2018 RAM vent

[Code54]

I purchased a 2018 RAM 2500 truck brand new in 2018. However, for the past year, it has been considered unsafe to drive due to a faulty hydraulic brake control module. This issue is currently under recall, and despite having only 14,000 miles on it, it has become a useless driveway ornament.

RAM’s response is that they have no repair options but are “working on” a solution. I’ve made numerous attempts to get a repair or some real assistance from Customer Service, but it’s been a frustrating cycle of being transferred between departments without any useful solution. The only option is to rent a cheap car, and if I meet all their requirements, they might reimburse me. However, that’s a lot of hassle, and I bought a ¾ ton truck for a reason—to tow and haul. A car or tiny SUV which falls in their rental policy is a useless substitute.

It’s extremely disappointing that RAM doesn’t care enough to solve this issue promptly or offer a real solution. I’ve learned a valuable lesson: I’ll never buy another RAM product. I hope you learn from my experience.

 

[ultrarunner]

With todays tech it’s becoming more of a problem… it took several years for my airbag replacement and I was advised not to drive the vehicle until repaired…

Disappointing to say the least…

 

[ponytug]

@Code54 Ouch! That has to be beyond annoying. I've had minor variations of that in the past, but nothing that bad. I was out of one car for four months while the shop that wrecked it argued with my insurer over who was going to pay to get me a working car. I commuted from a remote area at the time with no alternative transport besides a bike. An extra two hours a day by bike (big hill).

Good luck on getting a fix from RAM soon!

All the best, Peter

 

[Code54]

Thanks



It truly irks me to no end. I understand that things happen, but by the time it was recalled, they had already been aware of the problem for quite some time. They have a solution for several other years, and even the 2018 3500, come on guys, get it done.

 

[Ortimber]

It's not just a Ram problem. The supply chains started to crumble in February 2020, and we are still reeling. Unfortunately, your situation is not uncommon or unique. I supply machined parts to the big aerospace companies. We are years late on projects because of severe material shortages (castings).

 

[deserteagle71]

It's not just a Ram problem.

No, its not. All three of the HD truck manufacturers are having supplier problems...but Ram seems to be the worse.

I own two HD Rams so I'm on the Ram forums all the times and lately the number of complaints with the newest Rams have grown exponentially. For one, after many many years of having Cummins engines built with solid lifters for some silly reason they are now made with hydraulic lifters and these new engines seem to be having teething problems. And the problems with electronics are myriad. The latest - apparently there is some kind of sensor on the rear axle that goes bad. When it goes out the transmission will refuse to go into Park position. And if the transmission can't go into Park, the engine cannot be shut off. Owners are having to pull the battery cables off the batteries to shut the trucks down. And they are being told that those sensors are on backorder - with a 4 month leadtime!

Reading about all the problems makes me so happy I own older Rams. They've been essentially trouble free.

 

[ultrarunner]

It’s crazy just how much we rely on electronic controls…

I don’t see it getting any better so more to come.

There are work arounds but if you are purchasing new hopefully it happens during a warranty for two reasons…

Statutes extend warranty for periods the item is out of use due to a warranted issue.

Second… defects that affect either the use, value or safety can be the basis for a Lemon Law buy back…

Some are Federal and some are State statutes.

I’ve seen many otherwise good running vehicles junked for failure to pass emission test… either too expensive to repair or parts not available… especially in a state that still tests back to year model 1976.

 

[4570Man]

The Ram dealer put a brake module in mine under the recall. They made an appointment for the next week after I took my truck in and they swapped it in 3-4 hours.