Is Your Ram Rambunctious? Chrysler Cancels Cummins Contract.
Dodge Ram diesel drivers have called 1-800-LEMON-LAW by the truck-ful complaining of problems with engine hesitation, check engine lights, and exhaust lights. Many of these consumers have been back to the Dodge dealer repeatedly as the service department replaced computers, cleaned turbos and installed new exhaust filters. We have successfully handled hundreds of these cases so far, and new claims come in every week.
Thus, it comes as no surprise to us that Chrysler is cancelling its contract with Cummins to create a light-duty diesel engine for its Dodge Ram 1500 model. The contract was originally signed in 2006.
According to an article in Autoweek, the engine was slated for delivery in the 2010 model year. The manufacturer has said it is now delaying the roll out of the light-duty Dodge until at least 2011, citing stricter federal emission standards and the high cost of diesel fuel as reasons for the change.
Cummins said they are not surprised with the change in light of Chrysler’s recent financial ups and downs and the company recently emerging from Chapter 11. They said that while the contract was dead, the program itself is not.
Of course, we remind all Dodge Ram drivers, diesel and not, that your lemon law and breach of warranty protection is alive and well, regardless of whether you purchased before or after Chrysler’s sale to Fiat. If your Ram is causing you constant problems under warranty, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your rights.
December 30th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I wanted to find out if my 2008 Dodge Cummins would qualify as a lemon based on the sheer number of defects in a 90 period? I have read the AZ Lemon Laws and I don’t qualify under those specific guidelines, but my truck has been to the dealer now 6 times since I bought it in October of 2010. Here is the list of items that have been repaired or replaced in the last 90 days, in no particular order:
1. Replace Intermediate shaft in steering linkage.
2. Replaced tie rod ends
3. Replaced pitman arm
4. Upgraded steering system from 09 models.
5. Replaced FIPM because it was faulty
6. Replaced speed sensor
7. Removed and installed insulation and mounting hardware for both front driver door panels.
8. Replaced both batteries.
9. Replaced third brake light and gasket due to leaking in cab.
Note: I just got my truck back on Tuesday for a host of warranty items which included the water leaking into the cab at the rear of the truck roof. Noticed it leaking again yesterday.
10. Replaced both front wheel bearings and hubs.
11. Replaced hardware on DPF line.
It is currently sitting at the dealership as I type getting the roof leak fixed a second time. I also noticed that it has a problem with the transmission slipping. It may need a new transmission now. It also has been getting progressively worse and worse fuel milage since I bought it. The power of the motor also seems to be decreasing, but this may be due to a bad transmission.
So as you can see, My issues dont exactly put me in the catagory for a Lemon, but based on the number of defects I have experienced with this truck, it is way too many for a “Certified Used Vehicle”. I feel I have a case for a dealer buyback. THoughts?
Frustrated, dissapointed, and bummed,
N.B.
January 4th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Nathen: Please call the AZ lemon law firm of Krohn & Moss at 1-800 US LEMON to discuss this situation.