2014 1500 Transmission Leak

[SJGUSMC21]

2 days ago I cleaned my truck. I keep it very clean and the maintenance on it up and to date. Backed out of my drive way and damn if there was a 2 foot long oil stain on it. Fresh. Crawled up under, and could see oil dripping from the side of the tranny pan. My truck has the V6, 8 speed transmission. I bought used from Alamo Toyota, with only 25K on it 2 years ago. It now has 56K on it and a warranty from them. So I drove it to Alamo Toyota (which has the best service department I have ever seen) and they immediately took it in to look at it. They said that they would have to run dye thru it, gave me a free rental (Tacoma v6...what a dog) and sent me on my way. 4 hours later they call me and tell me that the tranny is leaking from the 'plastic pan' and at the bell housing as well. It is covered under warranty, but only by Dodge. I have a history here with Dodge and to be honest, they are THE WORST service departments I have EVER dealt with. The service manager called the Dodge Service Dept., and they had my truck towed to their dealership. This was 7:00 pm Friday night. So I called the service department Saturday morning around 10:00 and just as I thought, freak'n useless. Wouldn't confirm that my truck was there, because the person that was spoken to wouldn't be in until Monday. Told me that even if it was covered under power-train warranty, they don't do loaners. And since it was a gasoline engine, it would be 4-5 days until they could look at it.

About 10 months ago, I had another oil leak. Like I said, I keep my engine and drive way spotless, just for this reason. That and I like a clean engine. Again, after cleaning my truck, I noticed oil on the drive way. Sure enough, oil leak from the transmission, but turned out it was actually the OSU that was bad, leaking oil at the back of the engine on top of the transmission. Thinking it was transmission related, made a appointment with Dodge (same freak'n dealership) to get it looked at. I won't go into my tirade, but when I arrived I was laughed at, told I didn't have an appointment (which they miraculously found), didn't know who I was (again, they figured it out) so on and so forth. Was told to 'calm down' after being laughed at by a 'kid'. LSS, they cleaned my engine, said it was the OSU and wanted $650 to change it. I told them to go somewhere, give me my truck (had to pay them $100 for engine cleaning and environmental oil cleanup) and took it to Alamo Toyota immediately. They gave me a free loaner, and had it done in 1 day. I have a $100 deductible, but they said I had been thru enough they didn't charge me anything.

I have owned 4 Dodge's in my life (I am 55 now) and NEVER had a problem with any of them, until now. Is this normal? Anyone else experiencing these issues, attitudes from the dealership, etc? I was really hosed over by Chevrolet quite a few years ago and have never purchased another 'bowtie' product again...and never will. Looking more and more like Dodge is going to make that list. It's a shame. Love my truck and the Lone Star version has everything I ever wanted on it.

Rant over. Have a great Sunday.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I have the same year/engine/transmission. While I haven't experienced your issue I can say not all dealers in a brand are equal. I take mine in for service at the dealership nearest me (not the one I purchased from which is another 30 minutes down the road). They treat me great at their location.

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[SJGUSMC21]

SitKneelBend, I am glad for you, as this is how it should be. Unfortunately for me, ALL of the Dodge Dealers in San Antonio are known for this. Did not know this when I purchased my vehicle. I have a friend that lives in Austin...he loves his dealership. Again, like you, he goes to a different one then the one he bought his from. Austin is just too far from where I live. Especially considering it had to be towed there. I will find out more tomorrow after I talk to this 'David' person.

 

[Hootbro]

Did someone actually laughed a good hearty laugh at you or was it just you not being in a good mood and any smarmy body language or gesture setup you off? Sounds like your use of "Kid" has you defensive of anybody younger that you dealing with you.

Sucks to hear of your truck issues but there is like two-three extra layers of difficulty here since you bought used from a non RAM (no longer called Dodge for trucks) dealership with a back and forth between who is going to cover what?

Casual glance shows like 11 or so RAM dealers in Bexar County. Hard to believe there is not one that can be trusted to give the service you require.

Hope you find resolution.

 

[SJGUSMC21]

Hootbro, thanks for your reply and advice. So, I will spare you the details of everything that happened....but first, 'Sir, we have no record of you.....Sir, you don't have an appointment today...its tomorrow....Sir, who did you speak with.... And as I pointed her out in the back, she tactfully walked away. Oh, sorry sir, you do have an appointment today, but we can't get to it. And yes, we have found your appointment and name....AFTER numerous times of telling me there was no record of me or my truck. I used the term 'sir' as a shortcut for typing. Believe me. It wasn't used once. Secondly, I'm a real nice guy. Can't stand loosing my temper...does me no good...but when a young or OLD person laughs at me because I interrupted his 'texting on his phone' instead of taking care of a customer and then asks me a second time if i am there for a oil change after I have already stated to him my name, and my reason for being there and laughs out loud at me, yeah, I get pissed off. Yes, there are numerous Dodge dealerships in this town....google them just like I did and look at the 'overall' customer reviews....just amazing.

I have no preference to either, male/female, old/young, etc. MOF, my manager is 31 years old. Could care less. What I DO HAVE is a preference to be treated like a customer and not some piece of meat that is just causing them problems.

And I have dealt with two good Dodge Dealerships.....Kaneohe Bay, Hi and Manasas Dodge VA.

 

[VB712]

That’s why I stay FAR away from dealerships. They will never touch my truck unless it’s an issue that ONLY a dealer can fix. Exactly why I have outstanding recalls on my truck.

 

[Ramnewbie]

Just had a small ram dealer open in my area. I was really concerned about taking my truck to where I bought it for the recalls because I've been dissatisfied with them before. Thought I'd give the new kid on the block a try. Wow, what a difference. When would you like to bring it in, it will only take about an hour? They were right, one hour I was on my way, recalls done, no muss, no fuss.

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[TARDIS]

Good service at a dealership is hard to find. I just bought a 2015 RAM in March from a Hyundai dealership. Two weeks ago I schedule at the RAM dealer I was recommended by friends for the cruise control recall. They did the recall just fine as far as I can tell, but before I left they quoted me over $1K in fluid changes and an alignment my truck supposedly is due for. I've read the manual and am no amateur around vehicle maintenance. They just wanted my money. Way to scare away a new customer Mr. RAM dealer.

 

[SJGUSMC21]

Thus far, things have not gone well. Found out that Alamo Toyota didn't tow my truck to North Star Dodge until Monday at 3:00 pm (was suppose to tow it Friday night at 7:00 pm). Today, after work, I will stop by there and find out wtf this wasn't done. Secondly, I called 'David' yesterday morning at 0800, he was busy so I left a message. Called him back yesterday at 4:30 (didn't receive a call back...no surprise)...on my way home, and he didn't even know my truck was there...."wait a minute....yes its here...but was assigned to another advisor....seems to be a recall....will call you tomorrow and let you know what is going on". Yeah, I have total faith and confidence in this place. Right. Same song, different day. Not really even upset over it, as I expected as much.

 

[SJGUSMC21]

Another day goes by and not a word from the Service Department. No surprise.

 

[RamCares]

Another day goes by and not a word from the Service Department. No surprise.

We're sorry to hear you're having such a hard time with this. Do you need me to escalate your inquiry to a Case Specialist that'll help get things moving? Send me a direct message with your VIN if so.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[SJGUSMC21]

I was actually able to talk to my 'service advisor' David. They are pulling my truck 'just now' to look at the transmission leak. They have had it since Monday. I will send you my VIN when i get home today. Enough of this crap. There is a strong possibility that once I receive it back, it will find a new home. Have had enough. Thank you for your assistance.

 

[Hootbro]

I was actually able to talk to my 'service advisor' David. They are pulling my truck 'just now' to look at the transmission leak. They have had it since Monday. I will send you my VIN when i get home today. Enough of this crap. There is a strong possibility that once I receive it back, it will find a new home. Have had enough. Thank you for your assistance.

Your right, but FCA or the dealer will not care what you do with it or if you never be a FCA customer again. Your recent logistics issue is partly to blame on your used car dealer not getting it over earlier. Also, did the RAM dealer set or promise you a set appointment time they failed to miss or just getting to it today was their first window? Paid customer work comes first with that dealers customer warranty work coming in second priority and bought elsewhere warranty work dead last. Not being an apologist for the dealer but it is pretty common knowledge with FCA product owners that getting warranty worked looked at is not always an immediate affair.

 

[SJGUSMC21]

You are correct hootbro. Toyota screwed the pooch by not towing my truck that Friday night like they said they were. MOF it was not towed until 15:00 on Monday. I am swinging by there today and having a chat with them about this. However, and I could care less if DODGE values paid customer work over warranty work. Not my concern. What IS my concern, AGAIN, is not returning my phone calls, messages, etc or keeping me up to date with the status of my vehicle. You want to know why Dodge 'RAM' has such a crappy reputation in this town? Exactly because of this. Its all in the attitude and how they treat their customers. Hell, I know crap breaks. Its mechanical, no problem. But its the lack of concern or respect for the customers that sucks @ss. And again, GOOGLE the user reviews of the Dodge Dealerships in this town (San Antonio) and the results are eye openers. Thank GOD I purchased the extended warranty. Again, I have yet to find that sign above my head that says stupid..... And you know what excuses are like.... If no one does anything or says anything...its business as usual and nothing will ever change.

Ramcares: Thank you very much for offering to look into this. I am giving them until 10:00 today to call me and let me know what is going on with my truck. Lets see what happens before I get you involved. Thank you again.

 

[SJGUSMC21]

Called the dealership today again about 1:00 pm. Actually got hold of David...."Mr. ######, let me find what is going on....here it is....We are putting it on the rack right now and see what the problem is'. Me: "Wait, didn't you say you were doing that yesterday at the exact same time to me?" ****silence**** "Yes Mr. ######, but we had a problem with another vehicle yesterday....we are getting to your vehicle right now." Right.......

 

[SJGUSMC21]

Called David my Service Provider on the way home from work today. After being on hold for 20 minutes, he answered. Seems I have a cracked transmission pan, and the gasket is bad, transmission oil cooler and gasket are bad as well. Parts MIGHT be in by Wed....and it might be done by next Friday. Covered by warranty/recall. They are going to try to get me a loaner tomorrow...try.

So my truck only has 56K on it. Never pulled anything, never abused it. This is worrisome at best.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Didn't you buy it used?

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[SJGUSMC21]

Yes I did. Used, 2 year old and only 25K. That is how I got the warranty I did. With that said, this isn't about it being a used truck. This IS all about the poor service at Dodge Dealerships. I am disappointed in a vehicle that only has 56K on it and is kept immaculate, to include the service on it as well. And already two major oil leaks and a very serious 'recall' as well. I had a Dodge 1995 Dakota, extended cab, 4x4...kept it for 11 years (maybe longer) and never had a serious issue with it. I do remember that when I did take it in, it was a very pleasant experience. I had a Dodge Colt, kept it for over 11 years, and never had a single problem with it. Had a 2000 Dodge Extended Cab, had it for a little over a year, and had to get rid of it (divorce...not the trucks problem). Great truck and service as well. But the current one....doesn't look promising. I would be willing to overlook the mechanical issues (warranty) but not the poor customer service. That is the meaning and purpose of this thread.

 

[SitKneelBend]

My reason for asking was the possibility 25k miles worth of unaccounted for abuse...

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[SJGUSMC21]

SitKneelBend, that is a possibility. Didn't mean to get defensive. I don't drink Kool-Aid of any brand and I find those that can't see past the 'name' amazing. I love everything about my truck, but the poor customer service is about to be a deal breaker. The truck was absolutely spotless when I bought it...one of the reasons I did. Yes, dealerships can clean them up pretty good...but it has to be well maintained to look like a brand new truck even then. The trailer tow hitch, as far as I can tell, has never been used. That doesn't mean it wasn't abused, but are some signs. I just don't know. I do know that I am having doubts about keeping it now. Again, another week without a loaner. 'We don't do that.' is all I got. Oh, and 'sorry'. Time will tell.