So many problems !

Vanlecktor · Nov 7, 2019

I really am amazed at how many problems guys have with these expensive new trucks ! It's not just Ram trucks either. I've driven an old 1990 Silverado for 30 years and 274,000 miles and I have never had problems like I see posted on here. I know quite a few guys who have had to replace cam and lifters in their Hemi. Not high mileage trucks either, some still under warranty. Basically, I feel vehicles today are too complicated and problematic for what they cost. The dealers in many cases have trouble diagnosing them. Even simple tasks light changing your headlight bulbs is a big undertaking. Keys that get locked in the ignition switch because the battery dies ? Steering lock up or return problems ? Body control modules that shut the entire vehicle down ? What is with this **** and why is stuff designed this way ? I would think you guys with those 60 grand Big Horns would be really pissed off if this stuff was happening to your truck?

I maybe just got lucky. I bought a strip down Ram with a 3.6L. So far it's been great. It's a 2wd and I have been getting 27mpg on the road running at 65mph. I tow my 4,000lb camper at 60mph and have been getting 20 plus mpg. I have a buddy who is a tech at the Ram dealer and he said the 3.6L has been very reliable, much more so than the Hemi. He told me the 3/4 ton new Rams have been a nightmare.
I actually had trouble locating a strip down truck that was 2wd. I've lived in the upper mid-west for 30 years traveling in all kinds of bad weather with a 2wd and I've never put one in the ditch or had any problem. I run good tires and keep weight in the bed. I drive by 4wd trucks in the ditch all the time!
So, if this Ram is anywhere near as good as my old Silverado I will be happy. Time will tell !

Jrod · Nov 7, 2019

Vanlecktor said:
I really am amazed at how many problems guys have with these expensive new trucks ! It's not just Ram trucks either. I've driven an old 1990 Silverado for 30 years and 274,000 miles and I have never had problems like I see posted on here. I know quite a few guys who have had to replace cam and lifters in their Hemi. Not high mileage trucks either, some still under warranty. Basically, I feel vehicles today are too complicated and problematic for what they cost. The dealers in many cases have trouble diagnosing them. Even simple tasks light changing your headlight bulbs is a big undertaking. Keys that get locked in the ignition switch because the battery dies ? Steering lock up or return problems ? Body control modules that shut the entire vehicle down ? What is with this **** and why is stuff designed this way ? I would think you guys with those 60 grand Big Horns would be really pissed off if this stuff was happening to your truck?

I maybe just got lucky. I bought a strip down Ram with a 3.6L. So far it's been great. It's a 2wd and I have been getting 27mpg on the road running at 65mph. I tow my 4,000lb camper at 60mph and have been getting 20 plus mpg. I have a buddy who is a tech at the Ram dealer and he said the 3.6L has been very reliable, much more so than the Hemi. He told me the 3/4 ton new Rams have been a nightmare.
I actually had trouble locating a strip down truck that was 2wd. I've lived in the upper mid-west for 30 years traveling in all kinds of bad weather with a 2wd and I've never put one in the ditch or had any problem. I run good tires and keep weight in the bed. I drive by 4wd trucks in the ditch all the time!
So, if this Ram is anywhere near as good as my old Silverado I will be happy. Time will tell !

Keep in mind everyone complaining on here is merely a fraction of a percent of actual RAM owners out there. Granted there a lot more people with problems who don’t participate on forums too. Regardless of what people post chances are you won’t come across everything you read on here first hand.

Ken226 · Nov 7, 2019

Most of the problems are government mandated crap.

Self diagnosing evap systems that fault at the slightest air leak.

Fleet fuel economy mandates that necessitate fragile cylinder shut-off schemes.

Pre and post cat o2 sensors to monitor emissions.

Seat weight sensors to prevent airbag deployments under certain circumstances.

Air injection pumps, egr valves, purge control systems for the evap systems.

Not all of the problems are caused by government crap, but probably most is!

I suspect that if the government regulators got tossed off a cliff, we would have better trucks in a week.

Pull Ya · Nov 7, 2019

When you see on TV the people that are responsible for overseeing the production of new vehicles, outside smoking pot and drinking on their breaks or while at lunch that may give you some clue to how well the things are done. If you ever have any interaction with most dealership service departments you will understand why they are unable or unwilling to fix any problems your vehicle has. There are exceptions but not many!!! Some of us are lucky and have great trucks with little to no problems, other people may not be so lucky. How many people have you heard say, "I am proud that I work in the automobile industry".
Jay

DeckArtist · Nov 7, 2019

Jrod said:
Keep in mind everyone complaining on here is merely a fraction of a percent of actual RAM owners out there. Granted there a lot more people with problems who don’t participate on forums too. Regardless of what people post chances are you won’t come across everything you read on here first hand.

You beat me to it...very well said!

Tach_tech · Nov 7, 2019

Vehicles are designed this way because most people don’t want to drive brand new 30 year old vehicle designs. Technology advances and everyone wants the latest and greatest tech, but with that comes systems that are complicated to build and repair.

Then there’s all the safety regulations and EPA requirements. Sure you can great great power and mileage compared to 20 years ago, but once again it means more complicated systems.

You also have to think about competition. Every manufacture wants you to buy their vehicle. So they try to come out with the latest and greatest products. Which makes everybody else step up their game.

Its just the way the world is now a days and it’s not changing anytime soon.

kurek · Nov 8, 2019

When I was a kid all the old men whined about newfangled cars too, and I'm an old man now. Never changes.

I like good new tech, not all new tech is good but neither was all the old junk.

JayLeonard · Nov 9, 2019

Pull Ya said:
How many people have you heard say, "I am proud that I work in the automobile industry".
Jay

I'd have to raise my hand and say "I am" more accurately "I did" until I completely retired at the end of 2016.
I worked as a design and product development engineer for Torrington/Timken/Drivesol which now is called Global Steering Systems in Ct.
We/they design and manufacture steering intermediate and tilt column shafts including Dodge/Ram since 1994 MY. Many others also both domestic and overseas.
No I did NOT design this one, but had many dealings with it in my 30 years there.

Not meaning to lead this thread in another direction just though I'd chime in.

Now back to vehicle maker bashing.

JayLeonard · Nov 9, 2019

Pull Ya said:
How many people have you heard say, "I am proud that I work in the automobile industry".
Jay

I'd have to raise my hand and say "I am" more accurately "I did" until I completely retired at the end of 2016.
I worked as a design and product development engineer for Torrington/Timken/Drivesol which now is called Global Steering Systems in Ct.
We/they design and manufacture steering intermediate and tilt column shafts including Dodge/Ram since 1994 MY. Many others also both domestic and overseas.
No I did NOT design this one, but had many dealings with it in my 30 years there.

Not meaning to lead this thread in another direction just though I'd chime in.

Now back to vehicle maker bashing.

Buddy · Nov 10, 2019

Everything they make today is disposable. Phones, tv's, appliances, etc. Vehicles are the same. they want people to keep buying, spend that $$$.

Bobby Moore · Nov 11, 2019

Vanlecktor said:
I really am amazed at how many problems guys have with these expensive new trucks ! It's not just Ram trucks either. I've driven an old 1990 Silverado for 30 years and 274,000 miles and I have never had problems like I see posted on here. I know quite a few guys who have had to replace cam and lifters in their Hemi. Not high mileage trucks either, some still under warranty. Basically, I feel vehicles today are too complicated and problematic for what they cost. The dealers in many cases have trouble diagnosing them. Even simple tasks light changing your headlight bulbs is a big undertaking. Keys that get locked in the ignition switch because the battery dies ? Steering lock up or return problems ? Body control modules that shut the entire vehicle down ? What is with this **** and why is stuff designed this way ? I would think you guys with those 60 grand Big Horns would be really pissed off if this stuff was happening to your truck?

I maybe just got lucky. I bought a strip down Ram with a 3.6L. So far it's been great. It's a 2wd and I have been getting 27mpg on the road running at 65mph. I tow my 4,000lb camper at 60mph and have been getting 20 plus mpg. I have a buddy who is a tech at the Ram dealer and he said the 3.6L has been very reliable, much more so than the Hemi. He told me the 3/4 ton new Rams have been a nightmare.
I actually had trouble locating a strip down truck that was 2wd. I've lived in the upper mid-west for 30 years traveling in all kinds of bad weather with a 2wd and I've never put one in the ditch or had any problem. I run good tires and keep weight in the bed. I drive by 4wd trucks in the ditch all the time!
So, if this Ram is anywhere near as good as my old Silverado I will be happy. Time will tell !

I have had my 2019 RAM 1500 for a year and half with zero problems.

tomb · Nov 11, 2019

Vanlecktor said:
I really am amazed at how many problems guys have with these expensive new trucks ! It's not just Ram trucks either. I've driven an old 1990 Silverado for 30 years and 274,000 miles and I have never had problems like I see posted on here. I know quite a few guys who have had to replace cam and lifters in their Hemi. Not high mileage trucks either, some still under warranty. Basically, I feel vehicles today are too complicated and problematic for what they cost. The dealers in many cases have trouble diagnosing them. Even simple tasks light changing your headlight bulbs is a big undertaking. Keys that get locked in the ignition switch because the battery dies ? Steering lock up or return problems ? Body control modules that shut the entire vehicle down ? What is with this **** and why is stuff designed this way ? I would think you guys with those 60 grand Big Horns would be really pissed off if this stuff was happening to your truck?

I maybe just got lucky. I bought a strip down Ram with a 3.6L. So far it's been great. It's a 2wd and I have been getting 27mpg on the road running at 65mph. I tow my 4,000lb camper at 60mph and have been getting 20 plus mpg. I have a buddy who is a tech at the Ram dealer and he said the 3.6L has been very reliable, much more so than the Hemi. He told me the 3/4 ton new Rams have been a nightmare.
I actually had trouble locating a strip down truck that was 2wd. I've lived in the upper mid-west for 30 years traveling in all kinds of bad weather with a 2wd and I've never put one in the ditch or had any problem. I run good tires and keep weight in the bed. I drive by 4wd trucks in the ditch all the time!
So, if this Ram is anywhere near as good as my old Silverado I will be happy. Time will tell !

I totally agree--you shouldnt spend that kind of money on a HEMI and have to worry about maniflod bolts snapping even on a newer truck. They apparently fix them with different bolts now. Are they using the newer design in the new RAMS-I sure hope so.And if so ,why did it take so long. As for the headlight bulb change-its a ridiculous procedure. Why not a design where you could use a small key to unlock the lens cover and swivel it out -change the bulb and lock it back up. Now thats an option I would even pay for!

Codydog2 · Nov 11, 2019

Also agree....
As for the HEADLIGHTS; 98 Chevy 1500 is pretty much what you described.
Maybe the OEM's feel they need to re-invent the wheel??????
Or maybe the patent hasn't run out.....

Addicted2fishing · Nov 12, 2019

Well, I did just read that Ram earned 3rd least reliable vehicle [emoji2369]. All of the top 10 were foreign manufacturers. 2nd place was Cadillac so that made me giggle a little lol. Just another reason why I dislike GM and it’s sub company crap.

All manufactures have issues and I’m not gonna sit here and lie and say I’ve had a great experience with my Ram. Fit and finish is not the greatest. Not built like they were for sure.

As long as there is no catastrophic break down or very expensive repair I’ll call it a win. Still got a ways to go so we shall see how she holds up.

I will say though, fellow ram owners on here are amongst the nicest, coolest and laid back forum members I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with and I truly enjoy the forum and posts. Jeep forum members are great too.

I doubt you’d get this on a Japanese car forum with a bunch of idiots talking about how to make they car fart louder.

Enjoy the forum and enjoy the Ram.

Tiped on ifone using Tapatalk and auto correct. Can’t you tell?

tomb · Nov 12, 2019

consumer reports magazine has always been hard on RAM reliability and favored the imports- Toyota and Honda -I have never liked the looks of either of them and I dont think they are without issues of their own.

SYKRAMMAN · Nov 12, 2019

Addicted2fishing said:
As long as there is no catastrophic break down or very expensive repair I’ll call it a win. Still got a ways to go so we shall see how she holds up.

I will say though, fellow ram owners on here are amongst the nicest, coolest and laid back forum members I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with and I truly enjoy the forum and posts. Jeep forum members are great too.

I doubt you’d get this on a Japanese car forum with a bunch of idiots talking about how to make they car fart louder.

Enjoy the forum and enjoy the Ram.

Amen to that.

slickracer · Nov 12, 2019

Vanlecktor said:
I really am amazed at how many problems guys have with these expensive new trucks ! It's not just Ram trucks either. I've driven an old 1990 Silverado for 30 years and 274,000 miles and I have never had problems like I see posted on here. I know quite a few guys who have had to replace cam and lifters in their Hemi. Not high mileage trucks either, some still under warranty. Basically, I feel vehicles today are too complicated and problematic for what they cost. The dealers in many cases have trouble diagnosing them. Even simple tasks light changing your headlight bulbs is a big undertaking. Keys that get locked in the ignition switch because the battery dies ? Steering lock up or return problems ? Body control modules that shut the entire vehicle down ? What is with this **** and why is stuff designed this way ? I would think you guys with those 60 grand Big Horns would be really pissed off if this stuff was happening to your truck?

I maybe just got lucky. I bought a strip down Ram with a 3.6L. So far it's been great. It's a 2wd and I have been getting 27mpg on the road running at 65mph. I tow my 4,000lb camper at 60mph and have been getting 20 plus mpg. I have a buddy who is a tech at the Ram dealer and he said the 3.6L has been very reliable, much more so than the Hemi. He told me the 3/4 ton new Rams have been a nightmare.
I actually had trouble locating a strip down truck that was 2wd. I've lived in the upper mid-west for 30 years traveling in all kinds of bad weather with a 2wd and I've never put one in the ditch or had any problem. I run good tires and keep weight in the bed. I drive by 4wd trucks in the ditch all the time!
So, if this Ram is anywhere near as good as my old Silverado I will be happy. Time will tell !

I'd like to see a "60" grand Big Horn.

Buddy · Nov 12, 2019

slickracer said:
I'd like to see a "60" grand Big Horn.

Come to Canada. New '19's can MSRP up there. Build & Price click every option box and MSRP is $64,295... and that's with $7,500 in discounts added.
Go to the site and build some models, you'll get depressed.
A full jam Limited is $83,710 with the $7,500 discounts added. Just sad.

tomb · Nov 13, 2019

slickracer said:
I'd like to see a "60" grand Big Horn.

The original price on my 2012 was $55,850 so not far off -add the HST + other taxes and your way over 60 grand.

indept · Nov 13, 2019

tomb said:
consumer reports magazine has always been hard on RAM reliability and favored the imports- Toyota and Honda -I have never liked the looks of either of them and I dont think they are without issues of their own.

Keep in mind that when the guy that reviews toasters & blenders is slow at work, they let them review cars & trucks so how fast can your Ram brown a piece of bread??

I recall back around '08 Convulsive Reports said that Hyundai / kia had the best powertrain warranty which was 10 yrs / 100k miles when Chrysler had unlimited miles lifetime free warranty so I don't put a lot of weight on their reviews..

So many problems !

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