Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering

Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering​

Story by Elijah Nicholson-Messmer ​

​

RAM just made your next truck decision a lot harder​

Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That’s right—twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer.

It’s not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that’s getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado.

Why RAM is going all in on warranty​

So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today’s truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever—12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed their warranty to reflect that reality.

“We think this gives people a real reason to switch,” Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners—especially in the long haul.

Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year.

This comes at a pivotal moment for RAM​

RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page.

Under new leadership, including Kuniskis’ return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline “Nothing Stops RAM”.

This warranty announcement isn’t just a sales gimmick; it’s part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales.

Final thoughts​

Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM’s warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles.

And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren’t worried yet, they probably should be.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/aut...S&cvid=de47591e735e409fb5dd28c758bf450d&ei=14

 

[dochawk]

figures for how often ice engines need what would be warranty repairs for ford, gm, and dodge between 5/60 and 10/100 might give us a better idea about how valuable this extra is . . .

 

[mikeru]

This new warranty seems great on the surface, and if you keep your trucks for that long it is a good thing for buyers. But most people keep them for about 3 years anyway, and this new power train warranty is not transferable. So used truck buyers are not covered by it.

 

[Skyjockey]

Only worth about $2k, for 3K you can extend full bumper to bumper for 100k miles and it's transferable

 

[Dean2]

You have to fight like hell to get anything covered on the current warranty and then you have to wait for back ordered parts. Fighting like hell for twice as long does not seem like a benefit to me.

 

[Dusty]

Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering​

Story by Elijah Nicholson-Messmer ​

​

RAM just made your next truck decision a lot harder​

Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That’s right—twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer.

It’s not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that’s getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado.

Why RAM is going all in on warranty​

So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today’s truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever—12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed their warranty to reflect that reality.

“We think this gives people a real reason to switch,” Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners—especially in the long haul.

Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year.

This comes at a pivotal moment for RAM​

RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page.

Under new leadership, including Kuniskis’ return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline “Nothing Stops RAM”.

This warranty announcement isn’t just a sales gimmick; it’s part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales.

Final thoughts​

Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM’s warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles.

And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren’t worried yet, they probably should be.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/aut...S&cvid=de47591e735e409fb5dd28c758bf450d&ei=14View attachment 568409

With current sales, GM, and especially Ford, won't be worried until they start to lose appreciable sales to Ram.

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 132684 miles.

 

[Docwagon1776]

You have to fight like hell to get anything covered on the current warranty and then you have to wait for back ordered parts. Fighting like hell for twice as long does not seem like a benefit to me.

I was at the dealership fighting about this today. They took 3 other calls from people waiting on parts just while I was standing there.

Ram's warranty is more work than it's worth unless you've got the ability to wait months to get your vehicle fixed. Mismanagement and cost cutting has ruined this company.

 

[melvingeraldmesse]

i dont need more years i need more miles

 

[mikeru]

i dont need more years i need more miles

It sounds like you're complaining that they didn't increase the miles. But they increased both the time and mileage aspects of the power train warranty. From 5 year/60k to 10 year/100k miles.

 

[capsfloyd]

In 2009 when the new model came out , lifetime power train warranty.
You could buy the Maxcare back then
Lifetime warranty

 

[Dusty]

Folks complaining about waiting for parts apparently aren't hearing or listening to similar comments from GM, Ford, and Toyota owners. Heck, I'm still waiting two weeks to get a bearing for my tractor mower.

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 132731 miles.

 

[Dusty]

Folks complaining about waiting for parts apparently aren't hearing or listening to similar comments from GM, Ford, and Toyota owners. Heck, I'm still waiting two weeks to get a bearing for my tractor mower.

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 132731 miles.

Make that three!

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 132818 miles.

 

[LOWRMPG]

Why is everyone excited about this? It is a promotional warranty that requires you take delivery in September of this year for it to happen. Unless everyone is racing to buy Rams over the next 2.5 months, this means nothing. That will hardly impact Ford or any other manf.

 

[mikeru]

Why is everyone excited about this? It is a promotional warranty that requires you take delivery in September of this year for it to happen. Unless everyone is racing to buy Rams over the next 2.5 months, this means nothing. That will hardly impact Ford or any other manf.

Exactly. If they really want to do something they'd just make this the new power train warranty moving forward, with no deadline for when you had to buy.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Folks complaining about waiting for parts apparently aren't hearing or listening to similar comments from GM, Ford, and Toyota owners. Heck, I'm still waiting two weeks to get a bearing for my tractor mower.

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 132731 miles.

Sounds like a good reason to never buy new again. If they can't support their vehicles, I can't support them.

 

[LOWRMPG]

Exactly. If they really want to do something they'd just make this the new power train warranty moving forward, with no deadline for when you had to buy.

They should keep the warranty, in fact, offer to grandfather it in on 2019 models +. Then, drop a few of the 10 versions of the 1500. Build one for under 35k out the door. Then, maybe, you'd get market share. This warranty and even bringing back the 'HEMI', are gimmicks. They will do nothing long term.

 

[Yardbird]

I've tried building a basic truck similar to my Express, without all the electronic stuff and other things I don't want or need.

Every time I click onto an option I want, like wheels or a different gear ratio, it makes 1 to 3 other changes that add sometimes thousands to the price.

I still end up with a basic truck, but I would be paying a premium price for it, way above what the build and price started out as.

No one buys the starting price truck, as it's basically useless to 99% of the buyers, and Stellantis knows this.

 

[Dusty]

I've tried building a basic truck similar to my Express, without all the electronic stuff and other things I don't want or need.

Every time I click onto an option I want, like wheels or a different gear ratio, it makes 1 to 3 other changes that add sometimes thousands to the price.

I still end up with a basic truck, but I would be paying a premium price for it, way above what the build and price started out as.

No one buys the starting price truck, as it's basically useless to 99% of the buyers, and Stellantis knows this.

Very true because dealers also make a margin on options. But this is also done by Ford and GM dealers. About a year ago a friend wanted a striped down, no option F-150 and was told he'd have to order it.

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 132850 miles.

 

[Dean2]

Very true because dealers also make a margin on options. But this is also done by Ford and GM dealers. About a year ago a friend wanted a striped down, no option F-150 and was told he'd have to order it.

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 132850 miles.

It isn't just that dealers make money on options, if you order a very base pickup with no specific customer for it, it will sit on your lot forever. The number of people that want a brand new vehicle with no air, no power windows or locks etc, is tiny. If bare bones sold good, every dealer would have some on the lot.