The RAM Lemon Law buyback option is a settlement agreement designed to provide compensation to California-based consumers experiencing persistent defects with their purchased or leased RAM vehicles.
Purchasing or leasing a RAM pickup from an authorized dealership carries with it the reasonable expectation of being able to use the vehicle without issue for several years. Unfortunately, encountering recurring problems during regular use can make owning a RAM quite unbearable, even after numerous attempts by the dealership to repair the vehicle.
Fortunately, California has a robust set of lemon laws that can provide relief. Do not feel trapped or resigned to driving a defective vehicle. You have the right to receive financial compensation from RAM (or Stellantis, its parent company) for your lemon vehicle under the law.
This article will delve into what the RAM Lemon Law buyback option entails, how it operates, qualifying conditions, impacted RAM truck and van models, and the defects covered.
What is the RAM Lemon Law Buyback Option?
The California Lemon Law (also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) offers a solution for buyers experiencing defects in their RAM pickups through a buyback or repurchase. This option aims to help alleviate the financial burden associated with purchasing or leasing a faulty truck, which includes the initial cost of purchase and related expenses.
In essence, the RAM Lemon Law buyback settlement involves Stellantis/RAM buying back or repurchasing the lemon vehicle from the customer and providing a settlement payment that covers:
- The total amount you paid for the RAM pickup truck or van.
- Sales and financing charges incurred during purchase.
- Vehicle registration fees.
- All monthly payments already made.
- Future monthly payments.
- Out-of-pocket repair expenses.
- Incidental expenses such as towing fees and car rental fees.
- Civil penalties, if applicable.
The remedy of RAM Lemon Law buyback or repurchase settlement can be obtained by:
- Direct negotiations with the company.
- A court verdict.
- An Lemon Law arbitration ruling.
In the following sections, we will cover the buyback process and eligibility criteria for receiving compensation under this option. Meanwhile, please take a moment to view the video below for additional information on this Lemon Law settlement option:
How Does The RAM Buyback Program Work?
The RAM buyback program offers a remedy for purchased or leased vehicles that are determined to be defective by the manufacturer. This settlement option is applicable to both brand new and used RAM vehicles, provided that the defects or issues arise within the vehicle’s original warranty period.
How do you get RAM to buy back your vehicle?
To qualify for compensation under the California Lemon Law, your defective vehicle must have substantial defects or issues that significantly impair its use, functionality, safety, and resale value. Additionally, RAM/Stellantis must have been aware of these defects, had the opportunity to repair them (see below for the number of repair visits required), and failed to do so despite repeated attempts.
In the following section, we will delve into the specific criteria that determine whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon and is eligible for compensation.
Is Your RAM Truck Eligible for a Lemon Law Buyback?
In order for your RAM vehicle to be considered a lemon and qualify for compensation under the California Lemon Law, it must meet one of the following criteria:
- The vehicle has been taken to the dealership at least twice to address a major safety defect. This type of vehicle defect is sufficiently severe and has the potential to pose a risk of injury to you, your passengers, and other individuals on the road.
- The vehicle has been taken to the RAM dealership at least four times for repairs related to non-safety defects or issues.
- The vehicle has been at the dealership for repairs for a total of more than 30 days, with the accumulated time including any combination of defects.
According to the law, if any of these conditions are met within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the truck is automatically considered a lemon based on the Legal Presumption of Lemon Law.
However, what happens if the car problems occur after the initial 18 months or 18,000 miles?
Even outside of this timeframe, there is still a possibility for your pickup or van to qualify for a buyback reimbursement if the ongoing defects or issues originated within the vehicle’s warranty period. Typically, the bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for about 3 years, while the powertrain warranty extends to approximately 5 years. Please visit this page for more information: RAM Brand Limited Warranty Coverage.
Frequent RAM Vehicle Defects That Could Result in a Lemon Law Claim
Although various RAM truck models may exhibit unique defects, there are certain common issues that are observed across multiple models. Many Lemon Law claims against RAM stem from one or more of these issues. Here are a few examples:
- Defective seat belts
- Suspension issues
- Steering system defects
- Starter malfunction
- Transmission slippage or jerking
- Transfer case shift motor failure
- Excessive oil consumption
- Check engine light
- Engine overheating
- Defective sensors
- Fuel pump stays on
- Electrical issues
- Faulty airbags
It is important to note that the defects mentioned here are not the only ones that could potentially classify your vehicle as a lemon. You may be experiencing a completely different problem with your RAM truck. However, it is crucial to remember that any persistent or recurring defect or issue that significantly affects the usability, safety, or value of the vehicle can serve as grounds for filing a complaint.
RAM Vehicle Models Eligible for Lemon Law Claims
Which RAM pickup or van models are protected by the Lemon Law? In California, the Lemon Law covers the following RAM-branded vehicle models:
- RAM 1500
- RAM 1500 TRX
- RAM 1500 Classic
- RAM 2500
- RAM Big Horn
- RAM ProMaster
- RAM ProMaster City
If you own a defective RAM vehicle, falling within any of the aforementioned models, and it is still within the manufacturer’s original warranty when the issues started, you may have the right to receive compensation.
Our Lemon Law claim assistance is currently available to owners of the listed RAM models manufactured from model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
RAM Lemon Law Case Examples
Missing Out on Quality Time Because of Defective 2020 RAM 1500
After having their truck kept at the dealership for more than 30 days, the owner of this 2020 RAM 1500 with faulty fuel filters and sensors received a $6,700 reimbursement from RAM. But the repair issues continue beginning with an electrical problem in their dashboard lights and random engine shutdown.
2022 RAM 1500 Almost Caused a Major Blow-Up
When the harness on the gas tank of this EcoDiesel 2022 RAM 1500 broke and almost caused a fiery mishap, the owner finds herself in possession of a brand new truck with multiple defects –from a cargo bed issue, the door panel, the fuel system that needs replacement, to the defective fuel tank.
The RAM Buyback Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The RAM buyback process, as per the California Lemon Law, is generally straightforward. Below are the typical steps involved in this process:
Allowing RAM To Make Repairs
This step holds great importance as it is necessary for RAM/Stellantis to be aware of the defects in your car and have made a sufficient number of repair attempts. This is a legal requirement, and if the number of repair visits is insufficient, your attorney may advise you to return your vehicle to the shop a few more times to fulfill this requirement. By doing so, you can ensure that you meet the necessary criteria to proceed with your Lemon Law claim.
Hiring an Attorney
If you’re a California consumer, you have the right to file a Lemon Law claim and seek compensation for a defective RAM pickup or van. There are multiple options available to you, such as negotiating directly with the manufacturer, filing a case, or participating in arbitration. Regardless of the method you choose, having a California Lemon lawyer who is well-informed and experienced will greatly increase your chances of success. They will offer expert guidance throughout the process, advocating on your behalf to protect your rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Gathering Evidence
It is essential that all your repair visits to the RAM dealership are documented properly. Your case’s documentary evidence will largely comprise the repair orders and invoices issued by the dealership each time you take your car in for repairs. In addition, you may need to provide additional documents such as warranty papers, purchase or lease receipts, financing documents, towing fees, and out-of-pocket repair receipts, among others.
Filing a Case Against RAM
After gathering all the necessary documentary evidence, your attorney will initiate the process of filing a case in court. Once the case is officially filed, RAM will be given a strict timeline to respond to your compensation claim. This timeline ensures that the legal proceedings progress in a timely manner, aiming for a swift resolution.
Negotiating Out of Court
Based on our experience handling Lemon Law cases in California, it is common for manufacturers to opt for an out-of-court settlement. This is primarily because they are aware that our attorneys will not pursue a claim without substantial evidence to support it. By settling out of court, manufacturers can avoid the potential risks and costs associated with a lengthy legal battle they are likely to lose.
Litigating Your Case
In the event that RAM’s settlement offer, which may consist of buyback, cash compensation, or vehicle replacement (see below for more details on these compensation options), is not satisfactory to you, please know that your attorney is fully prepared to take legal action on your behalf in court. Their objective is to obtain a more favorable settlement offer for the defective RAM truck and ensure that you are fairly compensated.
Winning a Settlement
Regardless of whether your RAM Lemon Law claim is settled through negotiations or a court verdict, you can be assured that your attorney will make every effort to secure the maximum potential recovery for your claim. Your attorney will tirelessly advocate for your rights and work diligently to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
RAM Lemon Law: Additional Settlement Choices for Consumers
Besides the RAM Buyback settlement option, RAM/Stellantis has other ways to compensate you for the defective vehicle. The two most common alternatives are Vehicle Replacement and Cash and Keep Settlement.
Vehicle Replacement
In lemon law litigation, another possible outcome is that the court may order the manufacturer to provide the consumer with a brand new vehicle as a replacement. In some cases, RAM/Stellantis may voluntarily offer to replace your vehicle in order to settle your claim.
If you opt for this settlement option, the law stipulates that the replacement vehicle must be substantially identical to your original truck and carry the same warranties. Any additional options or features you paid for, such as rust proofing or undercoating, must also be included in the replacement vehicle.
Additionally, under this arrangement, RAM is obligated to reimburse you for any incidental expenses resulting from the vehicle’s issues, such as out-of-pocket repair costs, towing charges, and car rental fees.
Cash-And-Keep Settlement
If the defects or issues in your RAM vehicle do not meet the criteria to earn a buyback settlement, you still have the option to file a claim for compensation.
This situation applies to issues that may impact the vehicle’s resale value but do not pose a safety threat or prevent you from operating the vehicle. Examples of such defects include poor paint jobs, engine noises, or annoying sounds from the sunroof.
In this scenario, the court may require RAM to provide you with a predetermined amount of cash as compensation for the repair issues and any incidental expenses you have incurred as a result. You would be able to retain ownership of the truck.
RAM Buyback: The Best Lemon Law Settlement Option
In the Lemon Law buyback arrangement, RAM/Stellantis, the auto manufacturer, agrees to repurchase the faulty vehicle and compensate you for the full amount you originally paid. This includes sales and financing charges, fees, previous monthly payments, repair expenses, as well as towing and car rental fees.
Are there any deductions from the settlement amount?
Yes. In order to ensure fairness, the law mandates that the final settlement amount may be subject to minor deductions known as the Mileage Offset. This adjustment takes into account the usage of the vehicle prior to the onset of repair issues.
However, by bagging this settlement, you not only receive a full refund for the vehicle’s purchase price, but you are also reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the repair process, including repair costs, towing, and temporary rental vehicles.
Considering all factors, the RAM Buyback Settlement Option is unquestionably the most advantageous resolution in a Lemon Law claim for a defective Ford in California.
Consult a RAM Lemon Law Attorney Today
Feeling uncertain about what to do next? If you have a defective RAM pickup or van in California and are experiencing ongoing issues or defects covered by the warranty that the manufacturer has failed to resolve despite multiple repair attempts, you may be eligible for compensation!
The next steps are straightforward! Take action today and initiate the Lemon Law process with the help of a skilled RAM Lemon Law lawyer. Your attorney will promptly and thoroughly assess your claim, offer personalized legal advice, and guide you through the claims procedure.
And here’s the exciting part. Your attorney will provide all these services at no cost to you. That’s right! You can have a top-notch lawyer supporting you without having to pay anything.
In California, most reputable Lemon Law attorneys work on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means their attorney fees are covered by the settlement from RAM/Stellantis, and they will only receive payment if they actually win your case!
There’s no need to overanalyze this decision. It’s time to take action and secure the rightful compensation you deserve. Remember, the law is on your side, and you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of dealing with a lemon without any help.
ABOUT RAM TRUCKS
Ram Trucks, styled as RAM and formerly known as the Ram Truck Division of Chrysler, is an American brand that produces light to mid-weight trucks and commercial vehicles. It operates as a division of Stellantis, formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and the French PSA Group.
Originally established as a division of Chrysler in 2010, Ram Trucks emerged as a distinct entity, separating from Dodge. It adopted the name of the Dodge Ram line of pickups, which are now sold exclusively under the Ram brand. Chrysler’s strategy for the Ram Trucks brand focuses on catering to “real truck customers,” prioritizing functionality over image or style-conscious buyers.
Ram vehicles are manufactured in the United States at two primary facilities: the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Over the years, the RAM brand has earned a reputation for producing durable and reliable trucks designed for heavy-duty use. However, in California, Ram has also encountered Lemon Law complaints regarding defects in their trucks while still covered by warranty.