The dreaded leaking and cracked rear window frame

[frisby5]

If my rear window starts leaking, I'm not going to d!ck around with the dealer, just to have another defective rear window installed. I'll buy a solid rear window and have my local glass shop install it. $300-400 out of pocket and the problem is solved.

Solid rear window! If your keeping the truck get a solid rear window so you dont have to worry about it. Thats my truck at the dealer when i was buying.

 

[Shadowsnkx]

After putting a bead of silicone on my rear window frame, I still had a slight leak. While working on my audio system I noticed the rear wall vents were filthy with dirt and had water spots. I popped it out and the dinky seal around the vent has been covered with silicone. After letting it dry for a few, I have been through several rainstorms but no more leaks.


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[Stony0604]

100% agree that it's an outside party doing the glasswork. Part of it is I just don't want to lose. hahaha. I agree the $467 probably isn't worth the hassle but I'll see what the GM has to say.

Doesn't hurt to ask the GM. I just had to drop it off again yesterday, as the glass was on back order. One day in and out, but they didn't charge me a dime, and it too was subbed out to the glass company.

 

[rkjunior]

Update on my truck, which is a 2019 Rebel with 80K. FCA is covering all materials for the repair -- the back replacement window and the RF hub. My servicing dealer won't give me a full credit on labor, which is normally around $800 -- they settled on $467. Apparently "it's a third party doing the glass replacement and we're losing money on it". My issue is FCA is acknowledging there is an issue enough to cover $2000+ in parts but yet not the labor? It seems like the service manager is doing everything they can so I'm attempting to contact the GM of the dealer as a next step.

Anyone ever successfully take them to small claims on something like this? I feel like with the support of the TSB, which doesn't specify why my truck is NOT covered - it could be a winnable judgement in my favor. It's only $467 but the principle behind it since no one can tell me why it's not covered even though it meets all the criteria.

Update: Got a call from the Ram Cares rep randomly today and long story short, she basically said she was fighting for my case behind the scenes and I now only have to pay for $100. Not sure where that number came from but I wasn't about to complain. Apparently the glass has come in- just pending a schedule from the installer at this point.

 

[kferguson]

I am having the same issue with my 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie. I have the two identical cracks in the window frame that everyone else has. I don't know how long they were there because the water leaks behind the seat and runs down and settles under the seat on the passenger side. I didn't know until I lifted the seat to get something out and saw a ton of mold and felt the soaked carpet. I called the dealership and they said to bring it in so they can test to see where water is coming in. So I took it in (the drive is an hour away) and they said the warranty extension doesn't cover this model and only covers the third brake light. They said they'll run the diagnostics to see where it's coming in. Then they printed out a document stating the diagnostics will cost $433, which was NEVER mentioned on the phone. They said to call FCA Customer Care. I called and they were completely useless and told me there is nothing they can do. I don't understand why some models have the warranty extension and some don't, even though they ALL have the exact same issue with the window. Now I'm stuck paying $433 for diagnostics, which will go towards a new window, but I have no guarantee that the new window won't do the exact same thing this one did. I'm SO frustrated that they won't step up and do the right thing. I don't want to keep replacing the same back window over and over again for something that isn't my fault.

 

[mikeru82]

I am having the same issue with my 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie. I have the two identical cracks in the window frame that everyone else has. I don't know how long they were there because the water leaks behind the seat and runs down and settles under the seat on the passenger side. I didn't know until I lifted the seat to get something out and saw a ton of mold and felt the soaked carpet. I called the dealership and they said to bring it in so they can test to see where water is coming in. So I took it in (the drive is an hour away) and they said the warranty extension doesn't cover this model and only covers the third brake light. They said they'll run the diagnostics to see where it's coming in. Then they printed out a document stating the diagnostics will cost $433, which was NEVER mentioned on the phone. They said to call FCA Customer Care. I called and they were completely useless and told me there is nothing they can do. I don't understand why some models have the warranty extension and some don't, even though they ALL have the exact same issue with the window. Now I'm stuck paying $433 for diagnostics, which will go towards a new window, but I have no guarantee that the new window won't do the exact same thing this one did. I'm SO frustrated that they won't step up and do the right thing. I don't want to keep replacing the same back window over and over again for something that isn't my fault.

The warranty extension is for some 2019 thru 2021 5th gen (DT) models. Your 2015 is a 4th gen (DS). It shouldn't be surprising your truck isn't covered under this warranty extension.

 

[kferguson]

The warranty extension is for some 2019 thru 2021 5th gen (DT) models. Your 2015 is a 4th gen (DS). It shouldn't be surprising your truck isn't covered under this warranty extension.

It was a typo. I totally didn't mean to type 2015. I meant 2019. Thank you!

 

[mikeru82]

It was a typo. I totally didn't mean to type 2015. I meant 2019. Thank you!

Lots of us are finding out our trucks aren't covered under this TSB, with no explanation as to why. Same cracks as in the pics but the warranty extension doesn't apply. Frustrating for sure.

 

[theblet]

Lots of us are finding out our trucks aren't covered under this TSB, with no explanation as to why. Same cracks as in the pics but the warranty extension doesn't apply. Frustrating for sure.

It’s bs for sure

 

[DaveRebel]

What dealer

They will replace it. They aren't going to test if it is leaking. Just say it is and get it fixed. Had mine fixed. They came out and took pics and sent it in to FCA and it was approved and replaced. Easy.

What dealer did you go to?

 

[river rat]

For anyone that doesn't want to rely on Ram to fix their leaking rear window, I did the permatex flowable silicone fix a few weeks ago and my carpets are still dry after multiple storms.

 

[grimreefer]

Been a bit over two years since ours was replaced with 68426398AE and still water tight so far...

 

[GabbyC]

Well it finally happened the rear window frame has cracked and leaking bad so i make an appointment with the dealer ( Merrick Ram,Jeep,Dodge on long island) that i bought the truck from new 2 years ago now has 21,000 miles and i have the 8 year 85,000 mile extended bumper to bumper platinum to boot. I first noticed the leak and sealed the rear brake light with electrical tape and still leaked bad then i taped the top edge of the glass and bingo no more leak and dried out the seat and carpet. the dealer calls me today and says the leak was the third brake light so i mentioned the window frame crack again and they made out like this is the first time they have heard of it ( i know of 5 people with the same truck and 3 had the rear window replaced and the other 2 have their fingers crossed). the service manager said the the plastic that is cracked is only a trim piece and replacing it would not be covered under warranty. so after some attitude i will pick the truck up tomorrow and take up the fight with FCA but i dont expect much because they never got back to me the last time. View attachment 113948View attachment 113949
Ram cares are you on here ?

I have a 2019 Rebel with only 42k I don't drive it often now. 6 mos ago while cleaning it I found the carpet was soaked from the back window to the front floor. I took it to the dealer where they said it was from the 3rd brake light leaking. The next time it rained it leaked again. After some time researching the issue I learned that those cracks (I found them as well) are signs that the window leaks. I went back and forth with the service dept. they finally agreed to order the window replacement which is on backorder, of course. I've had a tarp on my truck for 4 months which is hell on the paint. I called the dealership parts dept yesterday and learned the replacement window has been there for some time and they've not reached out to make the apt. Now the dealership is telling me Chrysler has changed their repair protocols 2 months ago and the fix will only be the seal, not the window or the cracked frame. I told them I reported the leak and the parts were ordered 4 months ago so it didn't matter what protocols they changed 2 months ago. I find out tomorrow if there's more fight ahead.

 

[H2OMAN]

Been a bit over two years since ours was replaced with 68426398AE and still water tight so far...

Mine too.

 

[SD Rebel]

I have a 2019 Rebel with only 42k I don't drive it often now. 6 mos ago while cleaning it I found the carpet was soaked from the back window to the front floor. I took it to the dealer where they said it was from the 3rd brake light leaking. The next time it rained it leaked again. After some time researching the issue I learned that those cracks (I found them as well) are signs that the window leaks. I went back and forth with the service dept. they finally agreed to order the window replacement which is on backorder, of course. I've had a tarp on my truck for 4 months which is hell on the paint. I called the dealership parts dept yesterday and learned the replacement window has been there for some time and they've not reached out to make the apt. Now the dealership is telling me Chrysler has changed their repair protocols 2 months ago and the fix will only be the seal, not the window or the cracked frame. I told them I reported the leak and the parts were ordered 4 months ago so it didn't matter what protocols they changed 2 months ago. I find out tomorrow if there's more fight ahead.

Stuff like this is why Stellantis is in trouble, they sell vehicles to people and then their service department can't back it up.

Leading to angry customers who will think twice before getting another one in the future.

 

[H2OMAN]

Stuff like this is why Stellantis is in trouble, they sell vehicles to people and then their service department can't back it up.

Leading to angry customers who will think twice before getting another one in the future.

I'm not a Fanboi so I'm not defending Stellantis in any way. There just seems to me to be an industry wide plague of crap quality goods being pushed out of the auto industry. I think I place blame on "To Big to Fail". I think when the auto manufacturers got bailed out it gave them the impression that they always would be and removed the incentive to build quality machines. It has even spread to Toyota. I'm hearing dyed in the wool Yota freaks tell me never to buy a 2024 Toyota anything. It's bad out there fellas and it ain't just Stellantis.

 

[SD Rebel]

I'm not a Fanboi so I'm not defendeing Stellantis in any way. There just seems to me to be an industry wide plague of crap quality good being pushed out of the auto industry. I think I place blame on "To Big to Fail". I think when the auto manufacturers got bailed out it gave them the impression that they always would be and removed the incentive to build quality machines. It has even spread to Toyota. i'm hearing dyed in the wool Yota freaks tell me never to buy a 2024 Toyota anything. It's bad out there fellas and it ain't just Stellantis.

I agree on the quality control, for sure this isn't just Stellantis.

My issue is with how Stellantis's dealership network handles it. They have been the lowest rated service department in the North America for a few years running now. Their dealerships are highly rated on the sales and finance side, but opposite when it comes to service & repair. I honestly think they sold so many Jeeps, Chargers/Challengers & RAMs these last few years, their service departments are swamped and their customer service hasn't been able to adjust.

I've owned Ford, GM and Toyota in the last 10 years and the dealership experiences I've had, especially with our Toyota has been vastly better than what I've experienced at our local Stellantis dealerships. To the point I do my own oil changes on my RAM. I know this doesn't apply to all of them, but being ranked last nationally isn't by accident.

 

[Pribilof]

I agree on the quality control, for sure this isn't just Stellantis.

My issue is with how Stellantis's dealership network handles it. They have been the lowest rated service department in the North America for a few years running now. Their dealerships are highly rated on the sales and finance side, but opposite when it comes to service & repair. I honestly think they sold so many Jeeps, Chargers/Challengers & RAMs these last few years, their service departments are swamped and their customer service hasn't been able to adjust.

I've owned Ford, GM and Toyota in the last 10 years and the dealership experiences I've had, especially with our Toyota has been vastly better than what I've experienced at our local Stellantis dealerships. To the point I do my own oil changes on my RAM. I know this doesn't apply to all of them, but being ranked last nationally isn't by accident.

Yes, the Stellantis service departments ARE swamped.

NHTSA Recalls by Manufacturer

datahub.transportation.gov

Ford has had 31 recalls for about 3.63 MM vehicles.
Stellantis has had 31 recalls for about 2.26 MM vehicles.

Ford sells about 400k more vehicles per year in the US than Stellantis however and Ford (2800) has about 10% more dealers in the USA than Stellantis (2600).

Toyota only has 1500 dealers but also only recalled 1 MM vehicles.

666 vehicles recalled per dealer for Toyota.
1011 per Stellantis dealer.
1296 per Ford dealer.

GM has only recalled 647k vehicles for about 4000 GM (combined brands) dealers. 161 vehicles recalled per dealer. Those ASE Mechanics must be bored!!!

 

[Choate]

Isn’t this under warranty now for 100k miles or 6 or 7 years? I got a letter in the mail on it a while back. Luckily and I’m probably jinx myself but I’ve never had a problem in my 2019 with this issue

 

[theblet]

Isn’t this under warranty now for 100k miles or 6 or 7 years? I got a letter in the mail on it a while back. Luckily and I’m probably jinx myself but I’ve never had a problem in my 2019 with this issue

I hadn’t either until recently. Never got my letter. Bought two tubes of permatex and handled it myself