Final Straw to Discontinue Purchasing from Dodge/Ram

[Docwagon1776]

It seems to me that the OP actually knows the solution to his problem…and doesn’ t realize it.

He’s had a long history of success-stories wi th Dodge/Ram/Chrysler/etc……. but his most recent purchase has difficulty with an upholstery issue…. NOT a mechanical/electrical/suspension/or reliability problem…. but a relatively minor (if unattractive) interior/upholstery problem.

Simple solution: If Ram won’t fix it….fight that issue with Ram….but never buy another Leather interior in that next Dodge/RAM/Chrysler line-up which otherwise has been So Reliable.

Problem solved.

It would be nice if they unbundled it. Want the good headlights? Enjoy a leather interior...

The companies that have fixed it have largely went to a synthetic on the dash, I think, even if the seats are real leather.

 

[Grams]

My ‘24 Ram 2500 Limited has a lot of leather interior…and when I read about the disappointments others have posted about earlier year-models having dash-blisters…. gives me concern.
I hope they’ve solved it by 2024. I guess we’ll see.

 

[Magfan2]

A big deal, of course, price of a truck, but how many products are as good as they were? My Grandfather had a Fridge from just after WWII that we inherited and it was still working in the late '60's. I have already replaced one in 16 years, a new one coming soon. My '79 Scottsdale, with plenty or work, was running pretty strong when I sold it last Fall. So sorry for your issues, the world has changed!

 

[Bob1313]

Buy a cybertruck where whole parts fall off while driving because of the wrong adhesive.

 

[Dusty]

Americans are victim of their own desires. The gadgets and flash sells because for a lot of truck owners it feeds their egos. More gadgets, more complexity. My '71 C15 had a a bare metal "headliner", an all metal dash and interior door panels, and no drip rails. My 2019 Laramie has fancier interior than most cars.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 145554 miles.

 

[tjfdesmo]

I been fantasizing about a Ridgeline and a 20,000 lb fifth wheel for years!

Would you consider...

Volkswagen Beetle With A Trailer Hitch On Top Of It

This old Volkswagen beetle from the 70s was able to haul around trailers using the trailer hitch on top of the car.Why did this not become a thing? This is g...

youtu.be

 

[tjfdesmo]

Wat about that Big Nissan HD they put the Cummins in??? lol.

The infamous "Nummins". Actually, the truck itself was better than that morphodite POS Cummins 5.0 V-8.

 

[Sherman Bird]

Hi All:

I'm a new member and despite owning 3 Vipers, 4 Rams, 300 C, Aspen, and some other Chrysler/Stellantis vehicles, I believe I've reached my breaking point at which I can no longer justify purchasing any additional Chrysler/Fiat/Stellantis/Ram (etc.) manufactured vehicle(s). In short, 1 of my vehicles is a 2019 1500 Ram Crew Cab Limited 4x4 (5.7L All Gas Hemi, w/ 8 yr premium warranty) that I purchased brand new in late 2018 (which now has 43K miles). I keep the truck and others in my AC/Heat-controlled garage. Over a period of time following its purchase, I recognize inconsistent areas of the leather dash pad beginning to lift up from the dash/instrument panel. At every scheduled regular/recall service visit, I mentioned such to the servicer. Fast forward to 2025, though throughout all such time, the fumes from the ongoing "bubbling leather" not only appeared progressively more unsightly, but it also progressively and subtly impacted my health. At 1 such point during a hot Texas summer day while only leaving from my house 1-2 minutes prior, the fumes actually incapacited me to where I fortunately ended up driving over a neighbor's bushes and somehow minutes later awakening after having come to a complete stop in the middle of their 1 acre front lawn after annihilating all of their bushes (which I immediately informed them of and paid them for any and all damages. Fortunately, I didn't run into anyone or other form of theirs or others property upon immediately returning home.

So come mid-May 2025, I unrelentingly confronted the issue with the dealer. The dealer shirked me off and simply to contact Ram. Those efforts did not produce anything of substance. Subsequently, the dealer's service department told me to contact RamCares, which I did. Apparently, Ram has long since known that the dashboard has serious issues where in the glued leather detaches from the underlying dash panel. Upon being informed of such by RamCares, they provided me with a case number, informed me that the 100% of the dash repair would be covered by Ram/Mopar/Stellantis and that they indicated all such information in the notes/case. The only bit of information that I didn't have at the time were pictures of the dash (which RamCares wanted), to which the agent informed me that I simply needed to go to the dealer and have them take pictures to confirm the dash needed replacing due to such extensive bubbling all over the front and top of leather dash/panel (which they did confirm was necessary). The dealer's service member immediately attached those pictures to my case, and upon directly asking, dealer's service member confirmed again that it would be 100% covered. In addition, the dealer's service member informed me that I would need to schedule an all-day dash repair appointment after they had learned of when the parts would be arriving. After a day/two of waiting, they called me to tell me they would NOT repair it at all. I informed them that it was already approved, which is listed in the notes and that the service member affirmatively confirmed such.

I once again contacted RamCar, whereby the agent informed me that Ram/Mopar/Stellantis decided it wouldn't cover any part of it. After a few more attempts to contact RamCare, I later became so annoyed by the both the dealer's and Ram/Mopar/Stellantis' crap, that I just would neither be purchasing any other vehicles manufactured by them nor recommending such to all the enthusiasts within all the accompanyign driving clubs in which I partake the activities. In sum, RamCare clearly does NOT care about their (dwindling in numbers) clientele.

To RamCare: Nobody should have their health, expensive vehicle, and potential life placed into jeapardy over a known and acknowledged (both by Ram/Mopar/Stellantis (etc.)) for 7+ years and counting b/c of a manufacturing defect that they won't take responsibility to at least cover the costs of the related repairs.

When I think of the unmitigated hubris/arrogance of Lee Iacocca and his legal department at Fawd Motor Company about exploding Pintos (not beans!), none of the horror stories I read or hear about surprise me.
After all, when the exploding Pintos were happening, those "big shots" actually had insurance actuaries determine the value of a burned to death person as opposed to a mere burn victim/ And nobody went to Prison !

Putting THAT into perspective really reduces confidence in ANY compunction on the part of "Big Bully Corporations"!

 

[huntergreen]

When I think of the unmitigated hubris/arrogance of Lee Iacocca and his legal department at Fawd Motor Company about exploding Pintos (not beans!), none of the horror stories I read or hear about surprise me.
After all, when the exploding Pintos were happening, those "big shots" actually had insurance actuaries determine the value of a burned to death person as opposed to a mere burn victim/ And nobody went to Prison !

Putting THAT into perspective really reduces confidence in ANY compunction on the part of "Big Bully Corporations"!

Yes, it was determined that pay outs to victims was cheaper than fixing the car.

 

[HEMIMANN]

Yes, it was determined that pay outs to victims was cheaper than fixing the car.

I remember this clearly.

 

[HEMIMANN]

Americans are victim of their own desires. The gadgets and flash sells because for a lot of truck owners it feeds their egos. More gadgets, more complexity. My '71 C15 had a a bare metal "headliner", an all metal dash and interior door panels, and no drip rails. My 2019 Laramie has fancier interior than most cars.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 145554 miles.

I gotta say, though - I can't go back to vinyl seats that stick to you in the humid heat of summer with crank down windows (can't reach the passenger side window) and no air conditioning. Not as a young man, and certainly not now as an old man!

I can live with crank down windows, but not vinyl seats and no A/C. Certainly don't need all the technoglitz just because they can make it.

 

[David James]

Hi All:

I'm a new member and despite owning 3 Vipers, 4 Rams, 300 C, Aspen, and some other Chrysler/Stellantis vehicles, I believe I've reached my breaking point at which I can no longer justify purchasing any additional Chrysler/Fiat/Stellantis/Ram (etc.) manufactured vehicle(s). In short, 1 of my vehicles is a 2019 1500 Ram Crew Cab Limited 4x4 (5.7L All Gas Hemi, w/ 8 yr premium warranty) that I purchased brand new in late 2018 (which now has 43K miles). I keep the truck and others in my AC/Heat-controlled garage. Over a period of time following its purchase, I recognize inconsistent areas of the leather dash pad beginning to lift up from the dash/instrument panel. At every scheduled regular/recall service visit, I mentioned such to the servicer. Fast forward to 2025, though throughout all such time, the fumes from the ongoing "bubbling leather" not only appeared progressively more unsightly, but it also progressively and subtly impacted my health. At 1 such point during a hot Texas summer day while only leaving from my house 1-2 minutes prior, the fumes actually incapacited me to where I fortunately ended up driving over a neighbor's bushes and somehow minutes later awakening after having come to a complete stop in the middle of their 1 acre front lawn after annihilating all of their bushes (which I immediately informed them of and paid them for any and all damages. Fortunately, I didn't run into anyone or other form of theirs or others property upon immediately returning home.

So come mid-May 2025, I unrelentingly confronted the issue with the dealer. The dealer shirked me off and simply to contact Ram. Those efforts did not produce anything of substance. Subsequently, the dealer's service department told me to contact RamCares, which I did. Apparently, Ram has long since known that the dashboard has serious issues where in the glued leather detaches from the underlying dash panel. Upon being informed of such by RamCares, they provided me with a case number, informed me that the 100% of the dash repair would be covered by Ram/Mopar/Stellantis and that they indicated all such information in the notes/case. The only bit of information that I didn't have at the time were pictures of the dash (which RamCares wanted), to which the agent informed me that I simply needed to go to the dealer and have them take pictures to confirm the dash needed replacing due to such extensive bubbling all over the front and top of leather dash/panel (which they did confirm was necessary). The dealer's service member immediately attached those pictures to my case, and upon directly asking, dealer's service member confirmed again that it would be 100% covered. In addition, the dealer's service member informed me that I would need to schedule an all-day dash repair appointment after they had learned of when the parts would be arriving. After a day/two of waiting, they called me to tell me they would NOT repair it at all. I informed them that it was already approved, which is listed in the notes and that the service member affirmatively confirmed such.

I once again contacted RamCar, whereby the agent informed me that Ram/Mopar/Stellantis decided it wouldn't cover any part of it. After a few more attempts to contact RamCare, I later became so annoyed by the both the dealer's and Ram/Mopar/Stellantis' crap, that I just would neither be purchasing any other vehicles manufactured by them nor recommending such to all the enthusiasts within all the accompanyign driving clubs in which I partake the activities. In sum, RamCare clearly does NOT care about their (dwindling in numbers) clientele.

To RamCare: Nobody should have their health, expensive vehicle, and potential life placed into jeapardy over a known and acknowledged (both by Ram/Mopar/Stellantis (etc.)) for 7+ years and counting b/c of a manufacturing defect that they won't take responsibility to at least cover the costs of the related repairs.

There seems to be lots of ranting yet something remains puzzling about your account. I’d suggest you take it to small claims court and enter a suit there. Bring all of your evidence.

 

[HEMIMANN]

The infamous "Nummins". Actually, the truck itself was better than that morphodite POS Cummins 5.0 V-8.

I was at Cummins (Power Generation) during this debacle. This engine was targeted for Chrysler Ram 1500 when Chrysler went bankrupt (again) in 2008. FCA's CEO Sergio bought Chrysler without the Cummins contract. The engine was almost 'ready' for production and Cummins built an entirely new engine plant just for it.

Cummins went fishing for another truck builder. I remember the scuttlebutt about trying to get Ford, but Ford had already committed to firing Navistar and making their own engine.

Casting about, Cummins ended up with the dredge of the truck world, Nissan. I was appalled, thought it would never sell. Why Cummins didn't make a quality engine is beyond me - we heard nothing about it, of course, as corporate clammed up any hint of issues.

 

[Sherman Bird]

I gotta say, though - I can't go back to vinyl seats that stick to you in the humid heat of summer with crank down windows (can't reach the passenger side window) and no air conditioning. Not as a young man, and certainly not now as an old man!

I can live with crank down windows, but not vinyl seats and no A/C. Certainly don't need all the technoglitz just because they can make it.

Sadly, a lot of "technoglitz" includes adaptive cruise control for the stubborn folks who just HAVE to have their cake and eat it, too. ADAS, traction control, and so forth are there because, sadly, we the people, are regarded as a source of revenue (tax). So, they protect us from ourselves with more and more "it's good for you" requirements...
I mean, it is FAR cheaper to keep us working than to take care of a brain-damaged drooling diaper wearing invalid in a state home!
All that aside, I'm NEVER going to fathom that Lee Iacocca never served prison time....

 

[HEMIMANN]

Would you consider...

Volkswagen Beetle With A Trailer Hitch On Top Of It

This old Volkswagen beetle from the 70s was able to haul around trailers using the trailer hitch on top of the car.Why did this not become a thing? This is g...

youtu.be

The original automotive 5th wheel!!!

 

[Sherman Bird]

There seems to be lots of ranting yet something remains puzzling about your account. I’d suggest you take it to small claims court and enter a suit there. Bring all of your evidence.

Uh, David and Goliath?

 

[HEMIMANN]

Sadly, a lot of "technoglitz" includes adaptive cruise control for the stubborn folks who just HAVE to have their cake and eat it, too. ADAS, traction control, and so forth are there because, sadly, we the people, are regarded as a source of revenue (tax). So, they protect us from ourselves with more and more "it's good for you" requirements...
I mean, it is FAR cheaper to keep us working than to take care of a brain-damaged drooling diaper wearing invalid in a state home!
All that aside, I'm NEVER going to fathom that Lee Iacocca never served prison time....

I feel a personal responsibility rant coming on, Sherm!

 

[David James]

Uh, David and Goliath?

Nope, small claims. It typically is a minimal charge to file. Once the defendant gets subpoenaed to show they may decide to settle before committing a staff attorney.

 

[Sherman Bird]

I feel a personal responsibility rant coming on, Sherm!

The Pinto thing is 50+ years old. What HASN'T changed is unabashed avarice, with zero impunity.
Customer good will (remember THAT?) has exited, stage right! Some economics shave-tail in a cubicle somewhere in big corporate has his/her thick glasses on, complimented by a severe case of myopia, totally focused on the ledger sheet. I deal with it daily.

 

[Sherman Bird]

Nope, small claims. It typically is a minimal charge to file. Once the defendant gets subpoenaed to show they may decide to settle before committing a staff attorney.

Well, you might be correct. However, per my old pal inside at GM (45 years ago) told me how expensive it was/is to gear up for such lawsuits. Back then, when they really wanted was for the customer to keep buying their product.