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Ram Lemon 🍋 process - FCA Ram Cares Help!!!

rubrduk

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The saga of my 2021 BigHorn has been discussed elsewhere, but here’s a fresh new issue.

The truck has had an auto start/stop electrical error and the engine will shut off and not restart

FCA has had the truck for nearly 5 months now and replaced hood switches, various wire harnesses assemblies, new PCM, new BCM, new eTorque generator, etc…

I have very patiently and cordially worked with them and have been very accommodating, but at the same time I have to personally rent a truck every time I need to haul or tow my trailer, so there’s a significant out-of-pocket of $500-700 each instance at this point that’s accumulated.

To top this all off, my truck has received a significant number of scratches around the hood/fenders/grill/headlights and scratched and damaged under hood plastics from the mechanics and repair attempts at the dealership, which FCA tells me they are not responsible for?!

I set a reasonable deadline with my representative and extended it as appeared there was positive progress and momentum for the repairs, but the current repair status problem is still not resolved.

I asked yesterday to start the process of replacing the truck as a lemon 🍋 since requirements have already been met, but I’m continuing to work with FCA knowing there are supply chain and delivery delays and it would be nice to have my truck back.

Yesterday I was told they will not replace Ram vehicles and will only issue buyback, and they will only consider a partial reimbursement for dealer installed Mopar parts (trailer brake control, tow hooks, wheel locks, ORG springs, and accessories,…but not reimburse any labor) and they will not reimburse for the bed cover, exhaust, other other accessories and will not reimburse labor at all


Ram/FCA additionally will not give any adjustments for the price increase in 2022 models so I can simply 1:1 replace my truck (approximately $2000 increase from 2021 to 2022)…they have informed me that I have to pay all that difference due to supply & demand!!

I bought my truck December 1 of 2020 and had it for 6-8 months before I first started having troubles, it’s not a year old

I only want my exact truck replaced with identical options, I spent 5 months in search for the specific options and pricing then and was very happy

Yet I’m being told I will be required to pay the Ram/FCA price increases to identically replace the truck (approximately $2000 difference) and I have to pay all of the dealer markups which are currently above sticker price in many places

This is very poor form from FCA
 
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SKT Customs

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Absolute BULL! You need to get a lawyer involved and hopefully as soon as you do you will be able to get that stuff resolved. Personally if I had all that happen there is NO way in hell I’d ever buy a Chrysler product again. Sure the truck is nice, but that’s pathetic how they are treating you. Good luck man, get a lemon law lawyer asap!
 

rubrduk

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Let’s be realistic here,…I’m hoping Ram Cares will do the right thing

if not, I will not be able to purchase another FCA vehicle knowing this is how their customer service responds when they choose to burden the consumer with their problems
 

rubrduk

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please edit your post
"I bought my truck December 1 of 2021 and had it for 6-8 months before I first started having troubles, it’s not a year old."

we know you mean 2020 but it is still confusing
Good catch, I’ll edit and correct
 

HSKR R/T

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The saga of my 2021 BigHorn has been discussed elsewhere, but here’s a fresh new issue.

The truck has had an auto start/stop electrical error and the engine will shut off and not restart

FCA has had the truck for nearly 5 months now and replaced hood switches, various wire harnesses assemblies, new PCM, new BCM, new eTorque generator, etc…

I have very patiently and cordially worked with them and have been very accommodating, but at the same time I have to personally rent a truck every time I need to haul or tow my trailer, so there’s a significant out-of-pocket of $500-700 each instance at this point that’s accumulated.

To top this all off, my truck has received a significant number of scratches around the hood/fenders/grill/headlights and scratched and damaged under hood plastics from the mechanics and repair attempts at the dealership, which FCA tells me they are not responsible for?!

I set a reasonable deadline with my representative and extended it as appeared there was positive progress and momentum for the repairs, but the current repair status problem is still not resolved.

I asked yesterday to start the process of replacing the truck as a lemon 🍋 since requirements have already been met, but I’m continuing to work with FCA knowing there are supply chain and delivery delays and it would be nice to have my truck back.

Yesterday I was told they will not replace Ram vehicles and will only issue buyback, and they will only consider a partial reimbursement for dealer installed Mopar parts (trailer brake control, tow hooks, wheel locks, ORG springs, and accessories,…but not reimburse any labor) and they will not reimburse for the bed cover, exhaust, other other accessories and will not reimburse labor at all


Ram/FCA additionally will not give any adjustments for the price increase in 2022 models so I can simply 1:1 replace my truck (approximately $2000 increase from 2021 to 2022)…they have informed me that I have to pay all that difference due to supply & demand!!

I bought my truck December 1 of 2020 and had it for 6-8 months before I first started having troubles, it’s not a year old

I only want my exact truck replaced with identical options, I spent 5 months in search for the specific options and pricing then and was very happy

Yet I’m being told I will be required to pay the Ram/FCA price increases to identically replace the truck (approximately $2000 difference) and I have to pay all of the dealer markups which are currently above sticker price in many places

This is very poor form from FCA
As mentioned, either get a lemon law lawyer involved, or at least threaten with one. Also, look up your states lemon laws to see how you are covered/protected. When I did a lemon buy back in Cali, in my 07 Dodge Caliber, Dodge paid me full MSRP plus install costs for any aftermarket parts I had installed, plus full price for the car including tax, title, and registration fees.

Another option you can look at, or at least pursue, with the high resale value right now for used vehicles, just see about a trade in towards a new truck. Unfortunately, that will pass the problem in to next owner, because they will resell it. Do a Carvana or Vroom offer for your truck and see what they will offer and use that as leverage with dealership.
 

HSKR R/T

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You've already gotten the runaround with FCA. Hire a lawyer. Sue. Go for mental angusih as well -- all the stress of having to rent, [payments on a truck you can't drive, etcetera. A jury will be sympathetic and they'll know it and settle.
If it went to court, it would be civil court and there would be no jury involved, only the judge. Stellantis will settle long before it goes to court.
 

HSKR R/T

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Let’s be realistic here,…I’m hoping Ram Cares will do the right thing

if not, I will not be able to purchase another FCA vehicle knowing this is how their customer service responds when they choose to burden the consumer with their problems
Right now you are dealing with a single dealership, and probably regional managers at best. Don't let that ruin your opinion on the company as a whole. Ram Cares won't be able to do anything other than maybe get the next higher level involved, which you can request in your own.

And it's Stellantis now, not FCA. :p
 

HRCfan1

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Total bull the pandemic is not your problem. Definitely take this to litigation if necessary and get all you are owed including rental etc. Take the money and buy from a different manufacturer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

rubrduk

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Right now you are dealing with a single dealership, and probably regional managers at best. Don't let that ruin your opinion on the company as a whole. Ram Cares won't be able to do anything other than maybe get the next higher level involved, which you can request in your own.

And it's Stellantis now, not FCA. :p
It is RamCares (FCA, Stellantis, or whatever their name is this week) that is giving me this info

I opened a case immediately after the dealer was unable to fix the problem on the 1st try

I’ve had very little communication with the dealer in regards to these matters
 

HSKR R/T

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It is RamCares (FCA, Stellantis, or whatever their name is this week) that is giving me this info

I opened a case immediately after the dealer was unable to fix the problem on the 1st try

I’ve had very little communication with the dealer in regards to these matters
Granted once it becomes a buy back, it's out of dealers hands, but maybe you should have been working with them more.
 

rubrduk

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Once you start a service case, a service rep works with a manufacture service engineer that visits the dealership/vehicle and makes specific repair authorizations to the dealer

I do speak with my service advisor at the local dealer also, I double check every part number installed…but they are stumped and are only doing what the factory service engineer requests

I’ve been very carefully following all procedures and researching results people have used in similar cases.

It’s been a frustrating but understandable and professional experience until they told me they will not replace the truck, only buyback at below market rate and I’m responsible for all new price increases, increased loan interest rates, dealer markups, installed parts c and loss of 1-off incentives that I used when purchasing in 2020
 

Aseras

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Look up what the law says for your state. State is usually easier. Usually it is up to the purchaser to detemine what YOU want, not what FCA wants. You can chose to get a buyback, less usuage, plus rentals and repairs and other costs reimbursed. You can chose replacement, where the MSRP of your truck is given to you to chose any other vehicle FCA makes and you are given credit for the MSRP and have to cover extras. If the bank supports it you can simply swap collateral swap and keep the same loan with a vin change.

You can of course use MMWA and they become liable for ALL COSTS under MMWA. Theres no mileage deduction. The have to pay for everything, accessories, warranties, rentals and fees. You do not have to file in federal court for a federal MMWA claim, you can file in state circuit court.

All of this is up for negotiation too. Send the notices required by your state and what is in your owners manual. Keep copies and recordings of everything. You can also double recover under state lemon law and federal MMWA. If you want to really turn the screws that way, you need a lawyer.
 

c3k

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Hire a lawyer.

There is more to consumer protection than a simple "lemon law" quote.

Then, negotiate for a long-term rental to be covered while you wait for your exact vehicle to be factory produced and delivered.
Don't settle until you're 100% satisfied.
 

rubrduk

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Hire a lawyer.

There is more to consumer protection than a simple "lemon law" quote.

Then, negotiate for a long-term rental to be covered while you wait for your exact vehicle to be factory produced and delivered.
Don't settle until you're 100% satisfied.
My thoughts exactly because that’s a huge expense I will have to take on
 

Andymax

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There is a fair chance you signed something in the sales and/or loan agreement that you agree to have any disputes settled via Arbritration. There is zero chance this ever gets to a jury, and pretty unlikely an actual judge.

I agree with the others...it's time to hire a lemon law specialist. They know the buttons to push to get a proper settlement. One of my employees had to do this and their legal fees were covered by FCA as part of the overall agreement.
 

Russhoss

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FCA bought my 2020 Bighorn back this past spring. Let me tell you this. A good dealer goes a long way in helping the process. From start to finish was just under 3 months. The only hassle I had was getting my payoff info from the bank.
I got into a 21 Orange BTS and Absolutely LOVE it.
 

rubrduk

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FCA bought my 2020 Bighorn back this past spring. Let me tell you this. A good dealer goes a long way in helping the process. From start to finish was just under 3 months. The only hassle I had was getting my payoff info from the bank.
I got into a 21 Orange BTS and Absolutely LOVE it.
they are offering the buyback, but only at the 2021 sticker,...but they do not want to pay for the add-ons such as Mopar Trailer Brake Controller, Mopar Bed Step, Retrax XR bed cover, Yakima Rack, Flowmaster muffler, Mopar wheel locks, Mopar ORG springs, custom seat covers, etc...

There is also a significant difference in interest rates, the CDI Program 5% under invoice discount that I used for the purchase, and additional deep discounts that were available during 2020 that are not available any longer.
 

bigdodge

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