Exhaust bolts broke at 59, 800 - Warranty dispute 2022 1500 5.7

[Chris Kenlan]

I had 2 bolts broken in rear muffler bracket which the dealer blamed on rust, even though the mechanic left the cause for the failure blank. If you look at the pics, there is no significant rust under the truck. I work very hard to keep it that way. I would like to have this repair covered by either my standard warranty or the Federal Emission 80,000-mile warranty, and I have been trying to escalate this matter but customer service at Stellantis has been nonexistent, I have been trying to get a response from them through various channels, even registered mail but have received only silence. I bought my first Ram 1500 from my dealer in 1995, and this current truck is the 5th Ram I have purchased since then. My wife has driven only Jeeps and is on her 4th. It's a shame I am being treated this way after my history of customer loyalty.

 

[Wild one]

I had 2 bolts broken in rear muffler bracket which the dealer blamed on rust, even though the mechanic left the cause for the failure blank. If you look at the pics, there is no significant rust under the truck. I work very hard to keep it that way. I would like to have this repair covered by either my standard warranty or the Federal Emission 80,000-mile warranty, and I have been trying to escalate this matter but customer service at Stellantis has been nonexistent, I have been trying to get a response from them through various channels, even registered mail but have received only silence. I bought my first Ram 1500 from my dealer in 1995, and this current truck is the 5th Ram I have purchased since then. My wife has driven only Jeeps and is on her 4th. It's a shame I am being treated this way after my history of customer loyalty.

For the amount of mental stress you're causing yourself,i think it'd be easier to just fix it yourself.Borrow or rent a cutting torch if you don't have one,heat it up till it's cherry red and you should be able to remove the broken bolts

 

[PVilefort]

I would add to that, replace the bolts with 304 stainless steel bolts and nuts. If the bolts broke during disassembly the bolts would have been replaced. Is the cost of the bolts your concern? Did they charge you $50 for each bolt? You didn't tell us what the problem was. I wonder if you didn't tell the whole story because you would not get a response you wanted to hear here either?

 

[PVilefort]

In picture #3 the nuts on the bolts look rusty enough that they would likely break if someone tried to remove them, regardless of the cleanliness of the underside of the truck.

 

[TC]

Understand you want RAM to honor warranty, but like @Wild one said, it may be easier to do the work yourself. I just ordered BD manifolds for my '24 due to a leaking exhaust at 54k miles. Havent even looked at the manifolds as I already know they are cracked or have broken bolts. I can replace both manifolds in less time than taking to dealership to have a warranty claim, while enjoying some adult beverages. It will cost me $600 but I don't have to worry about replacement manifolds cracking or breaking bolts in the future. If you don't have the tools or experience to do the job, pay an independent shop to install BD or AFE shorties, if you plan to keep the truck for a while. If not, reach out to RAMcares and let them help you out with the warranty claim.