There were several recalls and major engine work required before 30k miles. I found a leak coming from the front of the engine around the crank seal and took it to a RAM dealer nearby, not where I purchased it. They allegedly fixed it. They treated me well provided loaner car etc. Within 2000 miles it was leaking again, I called them and let them know and got an attitude from them. No loaner car, perhaps wouldn’t be covered etc. I was shocked because we bought a 2016 Challenger RT from this place and I thought we had a good relationship. I was unhappy and called the dealer I bought from about 40 miles away. The GM called me back and said bring it to him, he had diesel techs and that was all they did, my loaner car would be waiting. In the interim I also called FCA Regional Manager and they provided their contact info and asked to keep them informed.
The second repair went well. It was explained to me they had to take the front of the engine off to make the repairs, it was extensive and I was without my truck for about 45 days total between the 2 repairs. Somewhere along the way one of the dealerships damaged the back of the cab. I don’t know how but the cab had definitely impacted the corners of the bed at some point. It was significant enough to cause dents and remove paint down to the metal. I knew I wouldn’t be able to prove it so I bought some touch up paint and told myself I could live with it. I lost confidence in the reliability of the truck at this point. I had paid the big bucks and bought an expensive truck, loaded with options and was happy that I had gotten a good deal. I had high expectations for the Cummins engine that is perceived as bulletproof but in the end it just had too many problems. It also had lots of small issues like the belt buckle popping off the seat back which required the entire seat cover to be replaced. The replacement matched up perfectly. 3 of the 4 fender flares had to be replaced, they were coming off and the vinyl wrap around the door pillars had to be replaced and wrinkled again as soon as they installed them.
It was a cumulative affect , I got frustrated and had been thinking of trading but waiting for the right time...Shortly after the second repair I went out one morning and started it up and the low coolant light came on. The water pump also had to be replaced due to recall shortly after buying it new. At this point I had enough. I was paying big bucks for it and not sure the truck was tow worthy so I was able to work out a trade.
I would like to say that FCA Customer Service was very helpful, they kept me loyal to the brand. I will call them a little sooner in the future if I ever have a problem. I have the 6.4 Hemi in the new truck and have towed twice with 2 different trailers, 6500 lbs and 9100 lbs. It did well towing both but there is a distinct difference between the 2 engines. You can hear the Hemi rev a little higher whereas the diesel just lugged along, no strain. Because of the lighter weight the Hemi has more cargo capability by almost a 1000 lbs and only slightly less towing - 2900 lbs over my previous truck. Hopefully the gas motor will perform and do what I need it to over time. I prefer it’s responsiveness over the diesel. Press the gas pedal and the Hemi reacts VERY quick. The new 8 speed tranny gets it done. The diesel took a long time for the turbo to spool up and get the truck into the RPM range to move the heavier weight. I loved everything about the old truck, I wish it would’ve worked out, I would’ve still been driving it. I’m also very happy with the big Hemi and looking forward to a better experience with this one.