Rust on interior parts of CAB

Tiny
BROOKS001
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 RAM 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 553 MILES
I bought a new truck listed above 1500 crew cab on Nov 18th, after having the truck for two days, I dropped something under the seat and found that the bolts holding the seat in place were rusted, I then inspected the whole interior and founds rust all over the place throughout the cab.

I went to the dealership to report the problem and started emailing them everything about the rust with pictures so they could not say they knew nothing about it or that I did something to cause it.

The sales department told me to go see the service manager to make an appointment to inspect the truck, while I was shocked at the response I got, I went to make an appointment as suggested.

When I addressed the service manager, he told me that there was nothing they could do until Chrysler approve anything.

Vehicle information:

2017 Ram 1500, Longhorn, Crew Cab, 4X4
Vin: 1C6RR7PT7HS779992
Factory Build Date: June 2017

History:

Over the past seventeen years I have bought five new Dodge vehicles. Four of the vehicles were bought from the dealer I am dealing with now.

If anyone has any suggestions on how I should proceed, I would appreciate it.
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Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 8:06 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Go straight to the manufacturer, they will have a customer help department, advise them of the non action by the dealer, this usually gets things rolling.
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Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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That rust is probably normal and was caused by moisture in the carpet. Can you feel the floor to see if it is wet?
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
BROOKS001
  • MEMBER
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MHPAUTOS, thank you for your sound advice, I am writing an email to Chrysler.
Update: As of today, the dealership has setup an appointment with their service department to do an inspection of the vehicle on Friday.
I fail to understand their response to the problem, it is clear there is either an issue with water getting into the vehicle (this would have shown up with condensation on the windows), possible flood damage, or someone left a window open during some heavy rain (again, this would have shown with condensation on the windows). Either way, the dealership knew about this problem and sold me the vehicle anyway.
I am going along with it for the moment, as I research other options and I rather have them working with me, not against me.
The other issue this is, how bad is the rust in the areas that can’t be reached or seen, and how does it affect electronics?

2CARPROS KEN, I know you are an admin, but you have got to be kidding me when you say, "that rust is probably normal", the truck is five months out of the factory and I have owned it for only two days when I discovered the rust, at that rate the truck would be complete crap in five years!

I have owned nothing but new vehicles since I was eighteen:

1987 Nissan Sentra GXE.
1990 Nissan Stanza GXE.
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport.
2001 Dodge Dakoda Quad Cab SLT 4X4.
2005 Ram 1500 Laramie, Quad Cab 4X4.
2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited.
2011 Ram 1500 Longhorn, Crew Cab 4X4.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport/Limited.
2017 Ram 1500 Longhorn, Crew Cab 4X4.

I worked for three dealerships when I was in my late teens, doing dealer inventory, dealer swaps and new dealer prep. I have never seen anything even remotely close to this!

As for moisture in the carpet, no it has been dry since I bought it.
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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I have experience with Ford, some models had a pre existing problem with window seals and trim seals allowing water to enter the cabin, most problems there were smell and mildew, some electronics are under consoles and seats but the car would have to be swimming for this to be a concern, often for us it was a matter of locating the leak and rectifying it and removing and drying the carpet or replacing if it was needed. Chrysler may have a different approach to this problem, but at least there is some action happening, I hope it is a good out come for you.
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
I was just saying I have seen rust in the interior before because of moisture. Did not mean to offend.
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Thursday, November 30th, 2017 AT 11:48 AM

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