RAM trucks are built for heavy work, but when a 1500, 2500, or 3500 spends more time at the dealership than on the job, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law. RAM’s pickups have been hit with a series of federal recalls and safety investigations covering brakes, airbags, trailer systems, and instrument displays. When a manufacturer cannot repair a substantial warranty defect after a reasonable number of attempts, California law may require it to buy the truck back or replace it.
American Lemon Law Group represents California RAM owners on a contingency basis — no cost to you unless we win. Call (877) 311-1133 for a free case review.
Does Your RAM Qualify Under the California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law — the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — protects owners and lessees of new and certain used vehicles still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Your RAM may qualify if:
- It was bought or leased in California with a manufacturer’s warranty
- It has a substantial defect that affects its use, value, or safety
- The dealer has made a reasonable number of repair attempts and the problem remains
Generally, a “reasonable number of attempts” can mean two or more tries for a serious safety defect, four or more for the same recurring problem, or 30 or more days out of service for warranty repairs. These are guidelines, not strict limits. Not sure where you stand? Our Do I Qualify Under the Lemon Law page walks through the criteria, and our California Lemon Law Process page explains what happens next.
Common RAM Problems That May Lead to a Lemon Law Claim
RAM is built by Stellantis (FCA US) and was formerly part of the Dodge brand — you can read more on our Dodge Lemon Law page. The issues below come from federal recall filings and NHTSA investigations.
Blank Instrument Cluster (2025–2026)
In a recall covering certain 2025–2026 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks (NHTSA campaign 25V826), a software error can cause the 12-inch instrument cluster to go blank at startup or while driving. According to NHTSA, a blank cluster means the truck cannot display the brake warning light or the gear-selection indicator, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers reprogram or replace the cluster. If your RAM’s display has failed repeatedly, those repair visits may count toward a lemon law claim.
Trailer Brake and Tow Module Failure (2025–2026)
In early 2026, Stellantis recalled approximately 456,287 vehicles — including 2025–2026 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups and chassis cabs — over an improperly designed trailer tow module. According to NHTSA, the module can fail so that trailer lights do not illuminate and trailer brakes do not work, and in some cases the module can overheat. Dealers replace the module. For owners who tow for work, a truck that cannot safely pull a trailer is a serious loss of use.
Brake-Shift Interlock / Rollaway Risk (2013–2018)
As of mid-2025, NHTSA opened an investigation into roughly 1.19 million RAM trucks from the 2013–2018 model years over the brake transmission shift interlock. The concern is that earlier recall repairs may not have fully fixed a defect that can allow the shifter to move out of Park without the brake pressed — a rollaway risk. If your RAM was recalled for this issue and still has shifter or rollaway problems, keep your records.
Airbag and Steering Defects
Several RAM recalls involve safety restraints and steering. Certain 2019–2020 RAM trucks (including the 1500 Classic, 2500, and 3500) were recalled because side-curtain airbag inflators may rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. Separately, certain 2021–2022 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks were recalled because a steering column control module fault may prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying in a crash. Dealers repair both at no charge.
Heavy-Duty “Death Wobble” and Diesel Concerns
Owners of RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks have long reported a violent front-end shaking — often called the “death wobble” — that can occur after hitting a bump at highway speed, with steering-damper replacements commonly offered as a fix. Diesel owners have also raised concerns about the 6.7L Cummins fuel system. If a recurring suspension, steering, or fuel-system defect cannot be fixed after repeated attempts, it may support a claim.
What Your RAM Lemon Law Buyback Could Include
If your RAM qualifies, a buyback (also called a repurchase) generally requires the manufacturer to refund:
- Your down payment and monthly payments
- The remaining loan payoff
- Taxes, license, and registration fees
- Incidental costs such as towing and rental cars
The refund is reduced only by a statutory “mileage offset” for the miles you drove before your first repair visit. Our California Lemon Law Buyback Guide explains exactly how the amount is calculated. In some cases, you may also be entitled to a civil penalty if the manufacturer acted willfully. Leased your RAM? You may still qualify — see our Lemon Law for Leased Vehicles page. Bought certified pre-owned? Review our Certified Pre-Owned page.
RAM Models We Handle
We help California owners and lessees with lemon law claims across the RAM lineup, including:
- RAM 1500 and 1500 Classic
- RAM 2500
- RAM 3500
- RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis
- RAM ProMaster
Most RAM claims involve trucks — see our Truck Lemon Law page for related vehicle types.
The California Lemon Law Process for RAM Owners
- Gather your repair orders, invoices, and any communication with the dealer
- Confirm your warranty status and the number of repair attempts
- Have your case reviewed — we’ll tell you honestly whether you likely qualify
- We handle the claim and negotiate with Stellantis; most cases settle without trial
Because the Song-Beverly Act shifts attorney fees to the manufacturer in successful cases, most clients pay nothing out of pocket.
Why California RAM Owners Choose American Lemon Law Group
- More than $50 million recovered for California consumers
- 99% success rate and 1,000+ cases won
- 35+ years of experience
- No cost to you unless we win
99% Success Rate35+ Years Experience1,000+ Cases Won
Work With Us
Don’t let a bad car drain your time and money — let us help you get what you’re owed.
RAM Lemon Law FAQ
How many repair attempts before my RAM qualifies?
There’s no single magic number, but California generally looks at two or more attempts for a serious safety defect, four or more for the same recurring issue, or 30+ days out of service. Strong claims can sometimes be built outside those exact figures.
My RAM was recalled. Can I still file a lemon law claim?
Possibly. A recall repair and a lemon law claim are separate things. If the defect kept coming back, or the truck was out of service for an extended time, your repair records may still support a claim.
Does Stellantis have to pay my attorney fees?
In successful California lemon law cases, the manufacturer is generally required to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs — which is why most clients pay nothing upfront.
What if my RAM is leased or financed?
Leased and financed trucks can both qualify. The refund is handled a little differently, but you may still recover your payments and costs.
How long does a RAM lemon law claim take?
Many cases resolve within a few months, though timelines vary depending on the manufacturer’s response and the complexity of the defect.
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Recall and litigation details change over time; confirm the current recall status for your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Speak with a qualified California lemon law attorney about your specific situation.