2018 RAM vent

[Midniteoyl]

I was chuckling at some of the posts saying that the OP’s gripe is unreasonable, for a 7 year old truck. Hey guys… the truck wasn’t 7 years old, when this problem was found!

Ya, from reading about it, it seems the problem was known about in 2022 but wasn't escalated for recall until 2024, then sometime in early 2025 the 'Do Not Drive' notice went out..

 

[Hay Dude]

I was chuckling at some of the posts saying that the OP’s gripe is unreasonable, for a 7 year old truck. Hey guys… the truck wasn’t 7 years old, when this problem was found!

Most buy their trucks with an expectation of it retaining some resale value at the end of their ownership period, whether that be 6 or 12 years. I think that if anyone here were told that their vehicle will be “not driveable” after 5 years, they’d be shopping other options, from the start.

I love my Ram trucks. After owning all three American brands, I really don’t even want to think about going back to Chevy or Ford. But Stellantis’s response on this is so unforgivable, that I’m having second thoughts about buying another. I don’t care that there are recalls, defects, or failures… all brands have that. But to leave owners high and dry for any amount of time, while still able to manufacture parts for new sales, is not an acceptable response.

The grass isn’t always greener……

Look at Ford & GM. They have IMO, much worse offenses.

1. Ford 10 speed transmissions have a littany of problems and TSBs. Also, Ford let CP4 pumps fail before they’d replace them in their powerstrokes.
2. GM and their V-8’s where they claim a 0W oil change would fix their oil consumption on thousands of engines with underpolished cranks and internals. Also GM’s Fake “Allison” transmissions, which for 5 years were just rebadged GM transmissions. How many undereducated buyers thought they got a real Allison?

I trust Ram much more than Ford or GM right now.

That could change of course, but IMO, GM & Ford’s forced errors are way worse.

 

[DarkBlack]

Just read the NHSTA report.
I didn’t see any any alarming “Do not drive “ wording.
What it does state, that doesn’t surprise me, is that as of the date a year ago, there are zero reported injuries, and zero reported accidents related to this issue.

There’s mention of swelling motor rotor bushings, and a change of motor brush material to be used in the controller motor

 

[Hay Dude]

I’d just drive the truck.

 

[DarkBlack]

I’d just drive the truck.

How did we ever survive all those years of driving without ABS, “hill climb assist”, parking assist, cruise control, stability control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, automatic wipers, rear window defrost, automatic AWD , heated seats, heated steering wheels, heated mirrors, AC, collision control, front and side air bags, and backup cameras?
I remember when a working lap belt and a good functioning automatic choke with good working drum brakes was premium

And I bet just about every accident these days, involves cars and trucks with working ABS systems

 

[ultrarunner]

How did we ever survive all those years of driving without ABS, “hill climb assist”, parking assist, cruise control, stability control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, automatic wipers, rear window defrost, automatic AWD , heated seats, heated steering wheels, heated mirrors, AC, collision control, front and side air bags, and backup cameras?
I remember when a working lap belt and a good functioning automatic choke with good working drum brakes was premium

And I bet just about every accident these days, involves cars and trucks with working ABS systems

I don’t know… I’m still driving my 1930 Model A

I confess at times I have thought having a windshield defroster would be nice…

Then I remember I have cars with no windshield and think never mind…

 

[Code54]

I was chuckling at some of the posts saying that the OP’s gripe is unreasonable, for a 7 year old truck. Hey guys… the truck wasn’t 7 years old, when this problem was found!

Most buy their trucks with an expectation of it retaining some resale value at the end of their ownership period, whether that be 6 or 12 years. I think that if anyone here were told that their vehicle will be “not driveable” after 5 years, they’d be shopping other options, from the start.

I love my Ram trucks. After owning all three American brands, I really don’t even want to think about going back to Chevy or Ford. But Stellantis’s response on this is so unforgivable, that I’m having second thoughts about buying another. I don’t care that there are recalls, defects, or failures… all brands have that. But to leave owners high and dry for any amount of time, while still able to manufacture parts for new sales, is not an acceptable response.

Yep, you hit the nail right on the head. If it had full value, I would trade it tomorrow, it is a tool to me, not something I am attached to.

My problem is the solution or way to repair it has not been "found" by RAM. I am sure I could rig up several “solutions," but none of which are correct, and none of which would restore it to factory condition. Since the aftermarket has no solutions and neither does RAM, it is an issue, and yes, I checked.

All the parts out there are duplicates of the part that needs to be repaired, as there is no "new" one made yet.

The point of all of this is to state the disappointment in RAM and let others know of their shortcomings.

 

[Hay Dude]

I drove my 2020 Ram with an alleged defective CP-4 pump while towing up to 49,000lbs. GCWR.
Loss of power from pump failure while heavily loaded would have been “uncomfortable”, but when I saw the odds were under 1%, I went with the 99% odds and just drove it for 10,000 miles.
I still have 10 fingers & 10 toes.

 

[ultrarunner]

Twice I know where trucks were out of service waiting for a warranty solution or repair… the dealer gave good trade in towards new because the dealer said the warranty means they get paid…

Just something to consider if thinking of replacing…

 

[DarkBlack]

Op: How many other issues have you had with this 8 year old vehicle?
Has it been one problem after another through the years?
Every single vehicle manufacturer has issues from small to large.

I think we have a GM truck engine thread going recently where they used defective cranks and rods.
Customers bring in their truck. If it’s junk now, you’re on a list to get a new engine. If it’s just part way to becoming s junk engine, they give you an oil change and a sticker to start using a thicker oil to mask the issue and prolong the inevitable.
Grass is greener there?