Flexible Work
AARP Skills Builder
Flexible Work
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Drug Prices
Social Security
Medicare & Medicaid
Caregiving
LONG-TERM CARE
State Guides
Prepare to Care Guides
End of Life
Home Technology
Get Happier
POSSIBILITIES OF AI
Relationships
Home Health
Leaving AARP.org Website
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
BrandAmp by AARP provides the opportunity for our highly vetted marketing partners to share their expert knowledge, insights and storytelling with loyal and engaged readers like you. Each piece of paid content is created in collaboration with the disclosed advertiser and AARP Media Sales’ content development team.
BrandAmp by AARP content is designed to uphold AARP standards of excellence and inspire conversation. Only advertisers who have gone through the strictest reviews are cleared to bring their message directly to members using all of AARP media properties (AARP.org, social media, email newsletters and our print publications). Our pledge to members is work with brands whose products and services are of value to the 50+ audience; and are committed to the type of compelling, informative, entertaining and useful content members are accustomed to seeing within AARP media properties.
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
Over 600,000 Ram pickup trucks will be recalled because the engine manufacturer, Cummins Inc., installed software that illegally bypassed emissions testing and certification requirements, violating the Clean Air Act and California law.
The company will also pay a $1.675 billion civil penalty, the largest ever in a Clean Air Act case, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
Under the settlement, Cummins must repair and replace the engine control software in some 2013–2019 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 diesel engine pickup trucks. It must also extend the warranty period for certain parts in the repaired vehicles, allocate funds to reduce ozone-creating nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from vehicles and implement new procedures designed to prevent future emissions cheating.
NOx contributes to smog and fine particulate matter that is harmful to children, older adults, people who are active outdoors and people with heart or lung diseases.
Repairs to the affected trucks will be free of charge and involve only software updates.
Cummins must also fix at least 85 percent of Ram trucks with the illegal software within three years. Additionally, the company must conduct ongoing tests on some of the repaired trucks to ensure they meet emissions standards.
As with previous cases involving other manufacturers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered “defeat devices” — software installed with the intent to manipulate emissions testing — in Ram trucks with Cummins engines.
In 2015, the EPA warned manufacturers that it intended to carry out specialized tests aimed at pinpointing defeat devices.
That same year, Volkswagen admitted to equipping almost half a million cars with devices to defeat U.S. smog tests, emitting 40 times more pollution than standards allowed.
In 2019, Fiat Chrysler faced consequences because it didn’t disclose defeat devices installed in more than 100,000 EcoDiesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
More From AARP
9 Things You Didn't Know a Vehicle Could Do
9 Things You Didn't Know a Vehicle Could Do
Guide to Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
Tips and tricks for getting EVs battery-ready at home and on the roadIs It Time to Buy an Electric Truck?
Take a closer look at EV truck options from Ford, Rivian and General Motors