The phrase “RAM dealer refuses repair” refers to a situation in which a local dealer or service center declines warranty repair or service. A RAM dealer might refuse repair if they believe the issue isn’t covered under the warranty, the problem can’t be duplicated, or if the repair won’t be reimbursed by Chrysler. They may also deny service due to aftermarket modifications, prior work done elsewhere, or internal cost and policy restrictions. If this happens, the customer can visit a different dealer, escalate the issue to Chrysler, or pursue legal help, such as Lemon Law support, to force proper resolution.
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In this blog, we’ll explore the circumstances under which a RAM dealer might refuse a repair, the factors that could influence this decision, and the steps a customer can take in response.
What Is the Problem When a RAM Dealer Refuses To Carry Out A Repair?
A RAM dealer refusing a repair means the dealership is declining to perform warranty work on a vehicle that should legally be covered. This can relate to routine maintenance, factory defects, the sunroof not working, engine problems, or issues the service department claims are “not reproducible.” It becomes a major problem because the customer is still stuck with a truck or car that the warranty is supposed to fix for free, yet the service center refuses. When a RAM dealer refuses repair during the warranty period, the warranty contract is effectively weakened, leaving the RAM customer at a loss.
This creates legal implications because federal consumer laws, the manufacturers’ warranties, and state lemon laws require dealerships to honor warranty obligations. When a local dealership or original dealer refuses warranty repair, the customer may be entitled to compensation or a buyback if the defect covers repeated failed repairs. That’s why understanding why a RAM dealer refuses repair and what to do next is critical for any buyer dealing with warranty issues, warranty service disputes, or refusal to fix a covered defect.
What Should Consumers Know When a RAM Dealer Refuses Repair?
Dealers have legal obligations under a vehicle’s warranty contract. They must perform warranty work, honor warranty promises, and fix defects that the manufacturer’s warranty covers. A dealer cannot simply refuse warranty work because the service department believes the job takes too much time, costs too much money, or the problem is inconvenient. When a RAM dealer refuses repair against these obligations, they risk violating consumer protection laws.
Under the Lemon Law, the selling dealer and any authorized Dodge dealer or Jeep dealer must repair the vehicle when defects occur. If your RAM, Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep vehicle keeps breaking down or the same problem repeats, the lemon law may apply. This covers defects within the warranty period and requires the dealership to attempt repairs. If a RAM dealer refuses repair despite these obligations, your rights are being violated, and you can take action.
Consumers may have legal grounds to demand repair or replacement under the implied warranty of merchantability if a dealership sells a defective vehicle and refuses to fix it. A common sentiment expressed by customers in online forums when a service center tries to avoid responsibility is dissatisfaction with the dealer. Therefore, a dealer cannot refuse repair if the warranty contract covers the issue. When a RAM dealer refuses repair, you can file complaints with your State Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in case of warranty disputes. Alternatively, you can escalate warranty disputes to the General Manager and Mopar/Stellantis corporate if a RAM dealer refuses a warranty repair.
What Factors Influence a RAM Dealer’s Decision to Refuse Repair?
There are several reasons why a RAM dealer refuses repair, even when customers believe the vehicle should be covered under the manufacturer’s original warranty. Some local dealers refuse warranty work because repairs take too long, hurt dealership profitability, require expensive parts, or involve significant defects that take technicians away from faster, more profitable jobs. Other times, the service manager claims the issue was caused by aftermarket parts, such as an AFE intake, or blames prior work done at a local shop or body shop. These excuses often have little legal merit, and they shouldn’t override your warranty rights, especially when the same problem continues to appear and substantially impedes the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
A RAM dealer may also refuse repair due to internal disagreements with Chrysler or manufacturer warranty representatives. Some dealerships believe the factory won’t reimburse them for certain repair assistance, so they avoid warranty claims altogether to protect their bottom line. In other situations, dealers are understaffed or unable to secure parts on time, or the general manager denies approval because the service department prefers the customer pay out of pocket instead of honoring warranty coverage. Refusals can also occur when the dealer misclassifies the vehicle, such as treating motor homes, non-travel trailers, or towable recreational vehicles differently, or when they question whether the defect substantially impairs the vehicle or meets the safety hazard test.
In all cases, when a RAM dealer refuses repair, customers must know how to respond. Keeping detailed repair orders, documenting every phone call, referencing state law requirements, and escalating the issue through the applicable manufacturer can protect your lemon law case and strengthen your position. If necessary, consult a lemon law attorney to evaluate your case and your rights under state and federal laws, and to push the issue toward a formal complaint, a final order, or even state district court review.
What Is the Dealer’s Perspective in a Repair or Warranty Dispute?
Each dealership is independently owned, which allows them to refuse service for vehicles not purchased from them. From the dealer’s perspective, several internal factors influence whether they approve or refuse a repair under dealer warranty or manufacturer warranty obligations. One of the biggest considerations is the cost of repairs, especially when the job requires expensive parts, highly skilled labor, or a significant amount of time in the service bay or body shop.
Warranty-covered work typically reimburses the dealer at a lower rate than customer-paid repairs, which means the dealership earns less profit on the same job. As a result, some service managers view warranty work as financially unattractive, particularly when the repair is complex or unlikely to be reimbursed fully by the manufacturer. This is because when a dealer evaluates a repair request, they consider how much time the job will take, whether the manufacturer will reimburse them, and how the cost of repairs aligns with operational goals.
Dealers also operate under strict rules set by the applicable manufacturer, and they must justify every warranty claim they submit. If a repair is coded incorrectly or the manufacturer believes the issue was caused by aftermarket parts or prior work done elsewhere, the auto makers may deny reimbursement. When this happens repeatedly, the dealership becomes cautious about taking on cases that may put them at risk of losing money. This strained dealer–manufacturer relationship can lead to refusals, especially when the defect is difficult to diagnose, the same problem has occurred multiple times, or the dealer fears the claim will be flagged as non-warranty.
Furthermore, profitability plays a major role. Dealerships prioritize work that keeps their service department profitable and running efficiently, which often means preferring customer-paid repairs over warranty coverage. Also, dealers often prioritize warranty work for vehicles purchased from them over those bought elsewhere. Although these internal pressures explain the dealer’s behavior, they do not override your legal rights under state law or the manufacturer’s warranty.
How Can a Customer Respond When a Ram Dealer Refuses Repair?
When a RAM dealer refuses repair, customers have several effective ways to respond. They are not required to accept the dealer’s decision. The first step is to gather all repair orders, warranty documents, emails, notes from conversations, and track the number of repair attempts to show that the issue is genuine and recurring. It also helps to document all conversations, including dates, times, and the names of service advisors, to create a clear history of the refusal.
If the local dealership continues to deny warranty work, the customer can simply go to another certified RAM or Chrysler dealer, as larger or more experienced service centers are often more willing to honor warranty repairs. Presenting a full service history, oil changes, and evidence of repeated repair attempts on the brand new car makes it harder for any dealer to argue against coverage when the same problem keeps occurring. Also, consulting a mechanic for a second opinion can help confirm whether an issue is covered under warranty.
When switching dealerships does not resolve the issue, the next step is escalation. You can escalate the issue by sending a demand letter outlining your case and citing relevant laws. Customers can also contact Chrysler’s manufacturer hotline, open a formal complaint, ask for review by a warranty representative who can override the dealership, or request a formal, written explanation from the dealer for any denial of service or uncooperative behavior. You can reach the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-334-9200 for warranty issues.
In cases logged as “Chrysler called,” it often means the manufacturer has already intervened or is verifying the dealer’s actions. If the dispute continues, customers may file a claim, pursue small claims court, or seek protection under the Lemon Law when a defect remains unresolved after multiple repair attempts. When a RAM dealer refuses repair, involving the manufacturer, filing a dispute, or invoking legal remedies can pressure the dealer to comply and ensure warranty rights are respected.
What Are the Benefits of Seeking Legal Advice When a RAM Dealer Refuses Repair?
Legal advice becomes a powerful tool when a RAM dealer refuses repair, and the dealership refuses to honor warranty service. Lemon Law attorneys can quickly assess whether the defect qualifies under the Lemon Law, especially when a brand-new truck or new vehicle shows repeated issues the dealer refuses to fix. An experienced lawyer can act as the intermediary between you and the dealership, ensuring the warranty contract is enforced and the dealer cannot dismiss or ignore legitimate repair claims. This support is especially valuable when a customer has already made multiple repair attempts without resolution.
Legal representation also strengthens the customer’s position during negotiations. Attorneys know how to pressure dealerships, escalate complaints to higher levels, and file formal claims with the manufacturer when necessary. If the selling dealer or original dealer has a history of refusing warranty work, legal counsel can gather evidence, document patterns of denial, and prepare a strong case. When a RAM dealer refuses repair, a skilled Lemon Law attorney can push for a favorable outcome, including a manufacturer buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a full refund under the Lemon Law, greatly increasing your chances of success.
Ready to Demand a Repair Resolution Now?
It is important to remain steadfast, take control, and demand accountability for your RAM repair. Settling for less should not be an option. You deserve proper service, warranty coverage, and a complete resolution. If a RAM dealer refuses repair, fight back, assert your consumer rights, and get the repair, refund, or replacement you’re entitled to.
If your car keeps ending up at the shop, you do not have to fight the manufacturer alone. Book a case evaluation with one of Easy Lemon’s team of attorneys today. With no upfront fees and a 99% win rate, we’re ready to help you secure the refund, replacement, or settlement you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your RAM dealer refuses repair, it could be very frustrating. These frequently asked questions cover how to deal with such a situation, common mistakes people make, and how the cost of repair typically leads to refusal.
How to Deal With a RAM Dealer Refusing Repair?
Start by documenting the issue with detailed service records, written communication, and photos or videos of the defect. If the dealer still refuses service, escalate to RAM customer care, file a warranty complaint, or contact a lemon law attorney for support.
Can I Take Legal Action Against a RAM Dealer for Refusing Repair?
Yes, legal action is possible if the refusal violates your warranty rights or blocks required repair attempts under lemon law. Most cases start with a formal complaint to RAM and then escalate to arbitration or a lemon law claim if the issue isn’t resolved.
How Much Does It Typically Cost for a Repair That a Ram Dealer Refuses to Do?
Costs vary widely depending on the defect, but out-of-pocket repairs for major issues often range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. These expenses may later be recoverable through a lemon law claim if the dealer wrongfully refused warranty service.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Dealing With a Ram Dealer Refusing a Repair, and How Can They Be Avoided?
A common mistake is failing to gather complete service records, which makes it harder to prove repeated repair attempts or refusal. Another is not escalating early; contacting RAM corporate or a lemon law attorney quickly prevents delays and strengthens your case.
