Stellantis Lemon Law

[spd32177RAM]

I’m in the middle of a frustrating battle with Stellantis over a 2025 RAM 1500 that I leased brand new. At around 500 miles, I started experiencing a misfire on Cylinder 1. I took it to the dealership twice, but the issue kept coming back. On 11/20/2024, I had to take it in for the third time, and they’ve had it ever since—71 days and counting—with no fix in sight.

I escalated the issue by hiring a lemon law attorney and officially filed a case with Stellantis on 12/16/2024. After weeks of no meaningful progress, we filed a lawsuit against them and I also submitted a complaint to the Attorney General.

What’s frustrating is that Stellantis has now gone silent—no updates, no responses, nothing. Meanwhile, I’ve been stuck making monthly payments and insurance on a truck I don’t even have access to. At first, I just wanted them to replace it, but at this point, I just want my money back.

Has anyone else dealt with Stellantis for a Lemon Law buyback?

• How long did it take for them to resolve your case?
• Did they try to drag it out or eventually settle?
• Any advice on dealing with their delays?

I appreciate any insight because this situation is beyond frustrating, and I am trying to gauge how much longer I have to deal with this.

 

[Quint]

I have not dealt with Stellantis specifically, but I did get Ford to buy back a truck about 15yrs ago. I dealt with similar issues that could not get resolved. I documented everything - every dealer visit, every conversation, every phone call, and every letter. It built a nice case.

I never retained an attorney, but after my letters went no where I got the MN Attorney General's office involved, and at their suggestion, the Better Business Bureau. Despite what I hear many people say that the BBB is useless, they got my buyback to happen. The BBB assigned a case-worker to me whom pushed Ford to the negotiation table. There was a lot of back and forth and rejected offers. They started low with an extended warranty. I kept rejecting and insisting on a full refund. They raised it to something else, and something else, and something else, until finally offering a buy-back in exchange for a new vehicle. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but close enough. I insisted that I would not keep the vehicle because the resale value had been impaired by all of the repairs - nobody would ever pay the market rate for a lemon.

In the end it was like a trade-in. They took back my lemon, I paid something nominal like $800 for the mileage/wear-and-tear on a vehicle with a couple thousand miles on the odometer, and then I essentially had a credit. I tried to essentially buy the same truck, but ended up getting one with some upgrades. However, the new truck was actually cheaper despite being newer because the current incentives were better - so it erased the $800 I had paid. In the end I got a brand new truck that was 2yrs newer for nothing.

The whole process probably took a year but was worth it. I will still credit that kid (probably in his mid-20s) at the BBB that essentially acted as my attorney. When he presented Ford's offers to me and I rejected, he would take my rejection back to the manufacturer and negotiated more. It was a fantastic experience, except for the whole being without my truck for a year-thing and having to deal with all of the documentation and back-and-forth.

Stick with it. They aren't going to lay down with their legs spread wide open, so you need to make your case.

 

[spd32177RAM]

Thank you for the feedback. It’s honestly baffling to me that, given the way the law is written, this situation should be clear-cut. I don’t understand how they’re able to treat customers like this. I’ve really enjoyed the RAM, but this entire experience has definitely left a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to Stellantis.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Not Stellantis, but a 2007 Dodge Caliber bought back in 2007. Process was easy, dealership manager helped, it was actually them that recommended a buy back after I mentioned Lemon Law. Got full refund for purchase price, sales tax, and registration fees, plus reimbursed for all mods I did to the car, including the lojak and install fee for that. There was no negotiation on my end, that was the first offer I was given and was happy with it. Car had a low amp draw that would sometimes drain the battery overnight, and sometimes would go two weeks before battery wound drain. Was in dealer for warranty repair over three months in the first year we had it.

 

[cerbo]

BBB got a dealer to replace a car I bought which had undisclosed damage. Less than a month from my online complaint the dealer had a brand new car at dealership and I had a trade/sign and drive.

 

[spd32177RAM]

Damn, I wish I asked this forum earlier. Sounds like BBB is the way to go. I checked with BBB and since I filed a lemon law they wont help me.

 

[jamiehughes]

their silence once you filed on them is expected.. that's what big businesses do when a law suit happens.. that's why you hired an attorney, he's supposed to do the talking.. why would they talk to you (the consumer) and jeopardize the case by possibly putting out case damaging commentary or written material? it's a case now if you've done what you say. they don't have to talk to you at all.

 

[spd32177RAM]

I hear ya and agree. Mainly asking if anyone has history dealing with them on a lemon law case. Timeline etc...

 

[AnthonyRI]

their silence once you filed on them is expected.. that's what big businesses do when a law suit happens.. that's why you hired an attorney, he's supposed to do the talking.. why would they talk to you (the consumer) and jeopardize the case by possibly putting out case damaging commentary or written material? it's a case now if you've done what you say. they don't have to talk to you at all.

^^^^ This.

Speaking from experience in my past life (NOT automotive) once there is actual litigation, all the incremental tools and communications go on pause.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I hear ya and agree. Mainly asking if anyone has history dealing with them on a lemon law case. Timeline etc...

Once it actually goes the legal route with attorneys, you can expect it to slow down on timeframe. In my case, with my Caliber, from the time I mentioned lemon law and dealer manager got involved, it was less than a month and I had my buy back

 

[Whoa_Ram]

I know nothing about how lemon laws work as I'm in the same boat myself.

I submitted for a Lemon Law as well on December 19th. As of Monday of this week, I got a message from my attorney that they received a letter from Ram that they were looking at my case and to expect a 45-60 day wait. I was also instructed by my attorney not to drive the truck if possible so the mileage stays low. It's been in the dealer 4 different times, 3 for misfire and another for another code. In total it's sat at the dealer for 92 days. so that's 3 payments I made while it was at the dealer. Plus now I'll be making 2-3 payments before I find out what happens next.

 

[DEG]

What’s frustrating is that Stellantis has now gone silent—no updates, no responses, nothing. Meanwhile, I’ve been stuck making monthly payments and insurance on a truck I don’t even have access to.

They went silent because you sued them and their lawyers told them to not communicate with you. You will now have to communicate with them through your attorney.

I'm not saying you shouldn't have sued them. Just be aware that cutting off all communication, other than between attorneys, is nearly always the first response of any company you are suing. They do not want to risk providing more ammunition you can use against them in the lawsuit.

 

[cerbo]

They went silent because you sued them and their lawyers told them to not communicate with you. You will now have to communicate with them through your attorney.

I'm not saying you shouldn't have sued them. Just be aware that cutting off all communication, other than between attorneys, is nearly always the first response of any company you are suing. They do not want to risk providing more ammunition you can use against them in the lawsuit.

I d walk in their service dept and ask (kinda just for fun) but you never know what they will tell you. It is still your truck.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I d walk in their service dept and ask (kinda just for fun) but you never know what they will tell you. It is still your truck.

Service department has nothing to do with the Lemon Law process, other than peovid to service records

 

[cerbo]

Service department has nothing to do with the Lemon Law process, other than peovid to service records

I know that but I thought his truck was sitting with them? If so I was suggesting he "ask" and see what they say. pardon if I mis understood.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I know that but I thought his truck was sitting with them? If so I was suggesting he "ask" and see what they say. pardon if I mis understood.

They won't know anything other than if they have been told to keep diagnosing it, or let it sit during the litigation.

 

[cerbo]

They won't know anything other than if they have been told to keep diagnosing it, or let it sit during the litigation.

I wouldn't mind knowing that plus he may have some stuff in the truck he wants??

 

[Cobb]

I’m in the middle of a frustrating battle with Stellantis over a 2025 RAM 1500 that I leased brand new. At around 500 miles, I started experiencing a misfire on Cylinder 1. I took it to the dealership twice, but the issue kept coming back. On 11/20/2024, I had to take it in for the third time, and they’ve had it ever since—71 days and counting—with no fix in sight.

I escalated the issue by hiring a lemon law attorney and officially filed a case with Stellantis on 12/16/2024. After weeks of no meaningful progress, we filed a lawsuit against them and I also submitted a complaint to the Attorney General.

What’s frustrating is that Stellantis has now gone silent—no updates, no responses, nothing. Meanwhile, I’ve been stuck making monthly payments and insurance on a truck I don’t even have access to. At first, I just wanted them to replace it, but at this point, I just want my money back.

Has anyone else dealt with Stellantis for a Lemon Law buyback?

• How long did it take for them to resolve your case?
• Did they try to drag it out or eventually settle?
• Any advice on dealing with their delays?

I appreciate any insight because this situation is beyond frustrating, and I am trying to gauge how much longer I have to deal with this.

I have just finished a Lemon Law buyback with another Manufacturer... Here's my experience... Never done it .. Frustrated as heck.. continual run-around with 3 dealer(s) & manufacturer to resolve my Random "no start/electrical issue".... towed truck each time to closest dealer.. 48 total days in shop.. 5 shop visits.... 11 month old truck.. 12K ish miles as began symptoms... 20K ish miles as achieved a buyback..
I Called and agreed to attorney representation for one day... then after confirming with him 6-8 months was the standard length of a successful case... I requested no representation and began on my own to resolve.... I could not be with a new truck random no start that long....
Thoughts:
-Stop being frustrated.... I WAS but finally realized not to be... especially if you want to exercise your lemon law rights... total shop days and total shop visits are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT in a Lemon Law case... Look up your own state laws... each vary.. mine was 4 visits or 30 total business days in shop.... One or the other... I could have and should have submitted with BBB.org on the 30 day as my vehicle was still in the shop.... Time is on your side in the case of a Lemon...
- Demand accurate receipts.... a chore... noting 50% of my receipts had inaccurate dates..... those did not show the actual "total" dates that the shop had my truck in their possession... luckily a pain but semi easy to have fixed as the tow dates are as arrived.. the second part is that to demand the accurate issue/s you reported are listed on shop tickets.. EACH TIME.. Never again will I accept a receipt not showing what I stated was occurring..
- was told some attorneys might first themselves utilize BBB.org (Better Business Bureau).... to submit the initial findings.. and in my case under warranty info in my Truck owners manual the BBB.org is listed for dispute resolution... so I decided myself to contact them... number listed on their site... I asked; if not resolved to my satisfaction; could I still pursue legal.. they said yes.. My state law specifically list the exact terms for a buyback.. Mine was simple calculation MSRP(since that is what I had paid /covid time) no loan, less some usage mileage... first 15K free... remainder at a determined rate... so really no negotiations just yes or no would they buy it back as a Lemon.. My state law is designed to make you whole as you were before the transaction.... but with no pain and suffering, no finance charges included. Excise and registration taxes WERE included though, but you must show proof by paid receipt..
BBB Process was simple & on-line.... answer 5 ish questions... Vin, mileage, symptoms, shop days, shop visits.. said after my initial call/submission.... BBB said yes: you seem to meet the requirements in your state SO we (BBB) will forward to manufacturer for their review... est. 14 days for their reply... exactly 14 days later.. Manufacturer emailed me directly & said yes you meet the buyback terms... upload a few more docs... (title, drivers licenses, registration) & within 30 days we will make you an offer... IF agree; arrange with dealer to surrender and get check... MY Total time from beginning with BBB was 7-8 weeks.... no court.... Not saying it wasn't stressful and frustrating but the outcome was positive.. Hang in there... Very Sorry your Experiencing issues with a new Truck..

 

[Whoa_Ram]

Any update for the OP? Ram has responded to my Lawyer with cash back. First offer was to just pay off their fees. We pushed back and they offered me 3000, I asked to push back again. I told them I at least want enough to trade in my Ram and not take a hit.

 

[oe542bob]

Quick story. 18 years ago I bought a new truck. Problem even before I picked it up. Wasn’t told to me as I found out later at another dealership that began trying to fix the pickup. Turned out the engine had a bad cylinder. Lemon Law contacted. Took about 9 months, in fact the next day I was going to have to go to Philadelphia federal court with the company & lawyer. Got a call on my way home, was told it was settled. $8500. I got $5500. BTW, I’m in PA