulling into his driveway. His dealership informed him that the repair would cost around $2,800, but that the necessary part was on national backorder, leaving Spillane without a functioning vehicle.

Faulty EPS System Poses Serious Safety Risks, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit claims that the defect lies in the EPS system, which replaces traditional hydraulic steering with electric motors and sensors to help drivers steer more easily. When the EPS system fails, it becomes extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. 

The lawsuit alleges that this defect has been present since the trucks were first sold, but its symptoms only manifest after many owners’ warranties have expired, leaving them to cover expensive repairs out of pocket.

Despite numerous complaints, FCA has only issued limited recalls for specific model years, citing isolated manufacturing problems rather than a widespread defect. The lawsuit argues that FCA has knowingly downplayed the issue to avoid financial responsibility.

NHTSA Investigation Raises Concerns About Widespread Defect

In August 2023, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration launched an investigation into the power steering defect after receiving nearly 400 reports of steering failure in 2013-2016 Ram 1500 trucks. The investigation aims to determine whether FCA’s limited recalls were sufficient or if the defect affects more vehicles than previously acknowledged, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs say in the lawsuit that as the investigation continues, millions of Ram truck owners may be driving vehicles at risk of sudden steering failure. FCA has not issued any new recalls or safety advisories related to the defect.

FCA Faces Growing Legal Challenges Over Alleged Vehicle Defects

The lawsuit against FCA is not the first for alleged faulty power steering. Honda is facing a lawsuit over faulty power steering in 2022-2023 Honda Civics, where drivers have reported sudden steering wheel stiffness that led to crashes. 

Jeep owners have also reported electric system failures in the 2022-2023 Wagoneer, resulting in the loss of power steering and braking functions while driving. Additionally, Subaru recently reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit over defective windshields that were prone to cracking, causing significant inconvenience to vehicle owners.

In the FCA class action lawsuit, Ludwig and Spillane want to represent consumers nationwide in their claims of violations of consumer protection statutes, breaches of implied warranty, and fraudulent omission and concealment. They are seeking damages, injunctive relief, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Ludwig, et al. v. FCA US LLC
• Case Number:  3:24-Cv-08906
• Court: U.S. District Court District of New Jersey  

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Michele M. Vercoski, David C. Wright, Mark I. Richards, and Jordan I. Wispell (McCune Law Group and McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC)

Have you experienced power steering issues or other defects with your Ram 1500 truck? Share your experiences in the comments below.