Buying a new truck is never cheap, and when you invest in a well known brand like Dodge Ram, you expect it to perform. You expect the rugged, reliable truck from the commercials. Instead, you end up with a truck that’s in the shop more than it’s on the road.
If this happens and you don’t know what to do, turn to the Ram Lemon Law in California. This law protects defective car owners and can compensate them with a buyback, a replacement, or a cash settlement. In this article we’ll help explain some of the legal jargon and lay out the steps to take to get the compensation you deserve. Let’s get right into it.
Know if You Have a Lemon
Before you file a claim, you must be sure that your Dodge Ram qualifies under California’s Lemon Law. As you should know, not every little hiccup makes your truck eligible. If you’ve had to deal with the same problem multiple times, or your Ram has spent too many days at the repair shop, you might have a case.
If you’ve taken your RAM in for the same engine issue four times, or your brakes feel spongy and the dealership can’t solve it, you might be in a battle with a lemon. To know the basics of what qualifies, see the following:
- The truck is still under the original factory warranty
- The issue seriously affects the vehicle’s use, safety, or resale value
- The dealer has had multiple chances to fix the problem without a solution
- The truck has been in the repair shop for more than 30 days
How to Start Your Dodge Ram Lemon Law Claim
Now that you know the basics, you can follow the process below to start your claim and get the ball rolling:
Start Tracking Everything
From the first repair visit, start keeping records. You want every repair order, invoice, and dealership service note saved in one place. To organize them, you can use a physical folder or scan them into a digital file. Keep any records of phone calls, emails, or text messages with the dealership or Ram customer service.
If you can see or hear the issue, take pictures or videos of it. If you feel a weird vibration or hesitation in the engine, write it down and note the date and mileage.
Be Clear with the Dealership
Don’t just drop off the truck and say, “It’s acting weird;” be specific about the issue. Ask them to document the problem in writing, and make sure the service order accurately describes your complaint.
If they tell you something like “the vehicle is within normal specs,” don’t panic. That’s a common line used to explain away problems they can’t fix. Just make sure they write it down, because that statement next to visible evidence of the problem actually helps your case.
What to Say (and Not Say) When Dealing with the Dealership
When dealing with ongoing problems, your dealership is your first stop. As such, how you communicate with them matters more than you think, so here are some tips to make sure you don’t inadvertently weaken your case:
- Be specific and describe exactly what’s going wrong. Say things like, “The transmission slips when shifting from second to third,” or “The check engine light keeps coming on when the truck idles.”
- Use dates and mileage. Tell them when it started, how often it happened, and how many miles the truck had traveled each time.
- Always request that they write out your complaint on the repair order. If they miss something, politely ask them to revise it before you sign off.
As for what you shouldn’t say:
- Don’t be vague and avoid phrases like “It just feels off” or “It’s acting funny.” You want something they can track and write down clearly.
- Don’t downplay the issue by saying, “It’s probably nothing,” which gives them a reason not to take it seriously. It could hurt your case even if you’re trying to be polite.
- Don’t reveal right away your intent to file a Lemon Law claim. Some dealerships get defensive once they hear “Lemon Law,” which can make them harder to work with. Focus on getting the issue fixed and properly documented.
Ask for a Final Repair Attempt
After two or three failed repairs for the same issue, write or email Dodge and ask for a final repair attempt. This shows you’re being reasonable, and this step is sometimes called a “last-chance” letter. The letter should include the issue experienced, the dates of past repairs, and a notice of you giving them one last shot to make it right.
This letter also starts the “formal complaint” process with the manufacturer, which is a necessary step under the law.
Talk to a Lemon Lawyer
Most Dodge Lemon Law attorneys in California don’t charge you directly. That’s because the manufacturer often pays your attorney’s fees if you win.
A lawyer will look over your repair records, confirm that you have a strong case, and handle all the back-and-forth negotiations. They’ll know how to apply pressure and get things moving.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Your Claim?
Technically, you don’t, as you can file a Lemon Lawsuit on your own. In reality, hiring a Lemon Law attorney is oftentimes the smarter move, and here’s why:
- You don’t pay them upfront – In California, the manufacturer (Dodge/Stellantis) has to pay your legal fees if you win, and you pay nothing if you lose. That’s because most Lemon Law attorneys work on a “contingency basis,” so you don’t owe them anything out of pocket.
- They do all the heavy lifting – Your lawyer handles everything, from reviewing your records to negotiating with Dodge. You won’t have to argue with a manufacturer who’s playing games since you’ll have someone in your corner who’s familiar with their tactics.
- You’ll likely get a better outcome – People who file with lemon lawyers often get more favorable settlements, faster responses, with fewer headaches along the way. Automakers take legal claims more seriously than individual complaints.
- They know the deadlines and loopholes – California’s Lemon Law is strong, but there are still rules and deadlines. A good lawyer knows how to avoid the common traps that could delay or ruin your case.
What Awaits You After the Success of Your Claim
If Dodge officially declares your Ram a lemon, you could be entitled to:
- A full refund, also called a Dodge Ram Lemon Law buyback. This includes your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, registration, and towing or rental costs.
- A replacement truck, usually a same-model, similarly equipped, at no additional cost.
- A cash settlement, where you keep your Ram and get paid for the trouble it caused you.
Time to Dodge Your Ram Lemon Problems
You didn’t buy your Dodge Ram just to spend your weekends fighting with the service department. You bought it for strength, reliability, and performance, which is why it hits differently when these vehicles don’t live up to the standards advertised. Thankfully, California law gives you a way out.
You shouldn’t let a Lemon take over your life. Organize the necessary paperwork and contact our attorneys at Quill & Arrow LLP. We’ll help you file your claim correctly and handle any pushback by the manufacturer, so you have nothing to worry about. With professional legal assistance, you can get the compensation you’re owed and get back behind the wheel of the reliable truck you deserve.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions