Drivers can claim one-time payment from $6 million settlement – but be quick, the deadline is just days away

THOUSANDS of drivers across 16 states are eligible for a one-time payment after one of Detroit’s big three automakers agreed to a $6 million settlement.

Drivers have a few days left to ensure eligibility for the direct payment .

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Chris Collard 2013

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, previously known as FCA, and Cummins will pay a $6 million settlement to resolve several complaints about pickup trucks from the 2013 through 2015 model years, according to Top Class Actions .

Attorney Generals in 16 states filed complaints against the corporations alleging some of its diesel gas engines overpoluted.

The AGs said 2013-2015 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups had defective catalytic reduction systems.

“Deceptive practices that harm our environment and deceive consumers will not be tolerated,” Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, said in a statement during the July filing complaint.

“By promoting their vehicles as eco-friendly while secretly violating emissions standards, Cummins and FCA have betrayed the trust of Arizonans and violated our state’s consumer protection laws.”

FCA and Cummins didn’t admit any wrongdoing in the settlement but will pay an estimated $6 million to consumers.

The U.S. Sun reached out to Stellantis , the company that now owns the Dodge and Ram brands. Stellantis didn’t immediately respond.

Eligible drivers must own or lease one of the Ram pickups listed in the complaint.

Drivers will receive a one-time payment if they successfully file evidence of the vehicle ownership or lease.

The companies will dispense payments on an equally divided pro-rata share.

Drivers are estimated to receive a $100.40 payment per vehicle they own.

Ram owners with several pickups in the correct model years and sizes are eligible to submit for every vehicle.

Drivers must be in one of the states where attorney generals made complaints.

The states are Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, per Top Class Actions.

What's a class-action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.

These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.

When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.

Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.

These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.

The exclusion deadline for Ram owners is August 21, 2024.

A final hearing for the settlement is scheduled for October 10, 2024.

Drivers who believe they are eligible for the payment can submit their paperwork at this link .

STELLANTIS SWITCH

The Stellantis brand, a corporation based in the Netherlands combining several European and American car producers, is in the middle of a giant production switch.

The company is focusing on research and development projects on electric vehicles after years of its subsidiaries paying emissions fines.

In January 2019, FCA agreed to pay $800 million to settle lawsuits over its US emissions scandals.

The company was accused of installing cheat devices in its vehicles during diesel emissions testing.

Now, the company is launching dozens of electrified projects across its fleet of vehicles.

The U.S. Sun has taken two cars out for test-drives – the Fiat 500e and the Dodge Hornet R/T-Plus PHEV .