What do I do?!

Eagle2006 · May 9, 2020

I purchased my 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman brand new from the Dodge dealership. Nothing but issues. The biggest one is the rear window. The original had cracks on the moulding ( the plastic kind of rim where the top meets the headliner where the rear passenger airbags are located above where you would sit) so I brought it in because I noticed that when I washed the truck the rear passenger door was leaking. I assumed it was a seal on the door window. The technician ended up finding the leak on the rear sliding window- I didn’t see it. So okay. They take a steam cleaner or something I assume to the headliner and “clean” the stain- it was still visible to me but we replaced the window and I’m so tired of the headache of having my truck in, I decided later I could clean it better myself. So get the truck home with the new window and it pours so I go out just to check and lo and behold, it’s leaking. I’ll attach a photo of the headliner but I saw it and I full on said this is not acceptable and I want this replaced. My truck smells wet, my seat has gotten wet and they don’t seem concerned about the fact that the stain extends out past my airbags and speakers there. They say that if there were a problem the code would come it. Sure trust my passengers airbags to a “code”. First dodge said no replacement for the headliner, but they’ll clean it. Now, I’m waiting on a THIRD rear window, the last took 2 months to come in. They say this second one I had installed by DODGE had a hairline fracture. Nothing touched that window. Not the original, not the second window. So I suggested that maybe there was something wrong with the frame of the truck? Like why are my windows cracking and leaking?!!! I’ve been so understanding with the service ladies at the desk because I’m sure they deal with unhappy people a lot but this is ridiculous. I had the blower motor replaced because it constantly whistled. They replaced it and the noise is back. I bought the extended warranty for the truck but at this point, I want a Ford and I’m contemplating losing the money on this truck I bought brand new. What are my options at this point? Do I want another Dodge? Not really TBH. I hardly have this truck anymore. It’s always in the shop. Now it’s sitting here at my place getting wetter and wetter. Probably for another two
Months until I get another faulty window in. They’re lucky I have a little car but it wouldn’t even start this morning so now I’m forced to use this truck and put more kilometres on it in the meantime. What would you guys do? I’m so tired of this. I was so excited for my first new vehicle and I wish I had never laid eyes on it.

CG2742 · May 9, 2020

Not much you can do unless you contact an attorney and start a lemon claim. That’s what I’d do anyway. Especially since it will take so long to repair, and the weather doesn’t stop. You could take a hit on the truck value if you wanted. But all these trucks, Ford, Chevy they all have their own issues. Just go to their forums and they are filled with complaints. Mine hasn’t leaked once so there are good ones out there. Sorry to hear this. Contact ram cares on here. They help if they can.

MattCham · May 10, 2020

Eagle2006 said:
I purchased my 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman brand new from the Dodge dealership. Nothing but issues. The biggest one is the rear window. The original had cracks on the moulding ( the plastic kind of rim where the top meets the headliner where the rear passenger airbags are located above where you would sit) so I brought it in because I noticed that when I washed the truck the rear passenger door was leaking. I assumed it was a seal on the door window. The technician ended up finding the leak on the rear sliding window- I didn’t see it. So okay. They take a steam cleaner or something I assume to the headliner and “clean” the stain- it was still visible to me but we replaced the window and I’m so tired of the headache of having my truck in, I decided later I could clean it better myself. So get the truck home with the new window and it pours so I go out just to check and lo and behold, it’s leaking. I’ll attach a photo of the headliner but I saw it and I full on said this is not acceptable and I want this replaced. My truck smells wet, my seat has gotten wet and they don’t seem concerned about the fact that the stain extends out past my airbags and speakers there. They say that if there were a problem the code would come it. Sure trust my passengers airbags to a “code”. First dodge said no replacement for the headliner, but they’ll clean it. Now, I’m waiting on a THIRD rear window, the last took 2 months to come in. They say this second one I had installed by DODGE had a hairline fracture. Nothing touched that window. Not the original, not the second window. So I suggested that maybe there was something wrong with the frame of the truck? Like why are my windows cracking and leaking?!!! I’ve been so understanding with the service ladies at the desk because I’m sure they deal with unhappy people a lot but this is ridiculous. I had the blower motor replaced because it constantly whistled. They replaced it and the noise is back. I bought the extended warranty for the truck but at this point, I want a Ford and I’m contemplating losing the money on this truck I bought brand new. What are my options at this point? Do I want another Dodge? Not really TBH. I hardly have this truck anymore. It’s always in the shop. Now it’s sitting here at my place getting wetter and wetter. Probably for another two
Months until I get another faulty window in. They’re lucky I have a little car but it wouldn’t even start this morning so now I’m forced to use this truck and put more kilometres on it in the meantime. What would you guys do? I’m so tired of this. I was so excited for my first new vehicle and I wish I had never laid eyes on it.

View attachment 206524

That doesn't look like it coming from the window. Check the Seal on your 3rd brake light. I just replaced it with weather stripping and hadn't had any issues since.

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Neil E · May 10, 2020

I would be clammoring for a rental until they replace the headliner. Even if it meant them taking it off another truck on the lot. I would also have them check the 3rd brake light, though it seems they would have already checked that already.

goldeneyee · May 10, 2020

I wholeheartedly concur with Mattcham. Third brake light leak appears to be the culprit....

JoeCo · May 10, 2020

MattCham said:
That doesn't look like it coming from the window. Check the Seal on your 3rd brake light. I just replaced it with weather stripping and hadn't had any issues since.

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goldeneyee said:
I wholeheartedly concur with Mattcham. Third brake light leak appears to be the culprit....

Agreed, or maybe even an xm antenna leaking issue? I thought I saw a few people that had issues with them on here. Either way, would be weird for that much water to "leak up" like that.

And if that's the case, maybe look for a better dealer cause this one seems fixated on just replacing the window each time.

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

JoeCo said:
Agreed, or maybe even an xm antenna leaking issue? I thought I saw a few people that had issues with them on here. Either way, would be weird for that much water to "leak up" like

And if that's the case, maybe look for a better dealer cause this one seems fixated on just replacing the window each time.

right?!!! I told them it was odd that the water had travelled the way it did. They claimed it’s because the fabric is soaking up the water and that’s why it’s moved so far along. I don’t know what they do with the vehicle in the shop when it’s back there. My first suggestion was that it was a seal somewhere as I had seen so many of these leaks from seals on the forum. I also asked about the ANC Module when I was having the roaring issue in the cab and they dismissed me and yet lo and behold they finally updated it and yes, it seems that is was the module. I guess I was under the impression that they’re looking for these things which is what anyone should be doing. I did contact RAMCARE and I made a case with them. I guess I was just trying to be too nice but now, I’m starting to realize that yes, they should be providing me with some sort of vehicle in the meantime and why the hell is my truck sitting out in the weather now for something that is THEIR FAULT! I really hope something comes through when ramcare calls tomorrow. Now, I’ve got more things to worry about- will
It rust under there in the future? Are my air bags damaged? I better get a brand new headliner. Do you guys talk directly with the mechanics or technicians? I don’t like to use this truck for Travelling to work as I work for construction and there are so many damages on site that no one is accountable for when it comes to personal vehicles. But now, my little old
Neon is giving out on me and it’s not worth fixing at this point. So now, not only am I having to find a spot for my truck at work, it’s also putting more kilometres on it. I always deal with the service ladies and bless them they appreciate that I’m not an angry customer but come on now. Anyhow, rant over lol I have brought up the need for another vehicle and continuing water damage to my truck when I made the claim so fingers crossed that something come through for me. Thank you all so much for your replies. I’m not having a great experience with Dodge but if they can solve this and that headliner is replaced, I’d keep the truck. The engine so far is sound and it’s a decent truck. All of this is just kind of giving me a bad taste of it.

crash68 · May 10, 2020

It's not the truck(Ram) that's the problem here, it's an incompetent dealership service department. For probably everyone of these stories that gets posted, there is probably 50+ trucks that don't have any problems.
I like the people that rant saying they're never going to buy a Ram again, little do they know there's someone else saying the same thing about Ford, GM, etc...the culprit behind the complaints..the dealership.

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

crash68 said:
It's not the truck(Ram) that's the problem here, it's an incompetent dealership service department. For probably everyone of these stories that gets posted, there is probably 50+ trucks that don't have any problems.
I like the people that rant saying they're never going to buy a Ram again, little do they know there's someone else saying the same thing about Ford, GM, etc...the culprit behind the complaints..the dealership.

I’ve never had a new vehicle before so I’ve never had to deal with this before. I’ve never bought off a dealership prior to this. So I wouldn’t realize that some dealerships are sub par than others. That’s not very fair to judge me on this. I didn’t get the Ford because I really liked my sales lady at Dodge. And I liked that the ram had more power compared to the Ford I test drove. Sure I’m worried that maybe I should have bought the Ford. $54,000 comes easier to some than others and it certainly doesn’t come easily to me. It’s been a poor experience so far so yeah, I probably wouldn't consider a Dodge in the future. I’ve also owned two Chevy’s in the past and I decided I didn’t want one because I didn’t want the headache of all the electrical and wiring issues they came with. Maybe it’s one thing that sets me off with which vehicle I want and what I expect. Maybe someone else would buy four more dodges after this. Everyone’s different. This was the biggest financial decision of my life so far, so there were a lot of factors in it for me. It doesn’t matter that other people aren’t having these problems because MY truck is having them, and I’M missing out on 16 hour Work days to get this truck around to the service department prior to closing. It’s ME who doesn’t have another vehicle that I can throw all my dirty tools and paint in for work when this truck is in the shop. Sure, maybe I ranted a bit but hey, it’s really stressful.

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

crash68 said:
It's not the truck(Ram) that's the problem here, it's an incompetent dealership service department. For probably everyone of these stories that gets posted, there is probably 50+ trucks that don't have any problems.
I like the people that rant saying they're never going to buy a Ram again, little do they know there's someone else saying the same thing about Ford, GM, etc...the culprit behind the complaints..the dealership.

I’ve never had a new vehicle before so I’ve never had to deal with this before. I’ve never bought off a dealership prior to this. So I wouldn’t realize that some dealerships are sub par than others. That’s not very fair to judge me on this. Why In Gods name would I want to purchase another Dodge after dealing with this? If it had been Ford I would be saying the same thing. I’ve owned two chevys and I don’t want another one. Now, that I realize that I should try another dealership, I will. I work 14-16 hour days in the summer so this is causing me to leave work early (both this year and last) in order to get the vehicle to the service department all the time. I love my dodge sales lady and she was the reason that I even went with the dealership and a big factor in why I chose not to get the Ford. I’ve been very kind to the service ladies and to the mechanic that I’ve spoken to. I actually like this truck- but it also has to last me at least the 8 years that I’m paying for it as well. It’s not easy to get this thing around to different dealerships all the time either.

crash68 · May 10, 2020

Eagle2006 said:
I’ve never had a new vehicle before so I’ve never had to deal with this before. I’ve never bought off a dealership prior to this. So I wouldn’t realize that some dealerships are sub par than others. That’s not very fair to judge me on this. Why In Gods name would I want to purchase another Dodge after dealing with this? If it had been Ford I would be saying the same thing. I’ve owned two chevys and I don’t want another one. Now, that I realize that I should try another dealership, I will.

I wasn't judging you but since you've opened that door, you seriously blame the brand over faulty repairs done by the dealer? it took you a year figure that out? Only reason some dealers stay in business is the 100+ other vehicles they sell each month that don't have any problems.
Rams roll off the assembly line upwards of 72 trucks an hour, Ford, GM, etc are close to the same pace there is bound to be problems with some of the trucks.
Name and Shame the dealer you've been dealing with, odds are someone else on this forum has had the same issue(s) with them and other could possibly give you recommendations on what dealers to use.

MattCham · May 10, 2020

crash68 said:
I wasn't judging you but since you've opened that door, you seriously blame the brand over faulty repairs done by the dealer? it took you a year figure that out? Only reason some dealers stay in business is the 100+ other vehicles they sell each month that don't have any problems.
Rams roll off the assembly line upwards of 72 trucks an hour, Ford, GM, etc are close to the same pace there is bound to be problems with some of the trucks.
Name and Shame the dealer you've been dealing with, odds are someone else on this forum has had the same issue(s) with them and other could possibly give you recommendations on what dealers to use.

I said what my issue was. Noticed it after a week of having the truck. Took the 3rd brake light off an took the crappy gasket off and put a better one..no water leak ever since

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Duane Pipes · May 10, 2020

I was getting nowhere w/ my 19 needing service. Ram Cares was on this forum and pointed me in the right direction. Just call fca customer care and start a claim. Tell them EVERYTHING u need and request a paid/rental vehicle while urs is getting worked on. If ur experience is like mine, they will work with u. Save all theatrics; they will help.

And the guys are prob right w/ the brake light. Get a fresh start and let a different dealer/service dept fix it. I'd def ask for a new headliner (my opinion)

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

crash68 said:
I wasn't judging you but since you've opened that door, you seriously blame the brand over faulty repairs done by the dealer? it took you a year figure that out? Only reason some dealers stay in business is the 100+ other vehicles they sell each month that don't have any problems.
Rams roll off the assembly line upwards of 72 trucks an hour, Ford, GM, etc are close to the same pace there is bound to be problems with some of the trucks.
Name and Shame the dealer you've been dealing with, odds are someone else on this forum has had the same issue(s) with them and other could possibly give you recommendations on what dealers to use.

But what about all the problems that the 2019’s are having on the forums? The ones that multiple trucks are having? Is that not a brand issue? The parts that they’re putting into their vehicles ultimately are going to represent their Brand. Yes, the window that I had installed the second time was done at a glass company. But it seems like now it may be a leaking light or antennae seal. Other people have had issues with this problem. Someone who works at Dodge that I have spoken with has full on told me that the 2018 and 2019’s were made with cheaper parts and we were even talking about looking at a used pre 2018 Dodge truck and I was willing but also I didn’t want to lose the money I put into this truck already. I’m not going around telling everyone they don’t want to buy a Dodge. People tease me about the truck all the time. People who own a different brand. I could literally give a hoot. Half the time I think they’re just jealous that I have a truck lol I love my friend’s Ford and I love my bosses GMC. I used a Ram 2500 in my teens when I ran hotshots up to Fort Mac and I loved that truck. It was a good truck. I also say to these guys that I like the look of my Dodge and I tell them I preferred the way it drove over the Ford. I STILL prefer it over the truck I test drove at Ford. But there’s also the fear of having to deal with more issues if I do go with another Dodge. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with worrying over that because my experience hasn’t been great so far. I’d be hesitant to try to upgrade to a 2020 Ford or a GMC if I’d had the same problems with a 2019 vehicle with their truck. To me, a Dodge dealership represents Dodge does it not? And to me the service I get at Dodge matters to me as well as the quality of the truck. The mechanics that work there represent Dodge? And the salesmen? So now, Maybe Dodge just has ****** parts that they’re putting in my truck? Or maybe when they replace the blower at another dealership, the noise won’t return but maybe they’re going to have to replace my blower motor Again and again? And the ANC module is also a recurring issue with this forum. I spoke to the mechanic about it. It was so intermittent that he never actually got to hear the sound that it was making. I do find it strange that I can find this info on the forum about it And they don’t know about it but when I suggested it to him, he said it was something else. That’s why it’s been a year to figure that one out. I’m not a mechanic. I spoke to the people at the dealership as to the problems. I didn’t see the water damage right away as I never sit in my own backseat and we have practically 8 months of winter here so the snow sits on top of my truck until I brush it off but it doesn’t melt and cause the water damage that rain does so the water damage wasn’t there until spring came along. Lots of this boils down to the fact that I didn’t realize that they would try anything different at another dealership. Maybe I’m wrong but to me any Dodge dealership represents the brand and even though maybe if I’d bought my truck at another dealership and it was amazing and my truck wasn’t leaking in the rain, I’d be all about the truck and I’d be all about the brand. But thing is I’m not pleased with the dodge dealership and not pleased with the issues with my truck therefore- I’m not convinced about dodge just yet. So if I want to say hey, maybe I should see what my options are with Ford or with GMC or Toyota, there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s my experience so far. If Dodge comes back and we fix this problem and they let me have the new headliner that I feel I’m due and we get me a car in the meantime- then I’ll be really happy with THAT service and think okay, Dodge you’re making this right in order to keep a customer. In eight years when I’m done paying this off- I might be all yes, this truck has been good, let’s see about trading this one in for a new model. Never know. So far, my sales lady was amazing. The service ladies are polite and understanding, though maybe they weren’t doing as much as they could have been? They haven’t had a vehicle available to me for the last few visits which isn’t great. I actually do like this truck, sure there are things that I wish I had added on but that’s just on me and has nothing to do with the dealership. I just wasn’t aware that they were things I would have wanted. So next time I buy a truck, I’ll know exactly what I want, right? No harm, no foul. There are pro’s and con’s to all of this. It’s a huge headache for me and I thought that maybe if I could not lose too much money and move to another truck, why not consider the option?

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

Duane Pipes said:
I was getting nowhere w/ my 19 needing service. Ram Cares was on this forum and pointed me in the right direction. Just call fca customer care and start a claim. Tell them EVERYTHING u need and request a paid/rental vehicle while urs is getting worked on. If ur experience is like mine, they will work with u. Save all theatrics; they will help.

And the guys are prob right w/ the brake light. Get a fresh start and let a different dealer/service dept fix it. I'd def ask for a new headliner (my opinion)

thank-you! I’ve been very calm at the dealership with all of this. The service ladies are constantly thanking me for being so patient. I don’t want to be that nasty screaming customer and I haven’t been. I do feel like I should push a little more however and I contacted the ramcare Today and explained what was going on with them so I think it was a good push in the right direction. When I put through a request with service to have the headliner replaced, they came back saying it could be steam cleaned and no replacement would be offered but as it is through no fault of my own this damage, I’m not going to accept that this time and I think that’s reasonable. Ramcare seemed understanding so far so I feel like it could be promising in the future.

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

MattCham said:
I said what my issue was. Noticed it after a week of having the truck. Took the 3rd brake light off an took the crappy gasket off and put a better one..no water leak ever since

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I think he’s referring to my previous post. There was nothing to diagnose for the first year aside from the loud roaring in the cab which they couldn’t figure out (not a repair- it was an original part- the ANC Module) The water damage wasn’t visible until this spring. That was also the original rear sliding window. Or at least that’s what they think. Looking at some of the comments here tho, it may very well be a leaking seal from brake light or antenna (also original factory parts- no repairs)

Eagle2006 · May 10, 2020

crash68 said:
I wasn't judging you but since you've opened that door, you seriously blame the brand over faulty repairs done by the dealer? it took you a year figure that out? Only reason some dealers stay in business is the 100+ other vehicles they sell each month that don't have any problems.
Rams roll off the assembly line upwards of 72 trucks an hour, Ford, GM, etc are close to the same pace there is bound to be problems with some of the trucks.
Name and Shame the dealer you've been dealing with, odds are someone else on this forum has had the same issue(s) with them and other could possibly give you recommendations on what dealers to use.

The first problem was the ANC Module. That was a factory fault that is also present on this forum so not a shoddy repair at the dealer. They couldn’t diagnose the problem. We noticed the window damage this winter- also factory window. It was the plastic moulding that was cracked. So that was leaking before any new aftermarket window was installed. The blower motor was original. If what I’m really experiencing with the water damage is from a leaking seal that isn’t the window again, that would also be the original factory truck.

pacofortacos · May 11, 2020

The dealership technicians represent the dealership - they are not owned by RAM but are franchisees.

That is one reason why there are such differences in quality between dealerships.

But to be honest, auto technicians are like every other profession - you have a percentage of really poor ones, a large percentage of average ones, and a small percentage of really good technicians.

I wouldn't hesitate to go to another dealer if there is one local to you.

It is possible,
A. the replacement window wasn't installed correctly or more likely
B.the original cracked trim was just that, cracked trim, and not the source of the leak.

I would get a refillable container of Damprid and just put it in the truck - it will absorb moisture - I would definitely do this after they fix the leak.

Eagle2006 · May 11, 2020

pacofortacos said:
The dealership technicians represent the dealership - they are not owned by RAM but are franchisees.

That is one reason why there are such differences in quality between dealerships.

But to be honest, auto technicians are like every other profession - you have a percentage of really poor ones, a large percentage of average ones, and a small percentage of really good technicians.

I wouldn't hesitate to go to another dealer if there is one local to you.

It is possible,
A. the replacement window wasn't installed correctly or more likely
B.the original cracked trim was just that, cracked trim, and not the source of the leak.

I would get a refillable container of Damprid and just put it in the truck - it will absorb moisture - I would definitely do this after they fix the leak.

thanks, I’ll do that. Should help with the damp for now.

pacofortacos · May 11, 2020

I don't have a leak in my 16 - that I know of - and still put a container in since it is humid here and the truck sits for weeks on end. Damprid is really good at sucking the moisture out of the air and it smells nice. lol

I get the refillable container and refills from homedepot.

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