Rear window surround crack.

[Buz]

How about using a slightly softer metal for the frame? Something a little less brittle than what I'm guessing is cast aluminum.

 

[RamCares]

What I initially thought was a leak just because of the sunroof drain grommet being installed incorrectly turned out to be a combination of that, the third brake light, and this crack that I found today while doing some more leak testing. You can see where I dropped some Permatex flowable silicone yesterday - I had found another smaller crack over near the left side of the passenger side of glass. I don't know how I missed this yesterday but saw it today and dropped some silicone on it. Going to let it cure and leak test again tomorrow, but I'm hoping this ends my leak saga. I didn't see any cracks on the drivers side frame.

I solved the third brake light leak with the thicker weather stripping that others have bought at Lowe's/HD, but actually just installed a 2021 LED third brake light (the new style one with the camera in it). The seal on it seems quite a bit more stout than the one that came on my 2019, so hoping I don't have to end up replacing that seal too. Guess we'll see.

View attachment 75182

this is sickning, it should be an obvious recall..

Welp, @RamCares & Board, add me to the list;

I'd seen these cracks and they were so uniform, I thought it was just a 3 piece trim (until I looked closer and saw they're crooked)

I've got more video with water stains on the seats, the carpet under the seats has a damp feel compared to other areas so far, but that's one big rain of the season so far.

This now is in addition to an idling squeal the truck has had for months, I've finally recorded video of the issue and will likely start another thread.

@RamCares , I'll be headed to a dealer here in my zipcode, let me know if you need any info to log this issue. I hope they can handle this as they've not had the best service reviews in the past...

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Hello everyone, we are deeply sorry to see what you are experiencing with your vehicles. Our team would certainly like to have a case escalated to offer support in reaching a resolution on your behalf. In order to begin this process of us working alongside your dealers, please send us a private message with your VIN. Thank you,

Kathryn
RamCares

 

[SD Rebel]

How about using a slightly softer metal for the frame? Something a little less brittle than what I'm guessing is aluminum.

I'm thinking aluminum actually work well since it's softer and more malleable. Maybe they used thin stamped steel, which becomes brittle when too thin, or that part of the frame is only plastic.

 

[Buz]

I'm thinking aluminum actually work well since it's softer and more malleable. Maybe they used thin stamped steel, which becomes brittle when too thin, or that part of the frame is only plastic.

I modified my post to say 'cast aluminum' which it feels like when you flick it with your fingernail. Feels very hard/brittle.

 

[JJRamTX]

Add me to the list. Found a crack a small leak this morning.... 15k on truck so I’m still under warranty. Those folks who are getting it fixed, are you happy with the outcome ? It’s been my experience when you change out the factory glass or frame it’ll never be right again...

Well, it is funny you should mention that. I had the crack the first time in Nov 2019, Got it replaced in Feb 2020. Cracked again in September 2020... Haven't taken it back yet as my warranty is now up with over 44K miles but the issues with my truck that are still a problem are the rear window crack and the cold weather pixilation of my 12" cameras which were noted by the dealer and are still happening when it is below 25 degrees. If they fix it again and it cracks a third time is that applicable to the Lemon Law?

 

[knightro84]

Hello everyone, we are deeply sorry to see what you are experiencing with your vehicles. Our team would certainly like to have a case escalated to offer support in reaching a resolution on your behalf. In order to begin this process of us working alongside your dealers, please send us a private message with your VIN. Thank you,

Kathryn
RamCares

I was able to stop my leaking myself with some silicone applied to the exterior of the window frame in areas where I could see the frame was cracked. If it starts to leak again, I will bring it to the dealer to have the window replaced.

 

[duke2001]

I was able to stop my leaking myself with some silicone applied to the exterior of the window frame in areas where I could see the frame was cracked. If it starts to leak again, I will bring it to the dealer to have the window replaced.

Can you supply more detail where and how you applied the silicone. Thankd

 

[TruckDriver]

I'm thinking aluminum actually work well since it's softer and more malleable. Maybe they used thin stamped steel, which becomes brittle when too thin, or that part of the frame is only plastic.

I believe the STAR Case says it's Bakelite (tough but brittle plastic) - unless I missed something in a previous post about the window frame

 

[SD Rebel]

I believe the STAR Case says it's Bakelite (tough but brittle plastic) - unless I missed something in a previous post about the window frame

That makes perfect sense! There are millions of these windows on FCA & GM trucks out there, all potentially going to crack. Though this is a forum, which doesn't represent reality most of the time, I am curious if it's a batch of them or all of them will crack.

I honestly would rather have a less invasive solution than replacing the window if it's only going to crack again anyways, like as someone mentioned was a simple sealant applied over the top. I can live with the interior crack (can hide with some black tape or something), but just don't want the water leak.

If I eventually get the crack, I'll have it documented. If the dealer states they cannot confirm an upgraded design, I will just seal it myself and get it fixed when an updated design comes along, hopefully still within warranty.

 

[Brisoup1]

I too have the dreaded rear window leak. I took it to the dealer a few days ago and their leak specialist said the seal around the window was bad. The majority of the water would gather on the headliner right next to the window on the passenger side. I also used a garden hose to confirm the leak wasn't coming from the third break light or the antenna. I took painter's tape and covered the top portion of the window and now it doesn't leak. It's going to the dealer to have the rear window replaced on Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will end the leak.

 

[SD Rebel]

I too have the dreaded rear window leak. I took it to the dealer a few days ago and their leak specialist said the seal around the window was bad. The majority of the water would gather on the headliner right next to the window on the passenger side. I also used a garden hose to confirm the leak wasn't coming from the third break light or the antenna. I took painter's tape and covered the top portion of the window and now it doesn't leak. It's going to the dealer to have the rear window replaced on Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will end the leak.

Gotcha, so you have that rare leak without a visible frame crack because it's coming from a bad seal itself.

 

[Brisoup1]

Gotcha, so you have that rare leak without a visible frame crack because it's coming from a bad seal itself.

Yes, There's no crack on the the inside surround. Since the window seal is recessed, there's no way to see it.

 

[Duane]

My window replacement went very smoothly, thanks to a sharp Service Dept. & factory intervention.
Photos show: old window in bed following removal, rear bench seat removed, 'Made in CN' Mopar sticker on replacement new window.
Note: 'CN' is not Canada, folks.......

 

[borden72]

I would imagine, for those out of warranty and the window only leaks without a crack, they could go to a glass shop to reseal the window. When I had my rear window replaced for the crack (no leaks) they subbed it out to a glass shop to work it.

 

[Brisoup1]

My window replacement went very smoothly, thanks to a sharp Service Dept. & factory intervention.
Photos show: old window in bed following removal, rear bench seat removed, 'Made in CN' Mopar sticker on replacement new window.
Note: 'CN' is not Canada, folks.......

My dealer has subcontracted a glass company to replace the rear window. I didn't know the rear seat has to be removed in order to replace the window. Hopefully they do a good job and put everything back the way it was. Has far as the window beign made in China, there's an old saying. You get what you pay for.

 

[borden72]

My dealer has subcontracted a glass company to replace the rear window. I didn't know the rear seat has to be removed in order to replace the window. Hopefully they do a good job and put everything back the way it was. Has far as the window beign made in China, there's an old saying. You get what you pay for.

I think they can do it without removing the rear seat. They would have to fold the rear seat backs forward. My Laramie seat backs can be folded forward by pulling a tiny string or lanyard in the middle of the seat back. Its hard to see and you have to reach your arm around and behind the seat back to get to it. Doing that should give enough room for them.

 

[JF19Longhorn]

They definitely remove the back seat. Mine were not reinstalled correctly (hardware missing, seat belts stuffed in the seats without being bolted to anything, parts missing, etc) I found this out as I was trying to reinstall my then 6m old sons car seat..

The way it worked when they did mine was dropped off a day early for stealership to remove the seat, etc. Then glass company came in to remove / reinstall new rear window assembly. Lastly stealership was supposed to reinstall the seat, etc.

It still leaked after the reinstallation due to them reusing the third brakelight seal. I was told it wa a onestime use seal and they didn't replace it.

 

[Brisoup1]

They definitely remove the back seat. Mine were not reinstalled correctly (hardware missing, seat belts stuffed in the seats without being bolted to anything, parts missing, etc) I found this out as I was trying to reinstall my then 6m old sons car seat..

The way it worked when they did mine was dropped off a day early for stealership to remove the seat, etc. Then glass company came in to remove / reinstall new rear window assembly. Lastly stealership was supposed to reinstall the seat, etc.

It still leaked after the reinstallation due to them reusing the third brakelight seal. I was told it wa a onestime use seal and they didn't replace it.

Man, that sucks. Obviously your dealer's service department stinks. I would definitely file a complaint about that.

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Man, that sucks. Obviously your dealer's service department stinks. I would definitely file a complaint about that.

Oh I raised hell, they fixed it, and the guy who did the 'repair' is supposedly no longer with them. It's just a headsup for everyone getting this done who hasn't read the whole thread.

 

[Bay Area RAM]

They definitely remove the back seat. Mine were not reinstalled correctly (hardware missing, seat belts stuffed in the seats without being bolted to anything, parts missing, etc) I found this out as I was trying to reinstall my then 6m old sons car seat..

The way it worked when they did mine was dropped off a day early for stealership to remove the seat, etc. Then glass company came in to remove / reinstall new rear window assembly. Lastly stealership was supposed to reinstall the seat, etc.

It still leaked after the reinstallation due to them reusing the third brakelight seal. I was told it wa a onestime use seal and they didn't replace it.

When you say that the 3rd brake light seal is a one time use seal, does that include taking it off to replace bulbs ?