Engine maker Cummins Inc. will recall 600,000 Ram trucks as part of a settlement with federal and California authorities that also requires the company to remedy environmental damage caused by illegal software that let it skirt diesel emissions tests.
New details of the settlement, reached in December, were released Wednesday. Cummins had already agreed to a $1.675 billion civil penalty to settle claims – the largest ever secured under the Clean Air Act – plus $325 million for pollution remedies.
That brings Cummins’ total penalty to more than $2 billion, which officials from the Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and the California Attorney General called “landmark” in a call with reporters Wednesday.
I don’t see how it could NOT affect power output.
But the thing about recalls is they’re completely voluntary. You don’t have to bring your truck in to have it fixed.
Inspection stations in California will probably check the recall status so that will at least cover that for the State concerned by it.
Its time to buy a ram if you live not in California
I have no idea what the penalty is, but I expect these trucks would fail any ‘rigorous’ emissions test.
This stuff can be programmed into the ECU so that it is a switch that you flip.
In that specific case it’s different since it’s something from the manufacturer and not an aftermarket reprogramming, but yes the owners could simply turn around and get an aftermarket setup instead.
these owners aren’t likely to bring their truck in to get ‘fixed’.
If your bring your truck in to a dealer the dealer often will automatically apply all recalls. Cummins can also get third party mechanics involved. While the dealer or mechanic knows their customer doesn’t want this recall applied, they also have various other legal issues that are even more important - dealers may risk their entire dealership if they get caught not applying this recall.
That these vehicles are recalled can also be tracked other ways. If governments really care they will not renew your license without proof that the recall was applied. (I don’t think they have ever done this but is in their power)