First issue with TRX at 15k miles

[OnTheReel]

Sorry to hear of the truck problems. It’s unfortunate, but sounds like a fairly minor fault.

As far as the dealer’s behavior, this story plays out again and again unfortunately. And one thing seems to be a factor in a lot of these horror stories…Ram dealers just don’t give a shit about warranty work on vehicles they didn’t sell. And with inventory still tight, they are also very reluctant to hand out loaners in these situations too. Wrong or right, it’s their prerogative. And Stellantis probably doesn’t care.

Obviously you’re always better off financially buying from a discount dealer. But the downside is that the whole “$100,000 truck” entitlement angle doesn’t work with some random dealer when they’ve seen none of that money. You’re not really a customer for them to please and retain, so the expectations need to be a little lower.

 

[BuffaloBill]

I think if I was in your situation, would consider buying a radiator and installing it myself, just to keep that dealer out of my truck. I would think that would be less than that stupid amount they want to remove/replace your bumper(?)

If it was actually a defective weld, I would TIg weld it myself. Many radiators in modern years don’t have welded tanks. Many are composite.

 

[jw38]

Why is there a discussion about an extended warranty when the truck has only 15k miles on it? It's covered by the factory warranty.

Most likely, the dealership wants to charge you to remove the aftermarket bumper because they have concerns that it might be damaged during the removal process because it's not a factory part. Their techs are not trained to work with non-factory parts.

Good gracious, I get so tired of hearing how much people have spent on mass-produced vehicles! Stuff breaks! That's why you have a warranty.

 

[@JC]

Why is there a discussion about an extended warranty when the truck has only 15k miles on it? It's covered by the factory warranty.

Most likely, the dealership wants to charge you to remove the aftermarket bumper because they have concerns that it might be damaged during the removal process because it's not a factory part. Their techs are not trained to work with non-factory parts.

Good gracious, I get so tired of hearing how much people have spent on mass-produced vehicles! Stuff breaks! That's why you have a warranty.

Because Mopar MaxCare provides certain benefits above the standard factory warranty and one of those is rental reimbursement during a covered repair (up to $35/day and a total of $175). Your local STLA franchise is not required to provide you a courtesy loaner while your vehicle, even if brand new, is out of service. You'd think, in the name of good customer service, that they should, however many don't either because of inventory shortages or they just don't care.

 

[LarryMopar360]

Of course. Uber was already in my mind but I’m just looking at this from a customer service perspective.

1. I’m a loyal RAM customer
2. I buy a $103k vehicle
3. I buy the top tier extended warranty
4. I’ve gotten all services done from day one at this dealership
5. I’m treated with the lowest quality of care

Doesn’t make sense to me. Audi NEVER treated me like this. They’d give me a loaner for an oil change. I hate to even bring Audi into this conversation, even to compare this situation to another manufacturer isn’t even in my character. But I’m just keeping real.

I understand the frustration regarding treatment. It's very disappointing that dealerships of not only Chrysler but Ford and GM are so short sighted and allow their Service Departments to treat customers this way! Owners should implement better quality control and make sure service after the sale is being properly handled! My only guess is that they get so much recall work that it keeps Service Departments busy and cash flow going. The short sightedness is in the forgetting many customers won't return to purchase new vehicles. I could tell you some nightmare stories with our fleet vehicles, both Dodge and Ford!!!

 

[LarryMopar360]

Why is there a discussion about an extended warranty when the truck has only 15k miles on it? It's covered by the factory warranty.

Most likely, the dealership wants to charge you to remove the aftermarket bumper because they have concerns that it might be damaged during the removal process because it's not a factory part. Their techs are not trained to work with non-factory parts.

Good gracious, I get so tired of hearing how much people have spent on mass-produced vehicles! Stuff breaks! That's why you have a warranty.

I agree on this point, but the Customer Service aspect has to improve.

 

[jw38]

Because Mopar MaxCare provides certain benefits above the standard factory warranty and one of those is rental reimbursement during a covered repair (up to $35/day and a total of $175). Your local STLA franchise is not required to provide you a courtesy loaner while your vehicle, even if brand new, is out of service. You'd think, in the name of good customer service, that they should, however many don't either because of inventory shortages or they just don't care.

Got it...thanks.

 

[DIN0ZR]

Of course. Uber was already in my mind but I’m just looking at this from a customer service perspective.

1. I’m a loyal RAM customer
2. I buy a $103k vehicle
3. I buy the top tier extended warranty
4. I’ve gotten all services done from day one at this dealership
5. I’m treated with the lowest quality of care

Doesn’t make sense to me. Audi NEVER treated me like this. They’d give me a loaner for an oil change. I hate to even bring Audi into this conversation, even to compare this situation to another manufacturer isn’t even in my character. But I’m just keeping real.

When we would bring in our 15 year old Lexus to the dealer for an oil change or a rotate and balance, they would issue my wife a loaner. Didn't buy the vehicle there. Was purchasing only a ~$100 service. Doesn't matter--that's how they do it.

 

[LArosca]

The tale of two dealership:

My quick story is that my new truck had 6600 miles and six months my truck and on it’s own suddenly stopped and would not restart.

Had it towed to my dealer, not the dealer I purchased it from which was out of state for them to investigate what the hell is going on. It took almost 3 weeks for them to actually get to the truck because there’s only one engine mechanic under employ at this dealership. No big deal because I have another car that I can use that is a Maserati QuattroPorte so I’m not really suffering here.

What’s the mechanic was able to take out a couple of things he used his sneak camera to look and see what was going on inside and it wasn’t good, the supercharger had lost a bearing and it went through the screws shoot it all up and then all the intake manifold, and destroy the motor internally.

ok, shit happens…… they told me that rather than tearing the M tire motor apart and then ordering a butt load of parts that they would petition the mothership to get approval to install a brand supercharger and motor.

Now knowing that this is going to take a while, I asked my service girl if they had a loaner/courtesy car that I could use while my car was in the shop. They gave me a 2022 ram longhorn, which I absolutely freaking loved completely free of charge, just so you know, I had it for almost three months for free.

I know in my case, I bought my truck in Illinois and had it shipped out here to San Diego. What does fucking anything to do with any fucking warranty or any fucking loaner car issue it’s the warranty, that’s all that matters and you should escalate this because that’s bullshit.

So my story ends with, (knock on wood) I now have a brand new motor and a brand new supercharger and as a matter of fact, a brand new catalytic converter‘s as pieces pieces went into that as well, and I’m happier than a pig in slop. Good people did good things and couldn’t be happier with the end result. It’s so shitty that this process isn't the same across the country and you have to go through craziness like this is.

Good luck, brother, sending positive thoughts your way!

I had this same great level of customer service when I had a 2018 raptor which I used to service at my local Ford dealership never had a problem or paid a penny from my pocket for services or repairs I did purchased the extended warranty and maintenance plan , always has a ride home or loaner when needed.
I expect to have the same kind of customer service with my trx 🤞.

What dealership you take your trx to ? I live in oceanside

 

[Mjaestewart]

Why is there a discussion about an extended warranty when the truck has only 15k miles on it? It's covered by the factory warranty.

Most likely, the dealership wants to charge you to remove the aftermarket bumper because they have concerns that it might be damaged during the removal process because it's not a factory part. Their techs are not trained to work with non-factory parts.

Good gracious, I get so tired of hearing how much people have spent on mass-produced vehicles! Stuff breaks! That's why you have a warranty.

It’s a bumper, my friend! The aftermarket one comes off the same exact way that an OEM bumper comes off. There’s only one way to put a bumper on and off with these trucks. There is absolutely no difference in the way that this bumper needs to be taken off. If anything, I made it easier for the mechanic having this ADD bumper on. I removed and installed this bumper myself. Trust me this bumper is a hell of a lot easier to take off than the OEM.

Most of my complaints are around customer service. This is just a horror story that I’m dealing with. However, I do understand that things break, and the complaint isn’t really to do with the radiator being busted. But it is good to come here and notate things that break, so others have awareness with their trucks. It’s just something to look out for in case it starts happening across other mass produce trucks.

The reason why I mention the extended warranty is because sales basically sold me on being treated “like a king“ at any ram dealer because I have their top-tier extended warranty. I’m now finding out differently that this is not the case. I’m better off getting my money back throwing it in a savings pile and just use that money sparingly over the next seven years towards anything that needs to be fixed on this truck. My money might go a lot further than what I’m dealing with right now.

 

[Mjaestewart]

I had this same great level of customer service when I had a 2018 raptor which I used to service at my local Ford dealership never had a problem or paid a penny from my pocket for services or repairs I did purchased the extended warranty and maintenance plan , always has a ride home or loaner when needed.
I expect to have the same kind of customer service with my trx 🤞.

What dealership you take your trx to ? I live in oceanside

I’m in Freehold. This is the Freehold RAM dealership.

 

[Mjaestewart]

When we would bring in our 15 year old Lexus to the dealer for an oil change or a rotate and balance, they would issue my wife a loaner. Didn't buy the vehicle there. Was purchasing only a ~$100 service. Doesn't matter--that's how they do it.

This is the type of service that I would expect From an American company. It’s amazing how foreign companies can come to the United States, and provide better service than what companies from the United States can provide to customers. It just seems to be the opposite in many cases.

 

[Mjaestewart]

I think if I was in your situation, would consider buying a radiator and installing it myself, just to keep that dealer out of my truck. I would think that would be less than that stupid amount they want to remove/replace your bumper(?)

If it was actually a defective weld, I would TIg weld it myself. Many radiators in modern years don’t have welded tanks. Many are composite.

Yeah, I’ve been hearing stories that mechanics would purposely damage items around custom parts in order to have customers pay for more services. This is such a criminal way of operating. But this is the world we live in I suppose.

Yeah, the mechanic is just speculating that it’s a weld issue. All he did was flashes flashlight under there and immediately came to a conclusion. So I’m just really hoping that he is accurate and it’s not something else above or around the radiator.

 

[RobR651]

Yeah, I’ve been hearing stories that mechanics would purposely damage items around custom parts in order to have customers pay for more services. This is such a criminal way of operating. But this is the world we live in I suppose.

Yeah, the mechanic is just speculating that it’s a weld issue. All he did was flashes flashlight under there and immediately came to a conclusion. So I’m just really hoping that he is accurate and it’s not something else above or around the radiator.

I had a bad weld on the auxiliary radiator when my TRX was brand new. They’re all mass produced parts, so there’s going to be a few that have defects.

 

[AW608]

Of course. Uber was already in my mind but I’m just looking at this from a customer service perspective.

1. I’m a loyal RAM customer
2. I buy a $103k vehicle
3. I buy the top tier extended warranty
4. I’ve gotten all services done from day one at this dealership
5. I’m treated with the lowest quality of care

Doesn’t make sense to me. Audi NEVER treated me like this. They’d give me a loaner for an oil change. I hate to even bring Audi into this conversation, even to compare this situation to another manufacturer isn’t even in my character. But I’m just keeping real.

You're right the Audi customer service is just better .... Just like comparing McDonalds to Chick Fila

 

[Devildog TRX]

Agreed. Maybe my emotions are a bit high at the moment too.

Now the real issues come in from a service perspective. Just got news.

1. They want to charge $480 to take the bumper off and put the bumper back on since it’s after-market.

My argument with this is that the stock bumper would have to be removed anyway to replace the radiator. I know the dealer is trying to make money but damn this is taking advantage since it is a warranty issue that isn’t caused by me being wreckless.

The service sales leader said that the stock bumper may have to be removed but the skid plate is the issue since it’s all one piece. This doesn’t make sense to me since the stock skid plate would have to be removed as well.

2. The parts won’t be delivered until March 17th. The radiator is $280 and the hose is $120. All less than the price they want to charge me for taking the bumper off and on.

3. They recommended me to keep the truck at the shop since I risk damaging the motor due to coolant leakage. I agree with this 100%!

4. I ask the dealer for a loaner until the 17th when I’ll be able to get my truck back. The answer was, “No. Since I didn’t purchase my truck at this dealer.”

Really? Wtf? I thought the purpose of an extended warranty was to cover this as well? And that since I bought the extended warranty I’d be treated with greater care? All lies to get me to buy the extended warranty?

5. “Great. I can’t get a loaner so can you at least give me a ride home?” The response I got was, “Nope. But we’re going to top off your coolant and you can drive home yourself and keep the truck at your house until the parts come in and then you can drive back when the parts arrive. We’ll top you off.”

Really?! Now I risk driving a busted truck home that may have greater repercussions if I lose all coolant and the engine fries?

Like what am I up against here?

Sorry for the extremely emotional thread here but this is shit service and responses. I’m literally so mad I’m just laughing.

Did you call corporate and make a complaint? That's bullshit what they're doing. Did you ask to speak to the general manager? Give them a shitty review.

 

[Mjaestewart]

Did you call corporate and make a complaint? That's bullshit what they're doing. Did you ask to speak to the general manager? Give them a shitty review.

I didn’t yet. But I do plan on reaching out to corporate via phone and email on Monday. I needed to step away to process all of this before making my next move. It’s never good to do anything when emotions are running high. I’ll try both angles. Hopefully one of them works.

 

[Mjaestewart]

You're right the Audi customer service is just better .... Just like comparing McDonalds to Chick Fila

I honestly can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or genuine. I’m trying to understand the comparison or analogy you’re making.

Is RAM = McDonslds and Audi = Chic Filet?

One sells chicken and the other one beef? One has Christian values the other doesn’t? One treats you better than the other?

Sorry I don’t eat fast food enough to understand this one.

 

[RobR651]

I honestly can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or genuine. I’m trying to understand the comparison or analogy you’re making.

Is RAM = McDonslds and Audi = Chic Filet?

One sells chicken and the other one beef? One has Christian values the other doesn’t? One treats you better than the other?

Sorry I don’t eat fast food enough to understand this one.

I think he was getting at Chic Fil A prides themselves on customer service and McDonalds doesn’t. At least I think that was his point.

 

[Mjaestewart]

I think he was getting at Chic Fil A prides themselves on customer service and McDonalds doesn’t. At least I think that was his point.

Oh I didn’t know that. Sorry to OP if I came off defensive. I had no idea.

I ate there a few a times and they were always extremely packed every time. They definitely have a better system in place in making sure customers get their order.