Ram Heavy Duty Pickups Called Back Over Transmission Leaks

The Ram is one of the best-selling heavy-duty pickup trucks on the market, and yet the company that manufactures the vehicle has yet to prove that it can do so safely.

Stellantis recently announced that it is recalling nearly 250,000 pickup trucks susceptible to transmission fluid leaks. The auto manufacturer says it has yet to come up with a fix for the defect, which could cause engine fires.

“In certain circumstances, a build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in transmission fluid being expelled from the dipstick tube, which may come in contact with ignition sources within the engine compartment and lead to a vehicle fire,” Stellantis said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A vehicle fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage.”

The recall covers 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks from the 2020 through 2022 model years. 

The company said it plans to notify owners of recalled trucks by the end of the year. The problem, however, is that Ram does not know how to fix the defect.

“The remedy is currently under development,” the company told NHTSA.

California Ram Owners’ Legal Rights

This is far from the first time that Stellantis has had to recall trucks over serious defects that pose real safety threats.

Last year, for instance, Stellantis called back roughly half a million pickup trucks over concerns they could suffer from “wheel separation.” In other words, the auto manufacturer said the trucks’ wheels could come off while driving.

That announcement came after Stellantis separately recalled 20,000 Ram trucks that it said are at risk of engine fires.

There is some good news for Ram owners in the Golden State: You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law requires Stellantis and other auto manufacturers to do a wide variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

It also forces the companies to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as for financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

Although a manufacturer can instead offer to replace the car, it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternate arrangement. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you weigh your options.

Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney

If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer at our firm today.