Alicia La Gringa’s experience with her 2020 Ram Bighorn 1500 has been nothing short of frustrating. Despite multiple visits to the dealer, the issues with her truck persist, leaving her feeling ‘done with this truck.’
The problems began in January 2025 when the steering wheel started locking up, and the electrical system malfunctioned. The windshield wipers would turn on randomly, creating a hazardous driving situation. Alicia took her truck to Hanania Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Saint Augustine, but the dealer struggled to diagnose and fix the problem.
Initial Visits and Misdiagnosis
During the first visit, the dealer attributed the issue to a loose battery cable. However, after picking up the truck, the same warning messages persisted. The dealer later discovered a recall on the truck’s power control module, affecting 1.5 million trucks, and updated the system. Still, the problems continued.
Subsequent Visits and Escalating Issues
As Alicia continued to experience issues, including a dead truck that wouldn’t start, the dealer kept the vehicle for further inspection. Despite their efforts, the problems persisted, and new issues arose, such as the touchscreen going black and GPS malfunctioning. The dealer eventually claimed to have fixed the GPS issue but failed to resolve the underlying electrical problems.
Escalation and Lemon Law Considerations
After months of back-and-forth with the dealer, Alicia escalated her complaint to the dealership’s management and eventually to the CEO, Mr. Jack Hanania. While the service manager finally responded, promising a loaner vehicle and a resolution, the issue remained unresolved. The truck is now out of warranty, and the dealer has quoted a $700 repair cost for a suspected vacuum pump issue.
Lessons for Ram Owners
Alicia’s experience highlights the importance of documenting all repair attempts and understanding your state’s Lemon Law. If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider the following steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions with the dealership, including dates, descriptions of the problem, and attempted repairs.
- Contact the manufacturer: Reach out to Ram’s customer service or the manufacturer’s customer support line for assistance.
- Understand your state’s Lemon Law: Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific requirements and timelines for filing a Lemon Law claim.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with a Lemon Law attorney if the manufacturer or dealership fails to provide a satisfactory resolution.
Alicia’s story serves as a cautionary tale for Ram owners, emphasizing the need for persistence and awareness of consumer rights when dealing with persistent vehicle issues.
