Water Leak Damage Coverage?

[omaha_cyclone]

Hey all,

Posting my own thread on a similar topic others have regarding a water/rain leak that has left my carpets with a lingering mold/mildew smell.

I did not know of the leak until the smell and everything was dry.

Doing my own testing, I could only get some water to leak in when pointing a hose directly at the rear cab vents between the bed and cab.
I also tried getting water from the rear brake light and window but didn't see any in my attempt.

I also confirmed the pano drain hoses are properly seated in the front and rear but had no great way to test if they're clogged.

Unfortunately my 2022 Limited 1500 is now at 46k miles so I'm left with my extended warranty from "The Mechanic" in which I bought the platinum coverage plan.

However I have some questions since this is a painful process:

1) How do I get the dealer to accurately diagnose the leak? Will my hunches of pano, rear window, and rear cab exhaust be enough to get them to try to force and find the water leak? Very important that they find the actual leak and not just punt.
2) If they find it, has anyone had success with Ram taking some ownership of this issue? I assume my extended warranty is going to be a hassle as I read it does not cover glass or moldings.
3) I literally pulled up the carpets as much as I could and tried to get spray under and make sure it was dry. But even after 2 deep shampoos and pulling up as much carpet as possible without removing the seats, the smell is still lingering. I even used an smell bomb and changed cabin filters. The smell is definitely baked into the insulation under the carpet under the rear seats.

I'm really hoping @RamCares takes this issue seriously as it seems like some people are getting "known issue, will fix leak". I would take that, but ultimately the carpet in my $65000 truck is ruined and replacing it on my own is totally crazy.

Anyone have advice?

Thanks

 

[vincentw56]

Hey all,

Posting my own thread on a similar topic others have regarding a water/rain leak that has left my carpets with a lingering mold/mildew smell.

I did not know of the leak until the smell and everything was dry.

Doing my own testing, I could only get some water to leak in when pointing a hose directly at the rear cab vents between the bed and cab.
I also tried getting water from the rear brake light and window but didn't see any in my attempt.

I also confirmed the pano drain hoses are properly seated in the front and rear but had no great way to test if they're clogged.

Unfortunately my 2022 Limited 1500 is now at 46k miles so I'm left with my extended warranty from "The Mechanic" in which I bought the platinum coverage plan.

However I have some questions since this is a painful process:

1) How do I get the dealer to accurately diagnose the leak? Will my hunches of pano, rear window, and rear cab exhaust be enough to get them to try to force and find the water leak? Very important that they find the actual leak and not just punt.
2) If they find it, has anyone had success with Ram taking some ownership of this issue? I assume my extended warranty is going to be a hassle as I read it does not cover glass or moldings.
3) I literally pulled up the carpets as much as I could and tried to get spray under and make sure it was dry. But even after 2 deep shampoos and pulling up as much carpet as possible without removing the seats, the smell is still lingering. I even used an smell bomb and changed cabin filters. The smell is definitely baked into the insulation under the carpet under the rear seats.

I'm really hoping @RamCares takes this issue seriously as it seems like some people are getting "known issue, will fix leak". I would take that, but ultimately the carpet in my $65000 truck is ruined and replacing it on my own is totally crazy.

Anyone have advice?

Thanks

Like all the other posts on here about it, they won't cover that damage. Good luck in trying to get it fixed.

 

[Paul B]

Try Pooph, friends swear by it.
I have no experience, but will get some soon to use on some stubborn odors in my garage.
Paul B

 

[FastBlackRam]

I had a bad leak in the back window that became extreme during Hurricane Milton (manufacturing defect not acknowledged by Stellantis) that caused an RF Hub failure and carpet mold over time warranting replacement. After the dealer estimated around $5500 I decided to make an insurance claim with Allstate and they ended up covering the consequential damage but not the window. To the tune of $3500. I used the money to replace the RF Hub and cables, and the window. I didn't do the carpet as the dealer agreed it was not totally necessary. I am treating the mild mold myself. Point here is an insurance claim covered the consequential damage.

 

[omaha_cyclone]

I had a bad leak in the back window that became extreme during Hurricane Milton (manufacturing defect not acknowledged by Stellantis) that caused an RF Hub failure and carpet mold over time warranting replacement. After the dealer estimated around $5500 I decided to make an insurance claim with Allstate and they ended up covering the consequential damage but not the window. To the tune of $3500. I used the money to replace the RF Hub and cables, and the window. I didn't do the carpet as the dealer agreed it was not totally necessary. I am treating the mild mold myself. Point here is an insurance claim covered the consequential damage.

$200 inspection fee from dealer to find it was in fact the rear window. $200 to repair. Not the end of the world, but there's no help from @RamCares or my extended warranty.
Sorry to hear yours was much worse than mine.

 

[cerbo]

$200 inspection fee from dealer to find it was in fact the rear window. $200 to repair. Not the end of the world, but there's no help from @RamCares or my extended warranty.
Sorry to hear yours was much worse than mine.

what and how was the repair done?

 

[omaha_cyclone]

what and how was the repair done?

They want to reseal the rear window. I'll know more on Tuesday. They want to keep it for 24 for the sealant to cure so they can confirm the leak stopped.
I'm surprised that's where they found the leak as I couldn't get it to do the same on my own.

They also said the part number for the rear cab vents are current so replacing them didn't make sense.

 

[FastBlackRam]

$200 inspection fee from dealer to find it was in fact the rear window. $200 to repair. Not the end of the world, but there's no help from @RamCares or my extended warranty.
Sorry to hear yours was much worse than mine.

No offense but mine was not "much worse" than yours I don't think. It's just that I chose a more comprehensive fix than squirting sealant in there. As did the dealer and Safelite. I was quoted a new window, properly installed, as the fix. Since I was getting insurance to pay for it, I think it was the best option going forward.

 

[piper618]

They want to reseal the rear window. I'll know more on Tuesday. They want to keep it for 24 for the sealant to cure so they can confirm the leak stopped.
I'm surprised that's where they found the leak as I couldn't get it to do the same on my own.

They also said the part number for the rear cab vents are current so replacing them didn't make sense.

Yea I was told by the dealership my 2021 Ram Rebel with extended warranty would be covered but that FCA is not replacing the window anymore as they are authorized to only apply sealant to the window to fix. The service tech said it does not look good after they are done FYI and if you have glass coverage on your auto insurance that would be the better option.