New here, looking for insight on these trucks

[JeepCritter]

Hello all. As many people have, I've been impressed with the 19 redesign. Here's my situation and then a few questions maybe some folks can answer.

Currently leasing an F150 XLT sport 4x4. I like the truck. it's a 2017, and at that time, after having driven all the full size trucks, it was my first choice. However, Ford really pigeon-holes you into tracts with their trim and option set-up. My lease is up at the end of this year, and I am currently planning on turning it in. I have recently driven a Ram big horn with several options, and frankly I enjoyed it more than my current truck. This Ram had the big horn level 2, night edition, 12in uconnect, alpine stereo, and a couple of other things. I'm really impressed with the options you can get on a big horn, which I believe is the closest trim to my XLT. Heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, rear center armrest, upgraded audio, auto climate control, push button start, and of course a 12 inch screen are all things you cannot even buy as options on an XLT. You have to go up to the Lariat and then get the highest level to get all of those things. That makes the price push 59K on the Ford, while the big horn I drove was around $53K. The only thing missing was leather, which is not that important to me.

So my questions are: What are the common issues with the new Rams, and how is the reliability factor? I am planning to lease again, so it's not long term ownership, but the last FCA product I had was in the shop a lot for warranty work (three head units, HVAC unit, rear sunshade, other software related issues).

Also, how's the transmission? I don't know much about it. I'd be getting the Hemi if that makes a difference.

My Ford has had zero issues (knock on wood) and honestly, the reliability of FCA is my biggest concern. I really love the truck, though. Thanks in advance.

 

[SpeedyV]

Hello all. As many people have, I've been impressed with the 19 redesign. Here's my situation and then a few questions maybe some folks can answer.

Currently leasing an F150 XLT sport 4x4. I like the truck. it's a 2017, and at that time, after having driven all the full size trucks, it was my first choice. However, Ford really pigeon-holes you into tracts with their trim and option set-up. My lease is up at the end of this year, and I am currently planning on turning it in. I have recently driven a Ram big horn with several options, and frankly I enjoyed it more than my current truck. This Ram had the big horn level 2, night edition, 12in uconnect, alpine stereo, and a couple of other things. I'm really impressed with the options you can get on a big horn, which I believe is the closest trim to my XLT. Heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, rear center armrest, upgraded audio, auto climate control, push button start, and of course a 12 inch screen are all things you cannot even buy as options on an XLT. You have to go up to the Lariat and then get the highest level to get all of those things. That makes the price push 59K on the Ford, while the big horn I drove was around $53K. The only thing missing was leather, which is not that important to me.

So my questions are: What are the common issues with the new Rams, and how is the reliability factor? I am planning to lease again, so it's not long term ownership, but the last FCA product I had was in the shop a lot for warranty work (three head units, HVAC unit, rear sunshade, other software related issues).

Also, how's the transmission? I don't know much about it. I'd be getting the Hemi if that makes a difference.

My Ford has had zero issues (knock on wood) and honestly, the reliability of FCA is my biggest concern. I really love the truck, though. Thanks in advance.

Welcome. There are a number of former Ford owners on here, so I’ll defer to them to share their experiences.

The 8-speed transmission in these trucks is a solid ZF (German) design, and it’s used in many different vehicles.

As for issues, experiences vary. Digging around on this forum a bit should give you an idea. I’ve had very few issues with mine, fortunately.

 

[Dusty1948]

From your post it's hard to determine your tolerance for having issues. Based on my experience issues come and go with most brands or models. My neighbor two doors down from me would probably react in disbelief if you told him your F-150 was completely problem free.

In all honesty the early 2019s had more than their share of production issues, all symptomatic with an aggressive launch and a complete redesign. However, those seem to have significantly faded as they were addressed by the engineering and assembly teams. The 8HP75 (ZF), eight speed transmission is rock solid.

If you are looking for absolute, never-take-it-back-to-the-dealer performance, you might want to start looking at Honda or Toyota.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 17 July 2018. Now at: 029493 miles.

 

[GearHeadJoe]

Get the Ram you wont be disappointed, reliability is pretty good powertrain wise. I had 3 Ford 150s prior and love the way the Ram drives and feels and looks to me. Ford styling looks outdated to me right now, I do miss my Harley Edition Ford...that was a looker.

 

[eyeguy]

8 speed trans is one of the most solid transmissions out there imo. No issues with my 10/19 built 2020 laramie. It has the off road package and I took it through some snow drifts today with that locking rear diff and pretty sure it did better than any of my past trucks would have done.

 

[JeepCritter]

From your post it's hard to determine your tolerance for having issues. Based on my experience issues come and go with most brands or models. My neighbor two doors down from me would probably react in disbelief if you told him your F-150 was completely problem free.

I know things happen, but with my previous FCA (2015 Chrysler 300), it was ridiculous how often I had to take it in. It was probably in the shop 8 weeks in the first year, and I was in a loaner 200 making payments on a 300. One fix led to another problem, like the auto dim mirror not working, the swivel headlights not turning, etc. I also am not applying that to another vehicle. It's possible I just got a lemon. That's why I was asking; to see if there have been a lot of issues, and what they may be. Thanks for your reply, and good to hear things have settled down in the 2nd year run.

 

[jdmartin]

Mine has been great. 1+ year and 9k+ miles and no issues. Best driving truck I've ever owned by a long shot.

 

[rah6887]

The transmission is flawless...says the guy that does all of the engineering changes for the 8HP75 die cast die .
This is my 4th Ram, never any issues with any of them.

 

[moosem]

My truck is an early build (05/21/18) 2019 BigHorn. I’ve had it since October, 2018. It’s been back for two recalls, the HVAC system is barely adequate (the AC is the worst I’ve had in any vehicle that I’ve ever owned and the heat has two modes: blazing hot or off).

I also had to have the radio replaced because it kept rebooting, and the passenger side view mirror was replaced because it was falling apart.

The front bumper was badly misaligned, and after arguing back and forth with the service manager at the dealershipto for a week he begrudgingly agreed to have it adjusted, and it’s now only marginally better.

The brakes squeal intermittently in warm, humid weather but the dealer was unable to duplicate my complaint so it was not addressed.

It’s going in tomorrow to have the rear window assembly replaced because it leaks every time it rains, and the driver side view mirror is being replaced because the heating element failed.

Despite all of that, even though I probably shouldn’t, I actually love my truck. it’s gorgeous, it’s comfortable, and it runs and drives excellent. However, would I recommend one? Honestly, probably not.

 

[moosem]

My truck is an early build (05/21/18) 2019 BigHorn. I’ve had it since October, 2018. It’s been back for two recalls, the HVAC system is barely adequate (the AC is the worst I’ve had in any vehicle that I’ve ever owned and the heat has two modes: blazing hot or off).

I also had to have the radio replaced because it kept rebooting, and the passenger side view mirror was replaced because it was falling apart.

The front bumper was badly misaligned, and after arguing back and forth with the service manager at the dealershipto for a week he begrudgingly agreed to have it adjusted, and it’s now only marginally better.

The brakes squeal intermittently in warm, humid weather but the dealer was unable to duplicate my complaint so it was not addressed.

It’s going in tomorrow to have the rear window assembly replaced because it leaks every time it rains, and the driver side view mirror is being replaced because the heating element failed.

Despite all of that, even though I probably shouldn’t, I actually love my truck. it’s gorgeous, it’s comfortable, and it runs and drives excellent. However, would I recommend one? Honestly, probably not.

Did I mention it’s gorgeous?!

 

[JeepCritter]

My truck is an early build (05/21/18) 2019 BigHorn. I’ve had it since October, 2018. It’s been back for two recalls, the HVAC system is barely adequate (the AC is the worst I’ve had in any vehicle that I’ve ever owned and the heat has two modes: blazing hot or off).

I also had to have the radio replaced because it kept rebooting, and the passenger side view mirror was replaced because it was falling apart.

The front bumper was badly misaligned, and after arguing back and forth with the service manager at the dealershipto for a week he begrudgingly agreed to have it adjusted, and it’s now only marginally better.

The brakes squeal intermittently in warm, humid weather but the dealer was unable to duplicate my complaint so it was not addressed.

It’s going in tomorrow to have the rear window assembly replaced because it leaks every time it rains, and the driver side view mirror is being replaced because the heating element failed.

Despite all of that, even though I probably shouldn’t, I actually love my truck. it’s gorgeous, it’s comfortable, and it runs and drives excellent. However, would I recommend one? Honestly, probably not.

I can empathize exactly. I owned a 2004 Nissan Titan. It was the first year of the vehicle. It was unbelievable awesome. Still the best seats I've ever had in a vehicle. It would beat Hemis off the line. But oh my, did it have issues. I had more brake jobs than oil changes in the first year. Broken window switches, cracked overhead consoles, cracked weld that let water in by the firewall. But I loved that truck. It was so fun to drive.

 

[JeepCritter]

View attachment 46511

Did I mention it’s gorgeous?!

Love Granite. that was the color of my 300 and it was stunning when clean and in the sun. I like the night edition of the Ram, which limits color choice, and Granite is probably the one I'd go for. I wish they made the blue available with the night trim, but they don't.

 

[HeliPilot]

1 year in and I’ve finally run into my first issue with my truck after 25,000 miles, the crack in the rear window trim finally developed a small leak. It will go in for a tech to confirm next Thursday. I love my Ram, came out of a 2017 Raptor for it.

 

[HeliPilot]

Can phasers were obnoxious in the Raptor after 33k miles, which lead me to dump it.

 

[HeliPilot]

Cam

 

[jdmartin]

I can empathize exactly. I owned a 2004 Nissan Titan. It was the first year of the vehicle. It was unbelievable awesome. Still the best seats I've ever had in a vehicle. It would beat Hemis off the line. But oh my, did it have issues. I had more brake jobs than oil changes in the first year. Broken window switches, cracked overhead consoles, cracked weld that let water in by the firewall. But I loved that truck. It was so fun to drive.

I had 2 2004 Titans, they were great trucks. I just traded out of my last one to get the Ram last January. Neither had any serious problem - I had the exhaust manifolds done under warranty - but a lot of little things that would make a lot of people nuts but didn't really bother me. Brakes, yes. Had the brake recall done on both and that helped but still went through brake rotors and pads fast because of the size of the truck. Clamps on transmission and power steering hoses getting loose. Squeaks and rattles everywhere inside the truck. Things like that. But it had a great drivetrain and was fun to drive. If I had been able to find a super low mileage first gen model I would probably still be in one. Had them for 15 years. But no regrets, the Ram is a really nice truck.

 

[Rammit]

I have had mine for a year and a half, just turned 27k mikes. Had not been back to the dealer. Great trucks, well built and reliable.

 

[RamCares]

My truck is an early build (05/21/18) 2019 BigHorn. I’ve had it since October, 2018. It’s been back for two recalls, the HVAC system is barely adequate (the AC is the worst I’ve had in any vehicle that I’ve ever owned and the heat has two modes: blazing hot or off).

I also had to have the radio replaced because it kept rebooting, and the passenger side view mirror was replaced because it was falling apart.

The front bumper was badly misaligned, and after arguing back and forth with the service manager at the dealershipto for a week he begrudgingly agreed to have it adjusted, and it’s now only marginally better.

The brakes squeal intermittently in warm, humid weather but the dealer was unable to duplicate my complaint so it was not addressed.

It’s going in tomorrow to have the rear window assembly replaced because it leaks every time it rains, and the driver side view mirror is being replaced because the heating element failed.

Despite all of that, even though I probably shouldn’t, I actually love my truck. it’s gorgeous, it’s comfortable, and it runs and drives excellent. However, would I recommend one? Honestly, probably not.

We regret to hear of these multiple concerns, moosem. Please keep us updated on your dealer visit and if you need any assistance, we're available in private message.

Kate
RamCares

 

[Phippy]

At 53K I would test drive a Laramie. Maybe pass on options like 12" screen and night edition and you can get into nice Laramie with better interior and few more options that even a BigHorn doesn't come with. At least owe it to yourself to compare the two.

 

[CrazyWorld]

Trucks are a personal preference....they are all good....they can all have problems. I got rid of my last truck...a 2003 2500 Chevy HD...good truck....just time to get something newer.....went with a RAM...great truck....best riding truck ever....had a minor ANC issue....fixed with a download.....my good buddy bought a Ford 250 a month before I got my Ram....beautiful truck. His truck has been in three times due to recalls.....I love the Ram look these days.....have fun deciding.