4th Gen Ram Improves 20 Places in J.D. Power Reliability Survey

[RustyJC]

Vehicles are more dependable than ever, says J. D. Power and Associates. The consulting company's latest study, which measures problems experienced in the last year by owners of 3-year-old vehicles, found that reported problems fell 5 percent to the lowest level since J. D. Power began collecting this data in 1989.

.

.



Chrysler's Ram brand — which introduced a new heavy-duty pickup in 2010 — saw one of the biggest leaps in the rankings. It rose to the 9th spot in 2013 from the 29th spot last year.

.

.



The 2013 study, which was released Wednesday, was based on responses from more than 37,000 original owners of 2010 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.

Full story HERE.



I'm glad to see the 4th generation Ram HDs getting recognition for this across-the-board improvement. I know that my 2011 has never been back to the dealer for anything other than routine service.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

Three cheers for Ram trucks.

 

[AHarris]

As an owner of a 2010 with 62,000 hard miles and practically zero issues, I would rank this truck #1/11 trucks that I've owned in my lifetime.



If only the fuel mileage could be better--$4. 09/gal X 500-600 miles a week gets expensive.

 

[Tryingit]

I have 49K on my 2010 with zero issues as well. Heck even the tires are still like new.

 

[JHumphries]

According to the NADA 11. 55 million "Light-Vehicles" were sold in 2010.
The J. D. Power survey "was based on responses from more than 37,000 original owners of 2010 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. "
So, 37000 ÷ 11. 55 Million ≈ 0. 3% of new vehicle sales.
How does this data mean much?
I like the implication that Dodge (Ram) vehicles are getting better, but, how accurate can this survey really be?

 

[orhusky]

Ok , small sample size but I will take it!

 

[RustyJC]

So, 37000 ÷ 11. 55 Million ≈ 0. 3% of new vehicle sales.

How does this data mean much?

I like the implication that Dodge (Ram) vehicles are getting better, but, how accurate can this survey really be?

Accuracy aside, the J. D. Power data is held in sufficient esteem that the manufacturers, media and consumers all pay attention to it.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

I've owned three of them and all three have been free of defects. I might add all three were "hecho en Mexico" if that matters.

I've been a satisfied owner for almost twelve years.

 

[rscurtis]

37,000 is a significant number, regardless of the population. Now if the survey group was 100 TDR members, it may not have as much validity.

 

[Kry226]

Yes, randomness preserves the integrity of the survey.

Remember that political polls rarely exceed 1,000 people, yet do pretty well most of the time predicting leaders. There are always outliers though.

 

[JRS]

I was at the dealership the other day having the oil changed. The lady that heads up the rental car counter came by where I was sitting and called me by my name.
She asked if I would be needing a car that day. I explained that I was just there to have the oil changed. She said that if I had needed a car she had wanted to take care of me promptly, because, "I was one of their best customers". Sadly, that says it all about the reliability of my 2010. The rental car folks at the dealership know me by my full name and call me one of their best customers. I never should have sold my '97 truck.

 

[Terry Jay]

I had a '95 1/2 ton, a ford 1/2 ton, a '05 1/2 ton, a '97 CTD, and a 2012 drw ctd. No problems with the Dodges, but could not keep brakes on the ford. The 2012 is a marvelous toeing machine. Between Tow/Haul and the exhaust brake I have to pay attention to going too slow on the downgrade across the mountains in WA, ID, MT, AB, BC, YuKon and AK

 

[RonD]

All the newer cars and trucks are much better than they once were, my 2012 is flawless, but I know a half dozen people who have the newer current Ferd F350's, they also have had no issues, I think those days are behind us

 

[ThomG]

Just a question. 13 Feb. I was at the Chicago Auto Show At the marvelous Ram display, was a dressed to kill 3500 dualley and a young man wearing a badge stateing he was a "product expert " or something similiar. We started discussing the 3500 I commented on the relatively poor fuel economyit gets compared to older models. My own 04,3. 73geared,6speed on one 800 mile unloaded trip, gave me 22. 25 mpg by math. Not every day, but once. Pulling my 35 ft. fiver, 15000#, 11. 5 is usually the norm at 60-65 mph. A good friend bought a new 11 dually, he says 13-14 loaded or empty is his best. What say you all ?

 

[RustyJC]

Highway mileage: 16-17 empty @ 70-75 MPH, 10-10. 5 towing the 16,000 lb GVWR 5th wheel in my signature @ 65 MPH.



Just about the same as my 2002 3500 ETH/DEE (HO/6-speed) dually with 4. 10s, Edge EZ and DD Stage 2 injectors, but the 2011 is a MUCH nicer ride!!



Rusty

 

[RonD]

Same or a tad better than Rusty, but I am a little lighter when towing

 

[DonFitzwater]

I've owned three of them and all three have been free of defects. I might add all three were "hecho en Mexico" if that matters.



I've been a satisfied owner for almost twelve years.

X2 on the "hecho en Mexico" I'll never buy another truck from the St. Louis plant.