DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 36 – September 2022 | Confused And Angry
Dear Suzanne,
If I had known about the issues accompanying this vehicle, I would not have purchased it. It all began very shortly after its purchase. My dad and I owned a vehicle that we leased about three years ago, so we decided it was time for a change. We took a trip to the RAM dealership and traded the former vehicle for a brand new EcoDiesel 2022 RAM 1500 that cost about $67,000.
MISSING GAS TANK HARNESS
On our way back home, about 150 miles from the dealer, we stopped for late lunch/early dinner since we still had a long way to go. It was then I noticed something hanging from the truck’s undercarriage which I pointed out to my dad. He brushed it off in a manner common to most men but still I wasn’t satisfied. I decided to look closely and lo and behold, what did I find?!Â
The “something hanging from the undercarriage” was nothing other than the gas tank. I discovered that the strap meant to harness the tank in place was missing. I was very confused, I mean, this is a brand new vehicle, right?! Are you saying we would have traveled the remaining 200 miles with the truck in this condition? So many questions and scenarios played in my head and they all seemed to end up the same way; a catastrophic fire incident.
I was in shock. We had to call roadside assistance for help. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they told us we were lucky to discover this early as it could have turned out worse. They then asked us to buy some straps immediately which they used to secure the tank and we continued our journey home.Â
The next morning, we took the car back to the dealership and explained the situation. They inspected the undercarriage and said roadside assistance did a good job and there was no need for modifications. To me, this sounded very nonchalant considering the unpleasantness of the circumstance. However, I let it rest.Â
I used this opportunity to point out additional defects I found in the truck such as the bezel around the stereo. I also pointed out the scratched door panel and they ordered these parts. But they said it would take some time for the car parts to arrive.Â
RANDOM ACCELERATION BEFORE SHUTDOWN
Fast forward to some days later when the truck broke down with just 2,100 miles on it – just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse. It first started with the engine light coming on and then the car accelerated of its own accord. This was then followed by a clunking noise before the engine eventually died off. We coasted the vehicle into a nearby gas station, called Triple A to tow the truck to the dealer, and it’s been down there ever since. In retrospect, it seems funny to me now because it sounds like something straight from a horror story.Â
Back at the dealer’s, they inspected the truck and concluded that the diesel fuel system came apart. So they said they would have to replace the whole fuel system including the injectors, fuel pump, and fuel lines. Keep in mind that this is a brand new truck – so many problems, right?! We are currently waiting for the parts to be shipped in so that the dealer can fit my truck’s repairs into their schedule. Meanwhile, the parts I initially ordered at the other dealership have arrived and I’m trying to initiate it over there.Â
CARGO BED ISSUES
In addition, the plastic plugs in the cargo bed system were missing and these are used to support the tailgate when it’s down. I reported this to the dealership and all they had to say was “You either got it lost or someone stole them.” Shocking to hear it’s our fault when we bought the vehicle this way. I had to call the other dealership to connect them with the ones over here in order to get it all sorted.Â
So altogether, we’ve got the cargo bed issue, the door panel, the fuel system that needs replacement, and the defective fuel tank. I just think this is too many problems for a truck with just 2,100 miles. It got to a point where I was using the vehicle just waiting for the next thing to go wrong with it. I have never owned a vehicle this problematic in its early stages. To think I was planning to keep the truck after completing the lease payments, well certainly not anymore!Â
STUCK WITH A RENTAL
In the meantime, I was given a Reno car as a rental but since it is not a truck and that’s what I need, I returned it. Then I was later provided with a Gladiator which is a smaller truck compared to the RAM. But since they had no better option, I had to make do with this. Even more saddening is the fact that I have to pay $44 daily tax on this rental. Right now, I really would love to have my truck back because I got it for a purpose; I use it every day for my work!Â
Now, with all these, do you think my vehicle troubles are enough to qualify as a lemon case? I have never filed a lemon lawsuit before so I don’t know how it works. What am I expected to do now?! How do I get rid of this liability?!Â
Confused And Angry.
You Definitely Have A Lemon 2022 RAM 1500 On Your Hands
Dear Confused And Angry,
This is a new vehicle with very few miles on it and as such, you shouldn’t be experiencing this many problems so soon after purchase. I completely understand your frustration, anyone would feel the same way in a similar situation. Dodge trucks are becoming more and more notorious for having these issues, but your dealer may not tell you this. In a way, it’s kind of a good thing that you discovered these issues early on, instead of a whole cascade of problems later on when it may be too late.
YOUR RAM 1500 MAY QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION
Hence, I’m glad to inform you that with the right procedure, you can be rid of your truck. Since your truck has been to the dealership multiple times and has spent over a month there, it definitely qualifies as a lemon law case. All you need to do is reach out to a competent lemon law attorney who will take up your case. In lemon law cases, what happens is that your attorney files lawsuits on your behalf against the manufacturer. And in this instance, there are two different forms of lawsuits that you can file.Â
LEMON LAW BUYBACK
The first involves getting a buyback i.e, the manufacturer buys the vehicle back from you and they refund all that you have paid towards the vehicle. This includes your down payment and any other monthly payments. Also, they settle the bills associated with the law firm so you do not need to worry about that. You also get compensation for every inconvenience the car has cost you.Â
Thus, you most likely will get paid more than you have spent on the vehicle. All you need is your repair orders as proof of all that went wrong with your truck. These are the documents you get from the dealership for all the times your vehicle was taken for repairs. Also, your purchase contract will be needed. Additional details on the RAM buyback process, how it operates, qualification standards, models included, persistent vehicle defects reported, and Lemon Law case examples.
CASH AND KEEP OPTION
Secondly, if you wish not to get rid of your vehicle, there is an option to keep it. With this, you get cash compensation for the issues the vehicle has caused you. This way, you keep the vehicle and its warranty, and you get monetary reimbursement. This is ideal for vehicle owners whose cars have several issues plaguing them, as well as high mileage.Â
Here, you will be given some cash as compensation while telling them that you won’t be filing any suits against them anymore now or in the future. They are basically telling you, “we know there are faults with your car and we are sorry, so here’s some money as an apology.” This is known as the Cash and Keep option.Â
But since your vehicle had just a couple of miles on it when these issues began, then a buyback is more advisable as the better option. Your lawyer will contact the manufacturer to discuss the amount you would get depending on the option you pick.Â
POSSIBLE CASE TIMELINE
The whole process could take from 3 months to 6 depending on how quickly the manufacturers agree. Also, you should keep making the necessary payments during this period. This is to ensure the manufacturer wouldn’t have any grounds to dismiss the lawsuit.Â
Since you would be getting your payments back, this should be no big deal. You can also keep driving your vehicle and if you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact the dealer. The more times you take the vehicle in for legitimate complaints, the stronger the lemon case and the more money you can win.Â
Additionally, California smiles on victims of lemon cases so this means you will not be required to pay your attorney. Any attorney fees would be paid by the manufacturer, who in this case is Chrysler. For further details on all that you stand to gain, reach out to a lemon law attorney.
Suzanne
Free Legal Advice About Your 2022 RAM 1500 Lemon Law Claim
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about California’s lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (323) 553-7525 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about California Lemon Law or how to file a claim in California, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a California Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
Related Articles:
- 7 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Filing A Lemon Law Case
- Ford Transmission Issues Puts Friendship On Edge
- Faulty 2021 Cadillac Escalade Embarrasses Owner
Featured Image:
- 2022 RAM 1500 ©Carlito714 (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)
