Problematic Rebel

[dianem1]

Having trouble with our 2019 Ram Rebel. This is our 7th Ram, and the first we have had any serious issue with, it's stock and it's never taken off-road. In July, while still under warranty with 23,000 miles, the passenger side CV axle came out of the differential, dropping the bearings onto the road. Had it towed to a dealership. They replaced the axle & bearings, but on the way home from the dealership it all fell out again. 2nd tow, this time they replaced the differential as well. All seemed ok until Labor Day weekend. My husband was about to tow my side by side up our gravel drive, went to shift into low 4 wheel drive, and nothing happened, the wheels just spun. no codes, no nothing. my husband got underneath and could see fluid coming out where the driveshaft enters the transfer case. Took it to a different dealer, the driveshaft broke where it enters the transfer case. The mechanic left a message saying the wrong part was installed? Not sure if he meant at the factory, or during the axle repair. Now we have lost faith in this vehicle and are planning to trade. Wondering if the two issues are connected, or separate unrelated problems?

 

[scottmoyer]

The issues sound related and I personally would attribute it to the dealership that serviced it. All vehicles have issues of some sort, how it get's fixed is how the relationship with the vehicle seems to go.

I had a 2015 Charger Scat Pack that went in for a simple warranty repair. The dealership used 2016 Charger electrical components in the 2015 causing us to have other electrical issues. The car went back and was in service long enough for us to request a buy back. While waiting for the new 2017 Charger to arrive, the dealership found the issue with the wrong part and fixed it. By that point, it was too late and the new car was being delivered. The original issue was an easy fix, but incorrect service parts and labor caused us to require a new car.

I would see what the new dealer says and how they address the issue. The wrong parts used were probably dealer initiated and not factory. Stay clear of that service department

 

[dianem1]

The issues sound related and I personally would attribute it to the dealership that serviced it. All vehicles have issues of some sort, how it get's fixed is how the relationship with the vehicle seems to go.

I had a 2015 Charger Scat Pack that went in for a simple warranty repair. The dealership used 2016 Charger electrical components in the 2015 causing us to have other electrical issues. The car went back and was in service long enough for us to request a buy back. While waiting for the new 2017 Charger to arrive, the dealership found the issue with the wrong part and fixed it. By that point, it was too late and the new car was being delivered. The original issue was an easy fix, but incorrect service parts and labor caused us to require a new car.

I would see what the new dealer says and how they address the issue. The wrong parts used were probably dealer initiated and not factory. Stay clear of that service department

 

[SD Rebel]

I agree, looks like an dealer issue.

Unless this vehicle has a previous history of a major accident, I would probably be at ease once the repair is done correctly. It's just a collection of parts, if correctly put together, there isn't any reason it shouldn't be the same as any other vehicle out there.

 

[dianem1]

After the 2nd trip to the dealer to fix the CV axle, they gave us the run around when I called service to tell them we now had no 4 wheel drive. I made an appointment, and requested a rental vehicle. When my husband arrived 4 days later, the mechanic acted like he didn't know why he was there. He told him there were no rentals, and said they wouldn't even be able to look at it for a week. Needless to say my husband was not happy and went elsewhere. I suspect they knew full well this was their fault and didn't want to deal with it. The mechanic fixing it now seems very knowledgeable. The parts are ordered. I am just concerned the CV axle repair was not done correctly, and worry the broken driveshaft might have damaged the transfer case or done other damage that will manifest later. We are very near the end of our warranty. If something else fails in a month or two as a result of this, it will be on our dime.

 

[SD Rebel]

After the 2nd trip to the dealer to fix the CV axle, they gave us the run around when I called service to tell them we now had no 4 wheel drive. I made an appointment, and requested a rental vehicle. When my husband arrived 4 days later, the mechanic acted like he didn't know why he was there. He told him there were no rentals, and said they wouldn't even be able to look at it for a week. Needless to say my husband was not happy and went elsewhere. I suspect they knew full well this was their fault and didn't want to deal with it. The mechanic fixing it now seems very knowledgeable. The parts are ordered. I am just concerned the CV axle repair was not done correctly, and worry the broken driveshaft might have damaged the transfer case or done other damage that will manifest later. We are very near the end of our warranty. If something else fails in a month or two as a result of this, it will be on our dime.

Remember the powertrain warranty is 5 year / 60K, which should include those components. Based on your post, you should still have almost 37,000 miles and 2 years left on your factory warranty.

You can also get an extended Mopar Maxcare warranty from a couple of vendors on this site for more than 50% off, something like $1,000 for an additional 4 years of coverage. This will cover almost everything else besides just powertrain related, except paint, glass, body seals, cosmetic, etc.

 

[dianem1]

I agree, looks like an dealer issue.

Unless this vehicle has a previous history of a major accident, I would probably be at ease once the repair is done correctly. It's just a collection of parts, if correctly put together, there isn't any reason it shouldn't be the same as any other vehicle out there.

No, no accidents or problems before the axle issue, but the few threads I've read concerning that problem, especially when it occurs on the passenger side are worrisome. It sounds like there is a known flaw in the design that makes it likely to reoccur.

 

[SD Rebel]

No, no accidents or problems before the axle issue, but the few threads I've read concerning that problem, especially when it occurs on the passenger side are worrisome. It sounds like there is a known flaw in the design that makes it likely to reoccur.

Gotcha, I think once you get a dealership that fixes it correctly, you should be good. But I understand your worry, especially if those items somehow effected something else you could run into down the line. See how the repair goes and re-evaluate then, you still have a bit of time with your factory powertrain warranty if something else pops up.

 

[dianem1]

Remember the powertrain warranty is 5 year / 60K, which should include those components. Based on your post, you should still have almost 37,000 miles and 2 years left on your factory warranty.

You can also get an extended Mopar Maxcare warranty from a couple of vendors on this site for more than 50% off, something like $1,000 for an additional 4 years of coverage.

Yes you are right, I was thinking bumper to bumper. That makes me feel a little better. My husband doers love this truck, especially fond of his Ram boxes. He would keep it if he thinks this was an isolated incident. Thanks for your reply.