Cummins, the engine manufacturer, is set to recall and repair engine control software in more than 600,000 Ram vehicles featuring the company’s diesel engines, as part of a historic $2 billion federal settlement. The agreement, announced by the U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday, addresses allegations that Cummins installed software “defeat devices” to bypass emissions testing and certification requirements.
The accusations involve the circumvention of emissions testing through the use of devices that can bypass or defeat emissions controls. As part of the settlement, Cummins will pay a previously announced $1.675 billion civil penalty, marking the largest settlement ever secured under the Clean Air Act. An additional $325 million will be allocated for remedies.
Over a decade, hundreds of thousands of Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, manufactured by Stellantis, were equipped with Cummins diesel engines featuring the contentious bypass engine control software. This includes 630,000 vehicles installed with illegal defeat devices and 330,000 equipped with undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices.
Attorney General Merrick Garland referred to the agreement as “historic” and emphasized the harmful impact of the alleged devices on people’s health and safety.
While officials couldn’t estimate the current number of affected vehicles on the road, Cummins, despite maintaining its innocence, will conduct a nationwide recall of over 600,000 noncompliant Ram vehicles as part of the settlement.
In response to the announcement, Cummins stated that it looks forward to obtaining certainty as the lengthy matter concludes. The company reiterated its commitment to advancing its Destination Zero strategy, focusing on achieving a zero-emissions future through decarbonization and promoting economic growth while utilizing fewer global resources.
The Clean Air Act, enacted in 1963, requires car and engine manufacturers to comply with emission limits to protect the environment and human health.
As part of the settlement terms, Cummins will collaborate with Stellantis unit Fiat Chrysler and its dealers on the recall and repair program. The program, covering Ram pickup trucks from the 2013-2019 model years, will remove defeat devices and bring the vehicles into compliance with Clean Air Act standards. Repairs will be conducted free of charge, with Cummins already initiating the required recall and repair program, according to the Justice Department.
