5thGenRams Forums

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Rear window surround crack.

Sitting in the dealership now. They have replaced 79 rear sliders this year for this problem. Unfortunately, 3 weeks till they can get the unit, get it in, and have their refurbishers in to attempt removal of the stain. Ugh! Now I get to drive around with custom line-green accent around the window of my Granite Crystal truck! :poop:
 
What is everybody's build date with this problem? Many of you who have posted, seem to be around June/July 2018.
 
Has anyone been given any information as to why these cracks have occurred? Speculation accepted!
 
I just checked the frame on mine and I see what appear to be 2 mold lines. No cracks.

...yet.

I've noticed this one mine as well. I still think those mold lines contribute to the problem, if something during the molding process of the piece itself was not done correctly.
 
I've noticed this one mine as well. I still think those mold lines contribute to the problem, if something during the molding process of the piece itself was not done correctly.
What concerns me is those who have reported leaking rear window and also having the cracks. I watched a YouTube video of a rear window replacement and it appeared that the window track that is cracking has nothing to do with the window frame sealing to the cab body. It is almost like a coincidence that there is a leak and also the cracks. I really really don’t want to replace my rear window if the cracks have nothing to do with the leaks. It was scary watching them replace the window. Had to remove back seats, back wall carpet, seat belts etc. Lots of stuff to put back right!
 
What concerns me is those who have reported leaking rear window and also having the cracks. I watched a YouTube video of a rear window replacement and it appeared that the window track that is cracking has nothing to do with the window frame sealing to the cab body. It is almost like a coincidence that there is a leak and also the cracks. I really really don’t want to replace my rear window if the cracks have nothing to do with the leaks. It was scary watching them replace the window. Had to remove back seats, back wall carpet, seat belts etc. Lots of stuff to put back right!

I've been thinking this as well. I think it's just a coincidence, but that the leak itself comes from elsewhere - either the window seals, or even what plagued the 4th Gen (the third brake light). After studying the tracks, I can't understand how them being cracked leads to a leak.
 
I've been thinking this as well. I think it's just a coincidence, but that the leak itself comes from elsewhere - either the window seals, or even what plagued the 4th Gen (the third brake light). After studying the tracks, I can't understand how them being cracked leads to a leak.
I talked with my service rep and asked that she contact FCA and question whether cracks have anything to do with leaks. Her response was the only way she could get FCA to respond was to say customer wanted cracks fixed, hence replace window. So, as it stands she it submitting a request to FCA to fix cracks with the hope they can definitively tell us the cracks will not cause a leak. What I don’t want is for a leak to occur down the road that requires not only window replacement but other damage as well such as head liner as others have had.
 
Saw this thread and decided to go look. Looks like I have one crack (so far). I don’t have any leaking that I am aware of.

The only leaking I have had was coming from the pano sun roof (discovered while running through a car wash). Dealership said the sunroof seals were installed backwards (where is the quality control?!?). They had it for about three weeks ripping out my sunroof, headliner (fully replaced) and a couple roof speakers (replaced). Since the repair, I’ve haven’t seen anything but will keep an eye on back seats. 26764
 
Saw this thread and decided to go look. Looks like I have one crack (so far). I don’t have any leaking that I am aware of.

Your built date is the newest I've seen with this. This throws a wrench in my vendor theory.

I can't imagine this happens with every single one, there has to be some kind of commonality here.
 
Has anyone been given any information as to why these cracks have occurred? Speculation accepted!

I'll give you an engineer's speculation - stress risers. The cracks are propagating from molding lines, which present as weak points. They also coincide where the
Has anyone been given any information as to why these cracks have occurred? Speculation accepted!

This engineer says it's because of stress concentration coincident with a probable weak point caused by the form lines.

Look closely at my first picture from page 1. If you blow it up, you can see water is coming in through the crack and running down it. The crack may not necessary be the source of the leak, but it forms the pathway for exit of the water. Could be the stress riser has a crack up through the frame where it cannot be seen. Could be the rear window seal has been disrupted by the deformation that cause the cracks and the water enters that way. Not going to know until it's pulled out, and yes, removing a power rear sliding window is an absolute chore!
 
Has anyone been given any information as to why these cracks have occurred? Speculation accepted!

My service advisor stated that they thought it could be from the frame twisting, before it had fully settled.

I got my truck back after about a week in the shop and so far no issues with the surround. I have a feeling it was something in the early builds myself as I think mine has a build date of July 2018. I did not order it and only took delivery of it first week of March. Maybe it is from sitting too long or something I have no idea. Next time I buy a truck I am going to pay a lot more attention to little things or just build one for myself. I have an 8 month old truck before I even bought it.
 
Here is a link to rear window replacement on a late model ram. After viewing, please post your opinion as to whether the window track has anything to do with the sealing of the window to the body. To me it appears not. As Geotx1 posted, it may be a pathway for water leaking somewhere else to exit.

 
So, I am raise my hand for this problem too... See the pictures, I have THREE cracks and a stained headliner for added frustration! Yesterday, we were hit with severe thunderstorms in my area, and I had my godchildren in the backseat coming through the storms. They started telling me they were getting splashed! WTH? Once we got home, and I was getting them out, I clearly saw a FLOW of water running down the INSIDE of the frame and felt dampened seat tops and headliner edge. Lovely.

View attachment 26694

View attachment 26695

View attachment 26696

Hi geotex1,
We regret to hear of your experience and would be happy to get a case escalated for you regarding your concern. If you decide to have your dealer address this, please send us a private message and we would be happy to get this process started for you!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist
 
At the car wash today and now I’m seeing the same issue. Mine was a May 2018 build bought new in December.
Taking it in soon for another faulty backup camera, squeaky brakes and recalls.
85E6E1F2-7FD3-4B49-B7BB-BBCFDA44CB66.jpeg
 
Last edited:
At the car wash today and now I’m seeing the same issue. Mine was a May 2019 build bought new in December.
Taking it in soon for another faulty backup camera, squeaky brakes and recalls.
View attachment 27791

If it was a May 2019 build how did you pick it up in December. December 2019 isn't here yet still have 6 months. :ROFLMAO: :p
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top