My 2020 Ram Bighorn 1500 Has Been to the Dealer So Many Times I Can’t Remember. They Still Haven’t Fixed the Problem, I’m Done With this Truck

"When they tell you not to buy a Dodge Ram, listen to them and don't do it."

That is what Alicia La Gringa (@alicialagringaa) tells anyone who will listen to her TikTok clip about her 2020 Ram Bighorn 1500. She has been to the Ram dealer more times than she wants to remember, and it's been a nightmare experience. 

The dealer either can't or doesn't want to fix a recurring problem with her Ram pickup, as it has been six months, and they still haven't addressed it properly. Here's Alicia's unbelievable story and what Ram owners need to know.

Alicia says, "I have a 2020 Ram Bighorn 1500, and we bought it last year in March 2024. So, fast-forward to January 2025, the steering wheel started locking up. The electrical system is going crazy, the windshield wipers are going off for no reason." 

"It does this randomly. We can be driving, and the steering wheel will lock up while we are driving. It was extremely hazardous." 

"So, we said this is not good; we need to get this looked at. We took the truck to a dealer in Saint Augustine, Hanania Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. When we took it there, the electrical issues didn't happen all the time."   

"The steering wheel randomly locks up, and we don't know when it's going to happen. So, trying to be proactive, we took the truck to the dealer."

Dealer Trip #1

"We told the service advisor, that when you crank it, you'll see the warning lights come on. It says electrical service is needed. It's directly related to the power steering issue we are having. So we left it there."

"When we picked up the truck, they said, 'We've fixed it. Everything is done. You are good to go.' I said that was simple enough; what was the problem? She says, 'It was a loose battery cable.'"

The Truck Is Not Fixed

"So, we paid the dealer to get it fixed, get in the truck, and the same warning message is on the dash. So, I went back in and said, Excuse me, the same warning message is still there."

"She tells me no, it's not a problem, just drive it, and it's going to be fine. Those warning lights will go off."

"So we did that. We drove it home. What happens the next day? The truck breaks down and will not start. It won't do anything because it's dead."

Dealer Trip #2

"I called the advisor, and they told me to have the truck towed to the dealer. We paid $190 to the tow company to have it towed to the dealer."

"After they looked at the truck, they told us they had it figured out. They tell us there is a recall on the truck's power control module, that 1.5 million trucks were affected, and we updated the system."

"Sweet, now it's fixed," she says with a smile.

"After picking up the truck, the same message is on the dashboard." Now Alicia is distraught. "Now there are other issues with the touchscreen going black, and the GPS won't work." 

Dealer Trip #3

The dealer has to keep the vehicle again.

Alicia says, "Now we are about 45 minutes away from the dealer, so every time this happens, it's a major ordeal."

"So, when we went back the next day to pick up the truck, they did fix the GPS, but the same warning lights were on. The same error message is there that we have had since the first time we took it in."

The service advisor instructs Alicia to take the truck home, and the error message will go away. 

"So, now it's another call to the dealer. The advisor says, 'Let me talk to my manager, and I'll call you back,' but Alicia never gets a call.

That was at the end of January, and Alicia and her husband have jobs and don't have time to deal with it. 

Fast forward to the end of May.

Alicia is about to explode and says, "The same problem with the steering locking up happens again."

The service advisor tells Alicia that the cleaning lady threw away her phone number, which is why she didn't call him back. 

Alicia is stunned because she knows the advisor has her number from the previous repair order. 

Now, the dealer is likely caught in a lie, and at the very least, it's poor customer service. 

Dealer Trip #4

"I think it's all related to the power control module," she says.

"So, because I haven't received any solutions from the Ram dealer, I took it up the chain. I escalated the issue to the head of the dealership and then to the CEO of Hanania Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Mr Jack Hanania received an email from me. I let him know I've been dealing with this since January with no resolution."

Now, she finally gets someone's attention.

"So, then I finally get a response from the service manager, and he says they will give me a loaner vehicle and get this resolved." 

"Now, they've had our truck for two and a half weeks, and they call and tell me they still can't find anything wrong with it. So now it's nearly six months later, and we are still dealing with error messages on our truck."

Now, the truck is out of warranty.

"The thing is, back in January, I still had the truck covered under warranty; now, because they have waited so long, it's out of warranty."

"Now, after all this time, they think they've found the problem; it's a vacuum pump. They tell me it will be $700, and it's not covered under warranty. My husband says we don't have the money right now." 

"Now I've taken this story to the St Augustine News, social media, and everyone from Hanania Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram because I'm so done with this truck."

What is Going On At This Ram Dealer?

I see multiple issues at the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram dealer. They are unprofessional, at the very least, and appear to be disinterested in helping Alicia get her 2020 Ram Bighorn 1500 appropriately diagnosed and repaired. 

There isn't another Ram dealer close to Alicia, and they may be the only dealer in the area, with little to no competition. They don't have to be excellent at what they do.

What Should Ram Owners Do If This Happens?

If a Ram dealership can't fix your truck, you should start by documenting all repair attempts, contacting the manufacturer, and possibly seeking legal advice if the issue continues.

Understanding your state's Lemon Law is crucial, as it may offer options such as a buyback or replacement vehicle if the problem is severe and unresolved, according to Quill and Arrow Law. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Document Everything:

• Keep records of all interactions with the dealership, including dates, descriptions of the problem, and details of attempted repairs.
• Maintain copies of service records, receipts, and any correspondence with the dealership or manufacturer, as advised by JustAnswer.
• Documenting everything is crucial for any further action, primarily if you pursue a Lemon Law claim. 

2. Contact the Manufacturer:

• If the dealership can't resolve the issue, contact Ram's customer service or the manufacturer's customer support line.
• Explain the problem and the dealership's inability to resolve it.
• The manufacturer may offer assistance, guidance, or even intervene on your behalf. 

3. Understand Your State's Lemon Law:

• Each state has its own Lemon Law, which provides consumer protection for vehicles with persistent issues.
• Learn about your state's specific requirements and timelines for filing a Lemon Law claim. 

4. Seek Legal Advice:

• If the manufacturer or dealership doesn't offer a satisfactory resolution, consult with a Lemon Law attorney.
• An attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the complexities of Lemon Law claims.
• They can also negotiate with the manufacturer or dealership on your behalf and, if necessary, represent you in legal proceedings. 

Third-Party Repairs:

If the warranty administrator agrees to cover the repair, you can explore authorized repair shops other than the dealership, says JustAnswer. 

6. Be Patient and Persistent:

• Lemon Law cases can take time to resolve, so be prepared for a potentially lengthy process.
• Stay persistent in your communication with the manufacturer and your attorney. 

What Would You Do in Alicia's Situation?

Have you had a similar experience at a Ram dealer? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota dealer story: My 2023 RAV4 Has Been To the Toyota Dealer For 3 Different Issues, They Still Don’t Know How To Fix Any Of Them

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Alicia