In and out of dealership. Barely saw car for 6 months. Can't fix car.

[askthesun]

There is always 2 sides to every story, and then there is the truth. When I say you are acting childish, it refers to the way you are handling the situation and threatening to take them to small claims court. If the car is still not repaired, talk to the service manager and see what they can do for you. Explain that you already paid "x" amount of dollars and the problem is still not resolved. They probably won't refund you your money, but maybe they can give you some break or credit moving forward. I'm not sure what conversations you have had with them about the cost of repair, but I suspect it may be effecting how much time they spend on your car and what priority they make it. If you tell them, "hey I don't want to spend "x" amount on a repair", then they may try to work with you to troubleshoot with the least expensive solutions first on a timeline that works for them and doesn't interfere with other customer jobs. That may explain why your truck is taking so long to get looked at and maybe why it wasn't repaired correctly. I really don't know what conversations you had, but I suspect that maybe we are not getting the whole story here. The fact that you have brought the truck in numerous times and they had the truck for the most part of 6 months and they have only charged you $1k so far, doesn't all add up to me.

Yea, but you determined I was lying without knowing the truth. In any case I will avoid being confrontational in this response considering it has already been established who is the more mature and reasonable between us two.

It is obvious I do not intend to go there and directly threaten with a lawsuit without attempting to remedy the situation first. Why would a sue someone if they can resolve the issue or provide a refund without having to sue them!? As stated before, I did not have any conversation with them about cost of repair - I just explained the problem and left the keys every time I went to the dealership. I never even implied attempting to sacrifice repair quality for a lower cost.

Regarding "interfere with other customer jobs..." I think it is quite reasonable to argue that I was very patient leaving my car with them 3 times for a total of nearly 6 months, each time not harassing them but attempting to get an update after the car being in dealership for at least two weeks. I don't know many who would be as patient as I was.

Why doesn't it all add up? Do you expect dealership to charge more every time they fail to fix despite providing warranty on their work?

Listen, It seems that you are hell-bent on accusing the customer regardless of the context, and that your best argument for doing so is "well, I don't really know truth." Not sure I can convince you nor do I intend to try hereon.

 

[askthesun]

Sounds like more of an issue with the dealership than RAM itself.

Wish and hope it is the case but when your RAM rep calls you after the third time you bring car to dealership "what's wrong with your mirrors" and I have to explain to him that I just folded them and he has to pull them back, there might be an issue. I really feel bad for mechanics, RAM or otherwise, and one of the reasons havent made a mess so far is because I know the mechanics would've probably had a much better quality of service if was up to them and not corporate C-suits. I speak to them very respectfully over the phone despite being very annoyed of barely seeing my car for 6 months and losing a lot of business.

Also, I did some research about RAM service -- you might want to do some as well.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Wish and hope it is the case but when your RAM rep calls you after the third time you bring car to dealership "what's wrong with your mirrors" and I have to explain to him that I just folded them and he has to pull them back, there might be an issue. I really feel bad for mechanics, RAM or otherwise, and one of the reasons havent made a mess so far is because I know the mechanics would've probably had a much better quality of service if was up to them and not corporate C-suits. I speak to them very respectfully over the phone despite being very annoyed of barely seeing my car for 6 months and losing a lot of business.

Also, I did some research about RAM service -- you might want to do some as well.

Once again, service is by the dealership. CDJR dealerships are all privately owned. I've been to Dodge dealers that were great made sure customers were happy, and did what they could to get the car fixed. Didn't even care about mods on the vehicle. I've also been to dealerships that didn't care, received a vehicle back knowingly damaged by the tech, but still signed the work order off as completed and told me my vehicle was ready to pick up, and didn't tell service writer or manager that they damaged my truck backing it off the lift. It spent another three weeks at the dealer for repairs because of that damage. That was not the manufacturers fault, and doesn't reflect on them. Was 100% an issue with that specific dealership. It was bad enough the service members at the Navy base I was stationed at were told to avoid using that dealership. I feel your pain with ****ty experience.

Would be like going into your local Starbucks, ordering a drink, having the barista mess up your order, more than once, then blaming Starbucks corporate for the issue.

 

[RedFred]

Yea, but you determined I was lying without knowing the truth. In any case I will avoid being confrontational in this response considering it has already been established who is the more mature and reasonable between us two.

Listen, It seems that you are hell-bent on accusing the customer regardless of the context, and that your best argument for doing so is "well, I don't really know truth." Not sure I can convince you nor do I intend to try hereon.

You still come across as very childish. Sorry you can't take being questioned or criticized without getting upset. We are on a truck forum. We don't know each other. Nobody should be expected to take everything posted here as 100% truthful since human nature is that we can all be bias towards our own perception of events. Like I said, we are only getting your side of the story and to me it seemed like there were some pieces missing or not adding up. Sorry to tell you that I'm entitled to that opinion, whether I be wrong or right. Regardless, hope you get your truck figured out soon and your dealer experiences are more productive going forward. Good luck to you.

 

[askthesun]

Once again, service is by the dealership. CDJR dealerships are all privately owned. I've been to Dodge dealers that were great made sure customers were happy, and did what they could to get the car fixed. Didn't even care about mods on the vehicle. I've also been to dealerships that didn't care, received a vehicle back knowingly damaged by the tech, but still signed the work order off as completed and told me my vehicle was ready to pick up, and didn't tell service writer or manager that they damaged my truck backing it off the lift. It spent another three weeks at the dealer for repairs because of that damage. That was not the manufacturers fault, and doesn't reflect on them. Was 100% an issue with that specific dealership. It was bad enough the service members at the Navy base I was stationed at were told to avoid using that dealership. I feel your pain with ****ty experience.

Would be like going into your local Starbucks, ordering a drink, having the barista mess up your order, more than once, then blaming Starbucks corporate for the issue.

Once again, you are correct in general if you don't do your research or at least not located in my area. Let's take your starbucks as an example. If only 1/10 starbucks in the area made the greatest drink but the rest subpar, it is a franchise problem, not a starbucks store issue. The first dealer I went to was 90 miles away because that was the only dealer I could find with decent and reliable feedback. There were 5-6 dealerships that were closer and that And I don't live in the middle of the desert. Were it just a local shop, you could not say anything about RAM. But these are certified RAM dealerships. They have certain procedures and standards they have to uphold in order to be official Stellantis RAM dealerships. So of course it is the manufacturers fault because part of owning a vehicle is being able to actually use it rather than it being absent for 6 months because your OFFICIAL, CERTIFIED dealerships are low quality with few exceptions.

 

[askthesun]

Once again, service is by the dealership. CDJR dealerships are all privately owned. I've been to Dodge dealers that were great made sure customers were happy, and did what they could to get the car fixed. Didn't even care about mods on the vehicle. I've also been to dealerships that didn't care, received a vehicle back knowingly damaged by the tech, but still signed the work order off as completed and told me my vehicle was ready to pick up, and didn't tell service writer or manager that they damaged my truck backing it off the lift. It spent another three weeks at the dealer for repairs because of that damage. That was not the manufacturers fault, and doesn't reflect on them. Was 100% an issue with that specific dealership. It was bad enough the service members at the Navy base I was stationed at were told to avoid using that dealership. I feel your pain with ****ty experience.

Would be like going into your local Starbucks, ordering a drink, having the barista mess up your order, more than once, then blaming Starbucks corporate for the issue.

and if you need another proof, here is the response I just received from RamCares here on the forum: "
Thank you for confirming. Our team would recommend making a new appointment with your local dealer, so we can further assist you. Once you do so, please let us know, so we can get a case escalated for you.

Gia
Ram Cares" What a joke.

 

[HSKR R/T]

and if you need another proof, here is the response I just received from RamCares here on the forum: "
Thank you for confirming. Our team would recommend making a new appointment with your local dealer, so we can further assist you. Once you do so, please let us know, so we can get a case escalated for you.

Gia
Ram Cares" What a joke.

Yeah, the RamCares rep that posts on the forum really doesn't do much. You can pretty much go on any vehicle forum, for any brand/model and read similar stories about poor service at dealerships. Unfortunately with the buyouts, Dodge got rid of their 5-star rating for dealerships. To be certified you just have to meet minimum requirements for training, sales, and service. Dealerships are still privately owned and operated. They basically just license the names and have a contract to sell the vehicles. Most dealers purchase their inventory from Dodge/Jeep/RAM and own the cars on the lots. Takes quite a bit to get dropped as an authorized dealer. One of our local dealer chains were forced to sell off their CDJR dealerships because they got caught manipulating warranty claims to get repairs covered under warranty that shouldn't have been. like, they were editing the scan tool information to hide modifications, or custom tunes that otherwise would have been flagged. Have a couple car buddies that had moderately modified engines replaced under warranty after failing at the drag strip.

 

[rick619]

Once again, service is by the dealership. CDJR dealerships are all privately owned. I've been to Dodge dealers that were great made sure customers were happy, and did what they could to get the car fixed. Didn't even care about mods on the vehicle. I've also been to dealerships that didn't care, received a vehicle back knowingly damaged by the tech, but still signed the work order off as completed and told me my vehicle was ready to pick up, and didn't tell service writer or manager that they damaged my truck backing it off the lift. It spent another three weeks at the dealer for repairs because of that damage. That was not the manufacturers fault, and doesn't reflect on them. Was 100% an issue with that specific dealership. It was bad enough the service members at the Navy base I was stationed at were told to avoid using that dealership. I feel your pain with ****ty experience.

Would be like going into your local Starbucks, ordering a drink, having the barista mess up your order, more than once, then blaming Starbucks corporate for the issue.

Agree with this. Each dealer seems to be a franchise and I've noticed different treatment and levels of service.

My previous F150 - Tried a dealer close to my work. Took it in for a warranty repair. They told me I need to have the rack and pinion repaired and some other work for around $2000. Took it to my usual dealer and they said none of the repairs were needed.

Same with buying in the first place. Dealer closer to my house had what I wanted in a Big Horn listed for $49K (old stock, a 2023 in mid 2024). Get there and they had $6K worth of add ons that weren't included in that price, that they wouldn't remove. So was pissed and walked. Then found another with most of the same items at a dealer an hour away. Called them up and explained my frustration with the 'add on game'. They said 'we don't do that. The price is the price, no forced add ons.' Bought it from them for $49K, the best dealer/sales experience I've had in at least two decades. Wish they were closer for service. As it is, I have 3 dealers within 20 min. So trying #2 next time I need something.

 

[askthesun]

Agree with this. Each dealer seems to be a franchise and I've noticed different treatment and levels of service.

My previous F150 - Tried a dealer close to my work. Took it in for a warranty repair. They told me I need to have the rack and pinion repaired and some other work for around $2000. Took it to my usual dealer and they said none of the repairs were needed.

Same with buying in the first place. Dealer closer to my house had what I wanted in a Big Horn listed for $49K (old stock, a 2023 in mid 2024). Get there and they had $6K worth of add ons that weren't included in that price, that they wouldn't remove. So was pissed and walked. Then found another with most of the same items at a dealer an hour away. Called them up and explained my frustration with the 'add on game'. They said 'we don't do that. The price is the price, no forced add ons.' Bought it from them for $49K, the best dealer/sales experience I've had in at least two decades. Wish they were closer for service. As it is, I have 3 dealers within 20 min. So trying #2 next time I need something.

That's the thing with franchisees bud -- they have a set of standards and obligations they need to abide by in order to limit variations in service quality in order to be part of the franchise. If it is difficult to obtain quality service (long wait times, no credible franchisees unless you drive 90 miles, poor communication, recurrent dealership visits) - you can keep looking for that one exceptional franchisee if you have the time and resources, or simply go with another franchise. Up to you.

 

[HSKR R/T]

That's the thing with franchisees bud -- they have a set of standards and obligations they need to abide by in order to limit variations in service quality in order to be part of the franchise. If it is difficult to obtain quality service (long wait times, no credible franchisees unless you drive 90 miles, poor communication, recurrent dealership visits) - you can keep looking for that one exceptional franchisee if you have the time and resources, or simply go with another franchise. Up to you.

CDJR dealers aren't franchises though . They are individually owned and operated. They basically just have a contract to use the brand name and sell vehicles, that each dealer purchase from Stellantis.

 

[askthesun]

CDJR dealers aren't franchises though . They are individually owned and operated. They basically just have a contract to use the brand name and sell vehicles, that each dealer purchase from Stellantis.

We're going on a tangent here but Subway restaurants are also individually owned yet franchisees of Subway. According to Grok:

Standards: Stellantis, the parent company of RAM, sets standards for dealerships covering customer service, facility maintenance, staff training, and marketing compliance. These ensure brand consistency and quality across RAM, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler dealerships. Standards include ethical behavior, transparent pricing, and adherence to warranty/repair protocols.stellantis.com

Audits: Stellantis conducts regular audits, often through third parties, to verify compliance with these standards. Audits assess service quality, inventory management, digital marketing (e.g., approved vendors like C-4 Analytics), and adherence to corporate policies.c-4analytics.comforum.dealerrefresh.com

Consequences of Audit Failure: If a dealership fails an audit, Stellantis may:

• Require corrective action plans with follow-ups.
• Impose penalties, such as reduced marketing support or inventory allocation.
• Terminate the dealership agreement in severe cases of non-compliance (e.g., ethical violations or persistent poor performance).stellantis.comforum.dealerrefresh.com
• Issue warnings or demand changes, as seen with unapproved service schedulers.forum.dealerrefresh.com

Persistent issues, like poor customer service or failure to meet sales targets, could lead to reputational damage or loss of franchise status. However, specific consequences depend on the violation’s severity and local laws.

- Is stellantis considered franchise and dealerships franchisees?

Yes, Stellantis operates as a franchisor, and RAM dealerships (along with other Stellantis brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler) are franchisees. Stellantis grants dealerships the right to sell and service its vehicles under a franchise agreement, which outlines standards, branding, and operational requirements. Dealerships are independently owned businesses that pay fees or meet obligations to use the Stellantis brand and access its vehicles and support.

- Or if you prefer, Gemini Pro:

Stellantis Operates on a Franchise Model, with Dealerships as Franchisees​

Yes, Stellantis is considered a franchisor, and its dealerships are franchisees. This conclusion is based on the operational structure of the automotive giant and the legal and business definitions of a franchise.

-Regardless of the definition, we can all agree that a manufacturer can't allow a majority of its dealerships to suck because it reflect poorly on the manufacturer and even if it doesn't, would make a reasonable potential buyer think twice before buying.

 

[1791]

i did read the whole story but it looks like it's a ecodiesel? if it is clear this up and DUMP IT asap. just my .02