RAM CARES and DRAG LINK RECALL !

[Octane]

I'll never forget the crappy pos chrysler product in the 1990's that came into a friends shop for repair. They hated to have anything to do with them.But there was those Escorts with the cylinder heads.Dead Escorts everywhere

 

[Rick Ram-jet]

I'll never forget the crappy pos chrysler product in the 1990's that came into a friends shop for repair. They hated to have anything to do with them.But there was those Escorts with the cylinder heads.Dead Escorts everywhere

I`m pretty sure the Escort was a FORD!

 

[18CrewDually]

I'll never forget the crappy pos chrysler product in the 1990's that came into a friends shop for repair. They hated to have anything to do with them.But there was those Escorts with the cylinder heads.Dead Escorts everywhere

Ugh. And remember those 55 Chevys with those fancy V8s that would eat a quart of oil in 300 miles. And all Chevy wanted us to do was dump some Bonami down the intake to help break in the rings.
Those were the days.
Now back to RAM recalls!

 

[Octane]

I`m pretty sure the Escort was a FORD!

Exactly! All makes have their problems bud.

 

[GsRAM]

As my grandpa used to say....

They're all great when they're runnin, and all junk when they're not! Hahaha...

 

[ram-a-roni]

Well fiddle foot. Just traded in my 2015 1500 for a 2018 2500 6.4 an then find this tread. Will be crawling under the truck to see if I have a welded drag link.

 

[GsRAM]

Well fiddle foot. Just traded in my 2015 1500 for a 2018 2500 6.4 an then find this tread. Will be crawling under the truck to see if I have a welded drag link.

I'm afraid you unfortunately probably do, but let us know. That would be a "before I agree to this deal that needs to be replaced" item, if I was buying a 4th gen HD.

 

[BLUKTY2]

Hello all. I have been following this thread and thought that I would share my experience with the drag link recall.

My drag link was welded in April of 2019 while at a local dealership when my truck was in for an oil change. I was not told by my service advisor that if I had the drag link welded FCA would consider the problem "fixed" and offer no further solution. I was not even given the choice to say "yes" or "no" to the welding; I was just told that there was a safety recall on my truck and they would take care of the problem while my truck was in for service. I absolutely do not blame the service advisor or technician for what was done (they are both very good at what they do). They were, after all, following the instructions of FCA. My opinion then (and still is) that this was just a "band-aid" procedure performed as a temporary solution to a potential safety concern and I expected a permanent solution to be announced at some point in the future. I simply felt that how could anybody consider this a real "fix"?

As time went on and hearing nothing from FCA, I began doing some research on the subject and came upon this thread. It quickly became apparent that I am not the only person very dissatisfied with this solution to the problem. Taking the advise of other members here, on Monday, 11/9, I called FCA's Recall Information number (800-853-1403) and had a conversation with a pleasant enough lady that had the misfortune of taking my call. I simply told her that i did not consider the welded drag link to be a viable long term solution to the recall and asked if FCA planed on replacing the drag link at some point in the future. She explained that the welding was considered by FCA to be the "fix" and that I could expect no further action on their part. I voiced my displeasure and when I asked her how was I supposed to have the steering wheel centered in the future if this adjustable part is no longer adjustable, I didn't get an answer; just a repeated response that FCA considers the recall taken care of. I made it clear that I wanted the drag link replaced and got the same cookie cutter response from her.

Quickly realizing that I was just going around in circles, I informed her that I wanted to escalate my concern to a higher level. She made sure that she had all of my contact information and told me that I could expect a call from one of her supervisors but it would probably take a couple of days before I head from anybody. Three days later I have yet to speak with anybody else representing FCA.

To say the least I am very disappointed and appalled with how FCA has handled this recall. Every vehicle that I have owned has had at least one recall, its just something that I expect will happen from time to time. I appreciate the fact that manufactures acknowledge the fact that there is a manufacturing defect or design flaw and FIX IT for no charge to the consumer. Sure, maybe sometimes, possibly most of the time, they are forced to do the recall but at least they do. This is my first RAM (last truck was a Ford) and if this is how FCA handles recalls, it will most certainly be my last.

Meanwhile, I am still waiting for someone from FCA to reach out to me. My patience is waning by the day. Perhaps I will try RAM Cares next. One thing I do know: I am nowhere near giving up on this issue!

Thanks to all of you that have taken the time to post your experience here! Much appreciated.

Pete

 

[RamCares]

Hello all. I have been following this thread and thought that I would share my experience with the drag link recall.

My drag link was welded in April of 2019 while at a local dealership when my truck was in for an oil change. I was not told by my service advisor that if I had the drag link welded FCA would consider the problem "fixed" and offer no further solution. I was not even given the choice to say "yes" or "no" to the welding; I was just told that there was a safety recall on my truck and they would take care of the problem while my truck was in for service. I absolutely do not blame the service advisor or technician for what was done (they are both very good at what they do). They were, after all, following the instructions of FCA. My opinion then (and still is) that this was just a "band-aid" procedure performed as a temporary solution to a potential safety concern and I expected a permanent solution to be announced at some point in the future. I simply felt that how could anybody consider this a real "fix"?

As time went on and hearing nothing from FCA, I began doing some research on the subject and came upon this thread. It quickly became apparent that I am not the only person very dissatisfied with this solution to the problem. Taking the advise of other members here, on Monday, 11/9, I called FCA's Recall Information number (800-853-1403) and had a conversation with a pleasant enough lady that had the misfortune of taking my call. I simply told her that i did not consider the welded drag link to be a viable long term solution to the recall and asked if FCA planed on replacing the drag link at some point in the future. She explained that the welding was considered by FCA to be the "fix" and that I could expect no further action on their part. I voiced my displeasure and when I asked her how was I supposed to have the steering wheel centered in the future if this adjustable part is no longer adjustable, I didn't get an answer; just a repeated response that FCA considers the recall taken care of. I made it clear that I wanted the drag link replaced and got the same cookie cutter response from her.

Quickly realizing that I was just going around in circles, I informed her that I wanted to escalate my concern to a higher level. She made sure that she had all of my contact information and told me that I could expect a call from one of her supervisors but it would probably take a couple of days before I head from anybody. Three days later I have yet to speak with anybody else representing FCA.

To say the least I am very disappointed and appalled with how FCA has handled this recall. Every vehicle that I have owned has had at least one recall, its just something that I expect will happen from time to time. I appreciate the fact that manufactures acknowledge the fact that there is a manufacturing defect or design flaw and FIX IT for no charge to the consumer. Sure, maybe sometimes, possibly most of the time, they are forced to do the recall but at least they do. This is my first RAM (last truck was a Ford) and if this is how FCA handles recalls, it will most certainly be my last.

Meanwhile, I am still waiting for someone from FCA to reach out to me. My patience is waning by the day. Perhaps I will try RAM Cares next. One thing I do know: I am nowhere near giving up on this issue!

Thanks to all of you that have taken the time to post your experience here! Much appreciated.

Pete

Hi Pete, feel free to send us a message with your VIN. We are happy to look into this for you.

Kaitlin
Ram Cares

 

[BLUKTY2]

Hi Pete, feel free to send us a message with your VIN. We are happy to look into this for you.

Kaitlin
Ram Cares

Thanks for reaching out to me Kaitlin. PM sent.

 

[GsRAM]

Hello all. I have been following this thread and thought that I would share my experience with the drag link recall.

My drag link was welded in April of 2019 while at a local dealership when my truck was in for an oil change. I was not told by my service advisor that if I had the drag link welded FCA would consider the problem "fixed" and offer no further solution. I was not even given the choice to say "yes" or "no" to the welding; I was just told that there was a safety recall on my truck and they would take care of the problem while my truck was in for service. I absolutely do not blame the service advisor or technician for what was done (they are both very good at what they do). They were, after all, following the instructions of FCA. My opinion then (and still is) that this was just a "band-aid" procedure performed as a temporary solution to a potential safety concern and I expected a permanent solution to be announced at some point in the future. I simply felt that how could anybody consider this a real "fix"?

As time went on and hearing nothing from FCA, I began doing some research on the subject and came upon this thread. It quickly became apparent that I am not the only person very dissatisfied with this solution to the problem. Taking the advise of other members here, on Monday, 11/9, I called FCA's Recall Information number (800-853-1403) and had a conversation with a pleasant enough lady that had the misfortune of taking my call. I simply told her that i did not consider the welded drag link to be a viable long term solution to the recall and asked if FCA planed on replacing the drag link at some point in the future. She explained that the welding was considered by FCA to be the "fix" and that I could expect no further action on their part. I voiced my displeasure and when I asked her how was I supposed to have the steering wheel centered in the future if this adjustable part is no longer adjustable, I didn't get an answer; just a repeated response that FCA considers the recall taken care of. I made it clear that I wanted the drag link replaced and got the same cookie cutter response from her.

Quickly realizing that I was just going around in circles, I informed her that I wanted to escalate my concern to a higher level. She made sure that she had all of my contact information and told me that I could expect a call from one of her supervisors but it would probably take a couple of days before I head from anybody. Three days later I have yet to speak with anybody else representing FCA.

To say the least I am very disappointed and appalled with how FCA has handled this recall. Every vehicle that I have owned has had at least one recall, its just something that I expect will happen from time to time. I appreciate the fact that manufactures acknowledge the fact that there is a manufacturing defect or design flaw and FIX IT for no charge to the consumer. Sure, maybe sometimes, possibly most of the time, they are forced to do the recall but at least they do. This is my first RAM (last truck was a Ford) and if this is how FCA handles recalls, it will most certainly be my last.

Meanwhile, I am still waiting for someone from FCA to reach out to me. My patience is waning by the day. Perhaps I will try RAM Cares next. One thing I do know: I am nowhere near giving up on this issue!

Thanks to all of you that have taken the time to post your experience here! Much appreciated.

Pete

Hopefully now that Katilin is involved you will ,make some progress on this issue.
It took me nearly a year of going back and forth with my local dealer who couldn't help due to FCAs protocols, several letters sent directly to FCA and then calls to ram customer care after Katilin got involved.

It was quite an ordeal, but in the end FCA did make this right for me. I would suggest to FCA on matters such as this going forward that if they don't want to carte blanche replace all of a deemed defective part upfront, should specific customers raise concerns with an alternative repair method, FCA should be willing to replace the part on a case by case basis without making it a long ordeal for the customer.

I spent many, many hours on this with FCA, hours of my life I can't get back. I feel that if at the moment the concern is raised, FCA should agree to replace the part Immediately.

The fact is that there are thousands of owners out there who don't kmow a drag link from an oil filter. Many of those folks wouldn't care their links were welded so long as the truck runs and does what it's supposed to do. However there are also many owners like me who have extensive automotive backgrounds who know what a proper repair is and won't accept an fix like this. In those cases FCA should make an accomidation for the customer, as they did for me. Thank you FCA.

This is just a suggestion as I do love my truck and FCA products so I want them to do well as a company. Service and support after the sale are huge factors in owner retention.

 

[Wild one]

Wonder what would happen if the you were taking it in for the recall,and the adjuster piece conviently fell out 50 ft from the dealers driveway and disappeared,like say into your pocket,wouldn't they be required to install a new draglink then,just a thought,lol.

 

[Deeuubee]

I just bought my 2018 2500 last month. Checking the VIN# shows it was "completed" Jan 2019. How do I find out whether it was welded or replaced? The chassis was undercoated, so even if I crawl under there, I doubt I would see a weld. The truck wasn't bought from the original dealership. Would any dealer be able to look up what was actually done? It's bugging me now.

 

[18CrewDually]

I just bought my 2018 2500 last month. Checking the VIN# shows it was "completed" Jan 2019. How do I find out whether it was welded or replaced? The chassis was undercoated, so even if I crawl under there, I doubt I would see a weld. The truck wasn't bought from the original dealership. Would any dealer be able to look up what was actually done? It's bugging me now.

It will look something like this. See the bead of weld on the one flat of the locking nuts?

 

[SeppW]

I just bought my 2018 2500 last month. Checking the VIN# shows it was "completed" Jan 2019. How do I find out whether it was welded or replaced? The chassis was undercoated, so even if I crawl under there, I doubt I would see a weld. The truck wasn't bought from the original dealership. Would any dealer be able to look up what was actually done? It's bugging me now.

You would know welded or not. Post 160, this thread, shows the old link. The redesigned link is here: https://www.ramforum.com/media/draglink.28737/

 

[Deeuubee]

18Crewdually & SeppW - Thanks

Yup, mine's welded

 

[GsRAM]

18Crewdually & SeppW - Thanks

Yup, mine's welded

 

[18CrewDually]

18Crewdually & SeppW - Thanks

Yup, mine's welded

Mine was too. No worries of it coming loose now.

 

[BLUEDERANGO]

My LAST post on this subject.. received a check today from FCA for the full amount of my claim,, It seems it just depends on who you speak with a FCA customer relations, and I don't mean RAM CARES.

 

[BLUKTY2]

Hopefully now that Katilin is involved you will ,make some progress on this issue.
It took me nearly a year of going back and forth with my local dealer who couldn't help due to FCAs protocols, several letters sent directly to FCA and then calls to ram customer care after Katilin got involved.

It was quite an ordeal, but in the end FCA did make this right for me. I would suggest to FCA on matters such as this going forward that if they don't want to carte blanche replace all of a deemed defective part upfront, should specific customers raise concerns with an alternative repair method, FCA should be willing to replace the part on a case by case basis without making it a long ordeal for the customer.

I spent many, many hours on this with FCA, hours of my life I can't get back. I feel that if at the moment the concern is raised, FCA should agree to replace the part Immediately.

The fact is that there are thousands of owners out there who don't kmow a drag link from an oil filter. Many of those folks wouldn't care their links were welded so long as the truck runs and does what it's supposed to do. However there are also many owners like me who have extensive automotive backgrounds who know what a proper repair is and won't accept an fix like this. In those cases FCA should make an accomidation for the customer, as they did for me. Thank you FCA.

This is just a suggestion as I do love my truck and FCA products so I want them to do well as a company. Service and support after the sale are huge factors in owner retention.

Sorry for the delayed response but thank you for commenting. You do bring up some good information. For instance, you are right, IMHO, that some, possibly most owners are clueless as to what it means to have the drag link welded. And you are also absolutely correct that spending time trying to get a real resolution to this problem is time that a person will never get back; I am not a young kid anymore! But getting a real solution to this problem should not be harder than pulling teeth! Which is where you are right again; as soon as a customer comes forward saying "what is up with this???" FCA should just do what they should have done for all affected vehicles in the first place: replace the defective part! What is so hard to understand about this?

I am cautiously optimistic that a resolution for me will be coming soon now that Kaitlin is involved; she does have a reputation on this forum for getting things done. It has now been 6 business days since I filed my complaint with FCA and still nothing, but I do think that Kaitlin lit a fire under the appropriate department/person. I understand that in these unprecedented times that everything takes longer to accomplish so I am really trying to be patient- HONEST! I sure hope to put this to a rest soon.

Thanks again for commenting, GsRAM!

Pete