Totally unhappy with my purchase

[Dont buy a RAM]

Folks we have a problem!
Purchased this truck new from dealership Scott Robinson Torrance CA. First time buying a new truck from Dodge Ram after owning GMC & Chevy trucks for over 30 years. I paid cash for the truck (mistake, they already got my money) and have treated me horrible along the way.
This truck has spend over 27 days at the dealership in the first year. I have spent countless hours reaching out to the dealer, along with RAM with no help other than lip service.
Purchased 10/22/2018 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Bighorn Hemi 5.7

Dealer visits. Only 1 time given loaner vehicle!

1. 11/12/18 (1) day, 632 miles blind spot monitor system fail
2. 1/22/19 (2) days, 2,777 miles back up camera fail, transmission shifting rough, tail gate not closing properly not latching on left lock
3. 1/23/19 (9) days, dealership wrecked my truck on their lot
4. 2/7/19 (1) day, 2,990 miles tailgate adjusted
5. 3/12/19 (1) day, 4,289 miles recall steering strap (parts not available)
6. 9/11/19 (1) day, 10,582 miles recall recall steering strap (parts not available)
7. 11/30/19 (8) days 12,095 miles transmission failed truck immediately applied brakes stopped in intersection had to be towed. (lost confidence in vehicle unsafe!)
8. 3/13/20 (5) days, 15,072 miles tailgate parts installed - steering strap install recall - electric peddle adjustment recall - brakes squeaking

Current issues 25,000 miles

1. break squeak
2. loud clunk noise when turning left or right
3. tail gate still not fixed
4. transmission slips, hesitates when stopped
5. Loud lifter nose at start up
6. Brakes do not hold when stopped further pressure must be applied to keep from rolling
7. When cabin filled with luggage loud engine noise coming through speakers

Other than the horrible customer service and the on going problems, it's an amazing truck, unfortunately the dealership along with the RAM did nothing to help me out! I will not purchase another RAM product after this experience!

 

[Rexx]

1/23/19 (9) days, dealership wrecked my truck on their lot

umm what?
Sorry to hear about all the issues you are having that haven’t been resolved but this one makes me ask what the heck.

 

[emings]

1. 1/23/19 (9) days, dealership wrecked my truck on their lot.

[/QUOTE]

Thats your clue the problem isnt with Ram it's the dealer you're going to...I'd take my truck somewhere else

 

[nburd]

Sorry to hear you are having issues with the truck and dealer.

If you still want to enjoy the truck, a new dealer possibly will address your issues. Unfortunately, the first year of any new model, tends to be problematic (just look at the number or TSBs and recalls) especially with american vehicles and the 2019 RAM was 100% new (less most of the Engine and Tranny). You must have an early one as it was bought in 2018 as well. It looks like your items 2-5 and 7 are valid warranty repairs. Possibly 1 and 6, I would expect as well.

I assume you have etorque? This, of course was brand new in '19 as well. I have a new '20 and have learned that the brakes must have more pressure applied at a stop, especially when restarting (with the self shut off feature) or it somewhat lunges forward when restarting with only light brake pressure. That was totally new to me and I have gotten used to it in 4000 miles.

I guess the bright side right now, everything is at a premium value, especially used vehicles and pickup trucks. If you are totally frustrated (it's understandable), maybe selling or trading is your best option at this time and go with something else. Probably best that you paid cash as you do not have to worry about paying off a loan. You can check on the CA lemon law requirements, I am not familiar with them.

I wish you well. I have had poor service on a previous Ram purchase (the truck was very reliable, just crappy dealership) from the selling dealer and never went back. The dealer is 100 yards form my office, and I drove 4 hours to buy from another dealer for my new truck as I still do not trust them. Plus, I know several people who have been taken advantage of, service wise, from the stealership.

I had a quick look at your dealer, there are some pretty unfortunate reviews...... Stay safe!

 

[highgear2005]

I smell troll! “Don’t buy a ram” I just love these! Why did you keep going back to the same dealer? Pay cash, take a loan, it’s all the same. They got your money! All brands have problems! I’ve had my share. Just because you had a bad experience, doesn’t mean I will! My truck has been problem free, after a year I’m completely happy. Keeps me warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I read the GM form,recent thread, ask would you buy another GM truck. The first 7 replies are NO. I came from a ford that was nothing but issues. I know not all fords have trouble. I decided to switch brands because I needed a change. Maybe the truth is your never going to be happy unless your driving a GM truck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RSConsulting]

Seems like dealerships are an issue with RAM's - though likely no more or less than any other brand. Though I think part of the issue with FCA dealers is that they have too many brands under one roof (Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep), and even though Ram trucks are likely their big ticket item (other than redeye chargers & challengers), they seem to spread themselves a little thin on brand focus. Seems like FCA corp also tries to "dodge" (lol) responsibility when it comes to keeping a foot in the dealers ***, and approving warranty repairs.

All previous vehicles I owned - I developed a RELATIONSHIP with my service writer, service manager, parts guy, sales manager. Made sure to go say hi to all of them every time I was in the dealership (and even when I was just in the neighborhood to stop and say hi). I still stop and say hi to the guys at my old Honda dealership - I miss those guys.

My closest RAM dealer, didn't really impress me - so I bought and service my truck at a dealership 30 minutes away. Have developed a relationship with my service writer, and one of the sales managers. Not overly impressed with them either - but they don't ignore me when I come through the door. Service departments are always the "cheep *****" of the dealership world - though some dealers have come to realize if they have better/more attentive writers and techs that actually fix the issue(s) - they develop DEALER LOYALTY (and repeat sales).

That being said - I had a slow week this week - so I stopped at GM/Chevy/Ford stealerships to kick some tiers - and did a little "build & price" on new models - just for laughs. The only thing I didn't get this purchase - was 4X4 (don't really need it - and I purchased for the MFT, color & options - of which, 4X4 is the only one my current truck doesn't have). For features and value - I would STILL BUY A RAM (if I was in the market for a truck today). If I was going to replace my current '19 (24K miles) - I'd likely wait until there were some mid-generation updates that made it worthwhile to do so. I was looking to replace my '16 Honda Pilot last year - would have bought another one, but there were NO mid-generation updates (except the addition of CarPlay) and I wasn't paying $45K for "new car smell".

It also looks like the OP hasn't had any issues in the last 10K miles. So I'd say, find a new dealership - build relationships with the key players (service writer, service manager, sales manager) - and see where it goes.

My $.02...

Rick

 

[Genxeration]

Seems like dealerships are an issue with RAM's - though likely no more or less than any other brand. Though I think part of the issue with FCA dealers is that they have too many brands under one roof (Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep), and even though Ram trucks are likely their big ticket item (other than redeye chargers & challengers), they seem to spread themselves a little thin on brand focus. Seems like FCA corp also tries to "dodge" (lol) responsibility when it comes to keeping a foot in the dealers ***, and approving warranty repairs.

All previous vehicles I owned - I developed a RELATIONSHIP with my service writer, service manager, parts guy, sales manager. Made sure to go say hi to all of them every time I was in the dealership (and even when I was just in the neighborhood to stop and say hi). I still stop and say hi to the guys at my old Honda dealership - I miss those guys.

My closest RAM dealer, didn't really impress me - so I bought and service my truck at a dealership 30 minutes away. Have developed a relationship with my service writer, and one of the sales managers. Not overly impressed with them either - but they don't ignore me when I come through the door. Service departments are always the "cheep *****" of the dealership world - though some dealers have come to realize if they have better/more attentive writers and techs that actually fix the issue(s) - they develop DEALER LOYALTY (and repeat sales).

That being said - I had a slow week this week - so I stopped at GM/Chevy/Ford stealerships to kick some tiers - and did a little "build & price" on new models - just for laughs. The only thing I didn't get this purchase - was 4X4 (don't really need it - and I purchased for the MFT, color & options - of which, 4X4 is the only one my current truck doesn't have). For features and value - I would STILL BUY A RAM (if I was in the market for a truck today). If I was going to replace my current '19 (24K miles) - I'd likely wait until there were some mid-generation updates that made it worthwhile to do so. I was looking to replace my '16 Honda Pilot last year - would have bought another one, but there were NO mid-generation updates (except the addition of CarPlay) and I wasn't paying $45K for "new car smell".

It also looks like the OP hasn't had any issues in the last 10K miles. So I'd say, find a new dealership - build relationships with the key players (service writer, service manager, sales manager) - and see where it goes.

My $.02...

Rick

I found myself shopping for a new truck recently. I saw good incentives on 2020s and decent trade-in value on my 2019 Ram. After test driving a Raptor, AT4, and Trail Boss I realized I’d be downgrading to go with any. Even the B&O audio in the Raptor didn’t sound as good as my Ram’s H&K audio and GM’s Bose doesn’t come close . I’m not sure how Ford managed to screw up a Fox Live suspension but that Raptor rode terrible compared to my Ram with a Mopar 2” lift with 35” Nittos. The AT4 and Trail Boss might have been Slightly more to my liking than the Raptor but, in the end, I realized I’d buy a 2020 Ram just like I have now! I’ve had my fair share of quirky issues but nothing else compares to ride and features of the Ram IMO.

 

[RSConsulting]

I found myself shopping for a new truck recently. I saw good incentives on 2020s and decent trade-in value on my 2019 Ram. After test driving a Raptor, AT4, and Trail Boss I realized I’d be downgrading to go with any. Even the B&O audio in the Raptor didn’t sound as good as my Ram’s H&K audio and GM’s Bose doesn’t come close . I’m not sure how Ford managed to screw up a Fox Live suspension but that Raptor rode terrible compared to my Ram with a Mopar 2” lift with 35” Nittos. The AT4 and Trail Boss might have been Slightly more to my liking than the Raptor but, in the end, I realized I’d buy a 2020 Ram just like I have now! I’ve had my fair share of quirky issues but nothing else compares to ride and features of the Ram IMO.

I found it pretty amazing myself that Ram was just so "head and shoulders" above the competition. I was really more int he market for a full sized SUV - but couldn't find one that optioned out the way the Ram is - in the "less than $80K range". It's no mystery (now) why they're "Truck of the Year" two years running. For features and comfort they really have left Ford & GM in the dust. F-150 Platinum Diesel came in a very close 2nd.

For me - the MFT & 12" display were the main selling points. Why the "other guys" haven't taken the hint on this is beyond me.

Rick

 

[Dont buy a RAM]

umm what?
Sorry to hear about all the issues you are having that haven’t been resolved but this one makes me ask what the heck.

Thanks for the post!

 

[Dont buy a RAM]

1. 1/23/19 (9) days, dealership wrecked my truck on their lot.

Thats your clue the problem isnt with Ram it's the dealer you're going to...I'd take my truck somewhere else
[/QUOTE]
After the dealership wreck my new truck I moved to another location, unfortunately that dealership is no longer a Ram dealer. Thx

 

[Dont buy a RAM]

Sorry to hear you are having issues with the truck and dealer.

If you still want to enjoy the truck, a new dealer possibly will address your issues. Unfortunately, the first year of any new model, tends to be problematic (just look at the number or TSBs and recalls) especially with american vehicles and the 2019 RAM was 100% new (less most of the Engine and Tranny). You must have an early one as it was bought in 2018 as well. It looks like your items 2-5 and 7 are valid warranty repairs. Possibly 1 and 6, I would expect as well.

I assume you have etorque? This, of course was brand new in '19 as well. I have a new '20 and have learned that the brakes must have more pressure applied at a stop, especially when restarting (with the self shut off feature) or it somewhat lunges forward when restarting with only light brake pressure. That was totally new to me and I have gotten used to it in 4000 miles.

I guess the bright side right now, everything is at a premium value, especially used vehicles and pickup trucks. If you are totally frustrated (it's understandable), maybe selling or trading is your best option at this time and go with something else. Probably best that you paid cash as you do not have to worry about paying off a loan. You can check on the CA lemon law requirements, I am not familiar with them.

I wish you well. I have had poor service on a previous Ram purchase (the truck was very reliable, just crappy dealership) from the selling dealer and never went back. The dealer is 100 yards form my office, and I drove 4 hours to buy from another dealer for my new truck as I still do not trust them. Plus, I know several people who have been taken advantage of, service wise, from the stealership.

I had a quick look at your dealer, there are some pretty unfortunate reviews...... Stay safe!

Thanks for the post.

I moved to another dealership after they wreck my brand new truck. Unfortunately, the new dealership is not a RAM dealership any more. I now have to drive a considerable distance to have truck worked on.
I just thought in todays age that they would stand behind their product.
I have been working with a Lemon law attorney which is proceeding slowly. lemon law normally work quicker if 1 major component fails repeatedly, with all these separate problems it takes longer to establish negligence.

 

[PowerJrod]

Folks we have a problem!
Purchased this truck new from dealership Scott Robinson Torrance CA. First time buying a new truck from Dodge Ram after owning GMC & Chevy trucks for over 30 years. I paid cash for the truck (mistake, they already got my money) and have treated me horrible along the way.
This truck has spend over 27 days at the dealership in the first year. I have spent countless hours reaching out to the dealer, along with RAM with no help other than lip service.
Purchased 10/22/2018 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Bighorn Hemi 5.7

Dealer visits. Only 1 time given loaner vehicle!

1. 11/12/18 (1) day, 632 miles blind spot monitor system fail
2. 1/22/19 (2) days, 2,777 miles back up camera fail, transmission shifting rough, tail gate not closing properly not latching on left lock
3. 1/23/19 (9) days, dealership wrecked my truck on their lot
4. 2/7/19 (1) day, 2,990 miles tailgate adjusted
5. 3/12/19 (1) day, 4,289 miles recall steering strap (parts not available)
6. 9/11/19 (1) day, 10,582 miles recall recall steering strap (parts not available)
7. 11/30/19 (8) days 12,095 miles transmission failed truck immediately applied brakes stopped in intersection had to be towed. (lost confidence in vehicle unsafe!)
8. 3/13/20 (5) days, 15,072 miles tailgate parts installed - steering strap install recall - electric peddle adjustment recall - brakes squeaking

Current issues 25,000 miles

1. break squeak
2. loud clunk noise when turning left or right
3. tail gate still not fixed
4. transmission slips, hesitates when stopped
5. Loud lifter nose at start up
6. Brakes do not hold when stopped further pressure must be applied to keep from rolling
7. When cabin filled with luggage loud engine noise coming through speakers

Other than the horrible customer service and the on going problems, it's an amazing truck, unfortunately the dealership along with the RAM did nothing to help me out! I will not purchase another RAM product after this experience!

Your first mistake was paying for the vehicle all at once. Second was trusting that obviously not-worthwhile dealership after the first series of problems weren't fixed...and for wrecking the truck. You had plenty of time to consort the lemon laws in 25k miles. I'm sorry...but if it was this much trouble in the beginning...why didn't you just leave the truck with a better dealer until they either fixed the issues completely or have it swapped out for a new Ram??? I know there are some shady Ram dealerships and service centers but they're not all like that.

 

[Rick J]

I'm curious as to why it was a mistake for him to pay cash for the truck. Do you think that if he financed through FCA or his bank or credit union he could just stop making the payments until his truck was fixed to his satisfaction? That's not going to work out well for someone if they tried that.

The only "error" I can find in paying cash depends on whether they are offering a rebate for financing. I paid $56K plus tax and license for my truck. I financed $30K because that was the minimum to get a $1K rebate. I then paid it off on the second payment.

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

I'm curious as to why it was a mistake for him to pay cash for the truck. Do you think that if he financed through FCA or his bank or credit union he could just stop making the payments until his truck was fixed to his satisfaction? That's not going to work out well for someone if they tried that.

The only "error" I can find in paying cash depends on whether they are offering a rebate for financing. I paid $56K plus tax and license for my truck. I financed $30K because that was the minimum to get a $1K rebate. I then paid it off on the second payment.

Agreed.
I am always amazed at the misinformation floating around on the forums. People offer advise without having accurate information, or knowledge, to assist properly. This then gets perpetuated all over the place.

 

[Moparian]

Thanks for the post.

I moved to another dealership after they wreck my brand new truck. Unfortunately, the new dealership is not a RAM dealership any more. I now have to drive a considerable distance to have truck worked on.
I just thought in todays age that they would stand behind their product.
I have been working with a Lemon law attorney which is proceeding slowly. lemon law normally work quicker if 1 major component fails repeatedly, with all these separate problems it takes longer to establish negligence.

There is nothing fast about lemon law, regardless if its 1 major issue or multiple because you have to follow the rules that your state established which typically means the vehicle has to be in the shop for x number of days(14 in FL) before you can file, once you file the OEM is given the opportunity for one final chance to repair before they have to replace/buy back. Been there and done that. That being said every single manufacturer has issues, they all produce lemons(hence the reason for lemon laws) and you having a lemon doesnt mean all Rams are bad. My 2020 has 0 issues thus far with almost 10k on the clock.

 

[User_3336]

If you are talking about the $1,000 Finance Rebate thru Chrysler Capital, $7500 is the minimum to finance.

I'm curious as to why it was a mistake for him to pay cash for the truck. Do you think that if he financed through FCA or his bank or credit union he could just stop making the payments until his truck was fixed to his satisfaction? That's not going to work out well for someone if they tried that.

The only "error" I can find in paying cash depends on whether they are offering a rebate for financing. I paid $56K plus tax and license for my truck. I financed $30K because that was the minimum to get a $1K rebate. I then paid it off on the second payment.

 

[Rick J]

If you are talking about the $1,000 Finance Rebate thru Chrysler Capital, $7500 is the minimum to finance.

That's the one. I really didn't look into it. I just asked the salesman how much I had to finance and he said $30K. I didn't really care because I knew I was paying it off. Maybe it looked better for the dealership if I financed more.

 

[RSConsulting]

I'm curious as to why it was a mistake for him to pay cash for the truck. Do you think that if he financed through FCA or his bank or credit union he could just stop making the payments until his truck was fixed to his satisfaction? That's not going to work out well for someone if they tried that.

The only "error" I can find in paying cash depends on whether they are offering a rebate for financing. I paid $56K plus tax and license for my truck. I financed $30K because that was the minimum to get a $1K rebate. I then paid it off on the second payment.

Hear ya - don't think you can "just stop making payments" - but it would make it easier for your creditor to REPO the truck - being stuck at the dealership and all. PLUS - it starts dumping your credit score.

I would have paid cash for my truck - my accountant wouldn't let me. I put $27K down - financed 20 with FCA - accountant wanted me to finance MORE. With a 758 Trans/Equitrac score, two fully paid car loans in the last 6 years - they nailed me for 8.9% interest. Claimed my "FICO" was 680. I don't carry a lot of credit (after doing a bankruptcy during the housing market crash), and typically don't believe in "owing people $$". Being self-employed - a health/business tragedy could have me dodging the repo man.

That being said - paying cash is all about leveraging assets and how you depreciate them. Most folks don't have $50K to plunk down on a vehicle. Since my Sub-S business pays all my bills (and I let my accountant figure it out) - I had "spare cash" 3rd qtr last year that I had to expense out anyways. Wish I DID pay cash in hindsight. But I typically don't carry car loans more than 2 years ( likely one of the reasons WHY they clipped me for 8.9% on a 6 year note).

Rick

 

[User_3336]

You actually TRUST a salesman? the more you finance, the more of a kickback they receive on the back-end.
Its just like the "salesman or finance manager" tells you to float the loan three months (we're talking Chrysler Capital--others could be different). You can pay the loan off as soon as you have the account number. And of course, the dealer looses it "kickback".

That's the one. I really didn't look into it. I just asked the salesman how much I had to finance and he said $30K. I didn't really care because I knew I was paying it off. Maybe it looked better for the dealership if I financed more.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Folks we have a problem!
Purchased this truck new from dealership Scott Robinson Torrance CA. First time buying a new truck from Dodge Ram after owning GMC & Chevy trucks for over 30 years. I paid cash for the truck (mistake, they already got my money) and have treated me horrible along the way.
This truck has spend over 27 days at the dealership in the first year. I have spent countless hours reaching out to the dealer, along with RAM with no help other than lip service.
Purchased 10/22/2018 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Bighorn Hemi 5.7

Dealer visits. Only 1 time given loaner vehicle!

1. 11/12/18 (1) day, 632 miles blind spot monitor system fail
2. 1/22/19 (2) days, 2,777 miles back up camera fail, transmission shifting rough, tail gate not closing properly not latching on left lock
3. 1/23/19 (9) days, dealership wrecked my truck on their lot
4. 2/7/19 (1) day, 2,990 miles tailgate adjusted
5. 3/12/19 (1) day, 4,289 miles recall steering strap (parts not available)
6. 9/11/19 (1) day, 10,582 miles recall recall steering strap (parts not available)
7. 11/30/19 (8) days 12,095 miles transmission failed truck immediately applied brakes stopped in intersection had to be towed. (lost confidence in vehicle unsafe!)
8. 3/13/20 (5) days, 15,072 miles tailgate parts installed - steering strap install recall - electric peddle adjustment recall - brakes squeaking

Current issues 25,000 miles

1. break squeak
2. loud clunk noise when turning left or right
3. tail gate still not fixed
4. transmission slips, hesitates when stopped
5. Loud lifter nose at start up
6. Brakes do not hold when stopped further pressure must be applied to keep from rolling
7. When cabin filled with luggage loud engine noise coming through speakers

Other than the horrible customer service and the on going problems, it's an amazing truck, unfortunately the dealership along with the RAM did nothing to help me out! I will not purchase another RAM product after this experience!

First, really sorry for the bad experience...sounds like you really have a lemon purchased from a really horrible dealership and your recent move definitely complicates things.

Secondly, I understand your anger as reasoning to create "Don't buy a Ram" as a new user name but you know that is just going to inspire the thought that you're going to be nothing more than a troll on the Forum from here on out...just saying.

Maybe it's me, but had over 70 vehicles in my lifetime with more than half being brand new (Chevy, GM, Dodge/Ram, Ford, VW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Nissan, Toyota, Jeep etc.). I have had multiple vehicles and generations with all the manufactures and some have had issues independent of which brand. And definitely had my share of really excellent to really horrible dealership experiences as well. But without that experience, it is really hard to know which dealerships to avoid without doing a lot of research first.

For my 2020 Ram, I only had (1) factory service bulletin that was addressed which was actually less than some of my new GM and Ford purchases. To date, I have had no issues at all and the dealership I purchased from has been excellent. I even complained about a small dent on the fender lip that I eventually noticed weeks after my purchase and they said "no problem"; they repaired it for me at no cost even after I stated that I wasn't sure if it was there since purchase or not. That fact doesn't help you any, but I guess my point that there are great and bad Ram, GM, Ford, et. al. dealerships but wouldn't prevent me from considering any manufacturer (in fact, I was looking at the AT4 too but like yourself I did not like the interior).

Anyway, getting an attorney involved may help and sure hope Ram Customer Service comes through as well (which might be another frustrating process). But I do feel for your anguish and good luck!