Dash Gap after Warranty Replacement for Leather Delamination

[BrodieBruce]

I have a 2023 Limited that is still under warranty. The leather dash began to delaminate near the top of the HUD and was replaced under warranty 2 weeks ago. After getting the truck back I noticed that there is a gap between where the leather dash and the wood trim meet on the driver side, it is larger on the left side of the steering wheel than on the right. The passenger side does not have any gap where the leather meets the wood trim. I dropped it off Monday for the dealer detail tech to look at, and for whatever reason they didn't do that until today. Near closing, they called and told me the detail tech looked at it and there's nothing they can do. The quote was, "It is what it is." Where that gap is on the driver side, the leather isn't seated against the trim, so there is a sharp angle to it that seems like it will eventually get caught or torn. I haven't picked the truck up yet and I'm not really thrilled with the response they gave. I understand that there can be issues when replacing pieces, but I feel they should be able to adjust the fitment better and I think the real reason for the response is the work hours that will be involved.

I want to align my expectations here, would there be any value in contacting RAM Care about this or pushing the dealership further on the fitment issue?

We ordered this vehicle new at this dealer, it's the 4th new vehicle we've purchased through them, and we've always serviced with them.

 

[mikeru82]

Pics?

 

[BrodieBruce]

I didn’t get pictures prior to dropping it off. I contacted RAM Care this morning to ask what my options are, they escalated a case and told me not to pick up the truck. They said I’d get contacted by a case manager in 1-2 business days and they had me call the dealership to let them know I wouldn’t be picking it up. So now it’s just wait and see.

 

[koren388]

That’s a lazy response from the dealer, especially since it's a 2023. If the passenger side is flush and the driver side has a gap, the fitment is clearly off. You should definitely push back or find another dealership that actually cares about quality control.

 

[fulbuyer]

I just put a new dash in my 2023 RAM. If you get it back and it's not right, post a picture. Many on here have removed parts of dashes.

 

[BrodieBruce]

RAM Care followed up with me today. The service advisor told RC that they had a lot of hands on it and that it’s within spec. RC wants to speak with the service department manager, but they’re out today. RC had me go ahead and pick up the truck and advised they’d follow up once they get in touch with the service department manager. They said next steps may be a second opinion from another dealership.

I took pictures and attached them here, it’s much more visible on the driver side and just barely on the passenger side. Where the leather isn’t seated against the trim on the driver side it has a sharp corner that protrudes out slightly.

I’m supposed to hear something within the next couple of days so we’ll see where it goes from here.

 

[392DCGC]

Yeah that doesn't look great, but... first world problems. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it if you can't get anywhere. On a side note, it looks like they're using cheaper dash "leather" (probably vinyl) now than the earlier trucks came with. Probably for cost, but maybe durability reasons.

 

[BrodieBruce]

It took a while, but the case manager finally got back with me. He told me the dealership states it’s in spec, so now I have to get a second opinion at a different dealer. I’ve got an appointment this week to get it looked at, hopefully they agree that it’s not in spec. We’ll see what happens.

 

[mikeru82]

If the dealer really is going off any specs for this they should be able to at least show that to you. I suspect they’re telling you that to get you out of their hair.