New vehicle nightmare.....

treeguy64

treeguy64

Hari Om, y'all!
Location
Austin, TX.
OK, so I decided to buy a new truck. I wanted a nice looking vehicle that could handle the rigors of towing my RV up and down the mountains of Colorado, as we will be exploring there, fairly soon, looking for a town to possibly move to. I wanted all of the most modern bells and whistles, especially those that helped provide a safer driving experience.

What I've ended up with, so far, is a vehicle that cost more than the combined price of two of my rent houses, with features that flat out don't work!

Today, I'll be taking it in, for the second time in ten days, so the techs can go over it, again. I'm sure they'll hook it up to their computers and tell me, once again, that everything checks out OK. This time, though, I'll call BS!

I tested the feature that was most important to me. Without getting into technical stuff: I wanted a vehicle that sees approaching hazards, warns me with sounds and displays, and then stops the vehicle, if I don't. My vehicle supposedly has this feature, but it doesn't.

I set up a length of butcher paper across my 12' gate. When I backed up to it, no problems. I hear the bells, see the display, and my truck stops itself. If I drive head-on, the truck beeps, flashes and...... drives right on through! I have videos, courtesy of Janet.

Now, the dealership is giving me a line that the truck needs to see a vehicle, not paper, to deploy the brake. Uh, no. If that was true, it wouldn't work in reverse, flawlessly. The problem is that the front sensors are not hooked up to the brakes. They obviously see the paper, since I get the bells and see the approaching hazard display on my dashboard. This is not rocket science, and it's not a super computer, onboard, that can do fine discrimination for types of approaching hazards.

So, when the techs tell me, today, that everything is AOK, they'll get two words from me: "Prove it!" They have hundreds of vehicles on the lot. Simply park one in the middle of the lot, get in my truck, and drive up to the parked vehicle, without your foot on the brake. I know they'll have two vehicles to send to the body shop, and I'll have my money back under the Texas Lemon Law, or a new truck that does what it's supposed to do.

One other thing: Driving down the road, two days ago, this car pulled out of a side street, cutting us off. He missed us by 2-3 feet. ZERO reports from the truck!

FWIW, the truck is a 2020 Dodge Ram, Laramie,1500 Diesel, 4x4, rated at 12,500 lbs. towing, with all the bells and whistles. Had I done my due diligence, online, I would have found that the problem with the forward braking system is common. Live and learn.......
 

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Mrs. L's car has this "collision avoidance" and it's a right pain, especially if you live in the country. The sensors can't distinguish between trees and bushes at the roadside, or unexpected dips in the road. On one occasion, we had collected a box of vegetables and set them on the rear seats. On a totally empty road, the car suddenly slammed on the brakes and the vegetables ended up all over the place. Other occasions it issues warnings caused by long grass waving in the wind.

Other people who live in rural areas have reported worse problems, but the manufacturer denies any problems.

Sometimes technology that is supposed to help avoid problems is more of a hazard itself.
 
Capt Lightning said:
Mrs. L's car has this "collision avoidance" and it's a right pain, especially if you live in the country. The sensors can't distinguish between trees and bushes at the roadside, or unexpected dips in the road. On one occasion, we had collected a box of vegetables and set them on the rear seats. On a totally empty road, the car suddenly slammed on the brakes and the vegetables ended up all over the place. Other occasions it issues warnings caused by long grass waving in the wind.

Other people who live in rural areas have reported worse problems, but the manufacturer denies any problems.

Sometimes technology that is supposed to help avoid problems is more of a hazard itself.
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Yep! I am now the sadder, but wiser. I have read about other experiences, like yours. Thank goodness y'all weren't hurt!
 
All this "Gee Whiz" electronic stuff on new cars and trucks is just another item waiting to break....IMO. I'm a firm believer in "simple is better". I had trouble with the radio staying on, in our 2006 Impala, and it took 3 trips to the dealer before they finally figured out it was a door sensor....after replacing the BCM for $500....which I got refunded after I got a bit upset with them.
I periodically look at new cars/trucks, and have almost given up on buying one....they all seem to be more concerned about their "Aps" than things like reliability and fuel mileage. I suppose if I had to drive 20K+ miles/yr., or was still working, I might be in the mood for newer vehicles, but we only drive about 7K/yr. anymore, and both vehicles are in good shape, and only cost me a few dollars/yr. for normal maintenance. My old 1997 Dakota just turned !00K miles, and I bought new tires for it this last Fall....biggest expense in years.
 
It got a GREAT review at Edmunds. Hope you resolve your problem =

2020 Ram 1500 Review
by the Edmunds Experts

Ram redesigned its 1500 truck last year, and it continues to be our top-rated truck. All Ram 1500 trims come with excellent driving dynamics, generously appointed interiors, and a unique rear suspension for the class. With it, the Ram glides past competitors with a ride quality more commonly associated with cars. Truck duties are not a problem either — the Ram 1500 offers comparable maximum ratings for both towing and payload capacity.

Engine choices include familiar picks such as a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8. But there are some new tricks here. Last year, Ram introduced a mild hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency and the smoothness of the engine stop-start system. It's standard equipment on the V6 and optional on the V8.

New this year is a diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 known as the EcoDiesel. Ram had equipped the previous-generation truck with this engine but had to pull it from the market because of emissions certification problems. The new version is more powerful and more fuel-efficient (it's rated at 24-26 mpg combined, compared to the gasoline V6's 21-23 mpg). It also allows for a stout maximum tow rating of 12,560 pounds.
The cabin is another clear win for the Ram. Highlights include comfortable seats, high-quality materials and an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. Move through the options list and the Ram 1500 really begins to shine. Higher trims offer even greater levels of luxury. And the truck has unmatched storage solutions from a large, configurable center console to spacious in-floor bins and locking compartments built into the side of its bed.

Buying a full-truck often comes down to brand loyalty, and rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are desirable models in their own right. But even if you're not normally a Ram fan, you owe it to yourself to check out this capable and feature-packed truck.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Ram 1500 as Edmunds' Top Rated Truck of 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Best Cars page.
 
I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4X4 club cab with the 4.7 liter V8 and towing package. I just had the 100K service done and when the mechanic finished he asked me how much I wanted for it because it was in such great condition. Not going to sell, have no intention of buying another vehicle in this lifetime. I used to be a serious motor head but now days I never even look at new cars or trucks.
 
Catlady said:
It got a GREAT review at Edmunds. Hope you resolve your problem =

2020 Ram 1500 Review
by the Edmunds Experts

Ram redesigned its 1500 truck last year, and it continues to be our top-rated truck. All Ram 1500 trims come with excellent driving dynamics, generously appointed interiors, and a unique rear suspension for the class. With it, the Ram glides past competitors with a ride quality more commonly associated with cars. Truck duties are not a problem either — the Ram 1500 offers comparable maximum ratings for both towing and payload capacity.

Engine choices include familiar picks such as a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8. But there are some new tricks here. Last year, Ram introduced a mild hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency and the smoothness of the engine stop-start system. It's standard equipment on the V6 and optional on the V8.

New this year is a diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 known as the EcoDiesel. Ram had equipped the previous-generation truck with this engine but had to pull it from the market because of emissions certification problems. The new version is more powerful and more fuel-efficient (it's rated at 24-26 mpg combined, compared to the gasoline V6's 21-23 mpg). It also allows for a stout maximum tow rating of 12,560 pounds.
The cabin is another clear win for the Ram. Highlights include comfortable seats, high-quality materials and an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. Move through the options list and the Ram 1500 really begins to shine. Higher trims offer even greater levels of luxury. And the truck has unmatched storage solutions from a large, configurable center console to spacious in-floor bins and locking compartments built into the side of its bed.

Buying a full-truck often comes down to brand loyalty, and rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are desirable models in their own right. But even if you're not normally a Ram fan, you owe it to yourself to check out this capable and feature-packed truck.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Ram 1500 as Edmunds' Top Rated Truck of 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Best Cars page.
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Thanks! A nice, uplifting, review article. I needed that, no joke!

It has a luxury ride, looks great. However, if the main safety feature I bought it for is inoperative, all is for naught.

I'll update in here as soon as I know what's what. I will be testing my loaner for its automatic front braking feature. Stay tuned......
 
The CAS (Collision Avoidance System) sounds a lot like the systems we have on our planes. We had TCAS while in the air and a GCAS system while on the ground. Together, these two systems have saved several thousands of lives.

In no way am I a tech genius when it comes to this kind of stuff and I can only relay to anyone what I have been told and/or understand. Both systems are dependent on the software that uses data from several other systems like: GPS, Image Recognition, the use of Lasers and others combined. The software sorts it all out and makes the decision for the pilot as to what action he "must" take. It's not a suggestion.

For example: Take two planes going 500 mph towards one another and on the same altitude and headings, only 180 degrees opposite with one another. One plane is EB (East Bound) and one plane is WB (West Bound.) The TCAS system alerts the pilots by warning them verbally. One plane will get the warning: "Traffic!! Descend !! Traffic!! Descend!!
While the the other aircraft will get the warning: "Traffic!! Climb!! Traffic!! Climb!!
If both pilots follow the TCAS instructions, as they should, the collision is averted.

The software "does not" automatically take control of the aircraft and make the maneuver. It's up to the pilots to do that.

There was an incident years ago when this very thing happened, except that the Tower Controller told both planes to do the opposite of what TCAS was telling them to do. The one pilot followed the TCAS instructions while the other pilot decided to follow the Tower Controller's instructions and both planes collided.

 
I support buying products totally made in the USA, but it is really hard to do.

Most if not all automobile manufacturers are are global companies. It's a vary broad subject I know.
 
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Wow, treeguy, I hope your dealer can fix the issue! It can be so hard finding good dealership service. Some of them are just terrible. For many of our cars over the years, we used independent service people as soon as we could. Honda dealers out here are particularly notorious for terrible service.

I did a lot of research (and test drives) before buying our new SUV - 18 months worth! This was in the 2016-2017 timeframe. I wanted more power, more room, with great handling/braking - but I also figured it was getting some of the new tech safety features. I'm not getting any younger, LOL.

I read not just the pro reviews but spent entire evenings reading the user message boards, focusing on similar models/safety features.

I very quickly found issues with the Automatic Emergency Braking systems getting fooled by "false alarms". And then, of course, there was that issue with the woman who got killed at night trying to walk across a street but the car's AEB did not see her at all (sorry, forget what model/brand it was).

It was pretty clear to me that the AEB systems weren't quite "ready for prime time". Tesla's continuing issues with drivers who mis-use the Autopilot feature (it's not supposed to be used for more than 5 minutes, I think) are well known here, since Tesla was started here in Northern CA.

The SUV we ended up with has an Automatic Brake Warning System, but not the AEB. Lights flash, a discordant alarm goes off (so you can't ignore it), and the ABS system is 'primed' for a hard stop. But it does not actually brake the car, for which I am grateful.

I live in a good-sized city, and the ABW goes off as I drive out of the parking lot of the favorite supermarket I use - the lane is narrow, and has a big hedge planted smack on the edge of the curb always waving in the breezes, that triggers the lights and alarm!

Other than that, I LOVE the new safety features. They are amazing, and well worth it IMHO. We sprang for the extended warranty because all the cars have multiple computer chips nowadays. Our SUV has something like 27 chips in it! But that anti-sway feature makes a HUGE difference in the handling - you can throw this 5,000 Lb. 6 foot tall SUV around on a winding country road almost like a sportscar. None of that horrible "top heavy" tippy feeling one usually gets trying to drive an SUV around curves.
 
We have a '92 Dodge Ram 250 Manual 4WD Cummin's Diesel that we bought new. Been very reliable over the years and still going strong. It's old school though, none of the new computerized gizmos or bells and whistles. Other vehicles are Dodge Nitro '07, auto, 4WD and '96 manual 4WD Jeep Cherokee both bought new and are still very reliable. Been happy over the years with Dodge/Chrysler products.
 
treeguy64 said:
I ONLY buy American, and have all my life. This is the first really bad experience, for me, although I did have a new, tiny Chevy that never had a properly functioning AC, even after a dealer replacement.
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Some ads for Ford after many of their models caught fire:
"Forget Chevy; We've Got The Real Blazer:
"Quality is Job One. Putting Out The Fire is Job Two"
 
I love bells and whistles! Starting with my 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro, I never had a problem with any of them. Not one bad bell! I've had a couple of old fashioned mechanical issues over the years (hood latch cable broke on my Mercedes ML, busted gear box in the Quattro) but not issues with the high tech part. Every vehicle today has a ton of high tech and you are kidding yourself if you think you can avoid it unless you want to drive an out of date vehicle.
 
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