2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Paint Problems and Small Claims Court

[Sasquatch]

I've scanned the old paint threads, and there used to be a link to a "how to" internet site that several TDR members said was very helpful in seeking relief (new paint job) from Chrysler.



The link has expired, so I'd greatly appreciate it if anyone knows what the drill is. I met with the local "District Service Manager," here in Atlanta, and his position is that Chrysler is not responsible for any paint problems. His response was, "We have a three year warranty on paint, and your truck is seven years old, and has well over 100,000 miles on it. "



I said, "Look, I understand the concept of warranties, but I've been told that Chrysler had problems up until '98 with water-based paints, and will make things right if the paint is failing on these vintage trucks, as long as it's an obvious defect, and not an abuse-related failure... "



He said, "I've been the Service Manager in the Atlanta area for 16 years, and I haven't heard anything like what you're referring to... "



I got his name, and said, "Well, I guess I'll see you in small claims court," to which he responded, "You'll be wasting your time and money, because I just fought a case just like yours and the judge threw it out on the grounds that the sort of testimony you're referring to (internet links to Chrysler customers with paint failure problems) is strictly "here-say," and not admissible. "



He continued, "Her car had less mileage on it than yours does, and the judge threw the case out... "



What ****** me off is not so much being turned down, I sort of anticipated that, but the guy's attitude which was very smug. I could tell that he didn't like the idea of my dragging his ass into small claims court, but that didn't get him to soften his attitude.



I asked him for his name and phone number, and he obliged with the name, but refused to give me a business phone number I could use to reach him. "I can't be giving my phone number out to every customer; if you want to reach me, you'll have to do it through the dealer.



Anyone who can provide me with any "ammo" to take to court, I'd really appreciate your help. My hood and the top of my cab are doing the "acne/paint peel" routine.



Thanks much.

 

[y-knot]

As far as I know the only thing Dodge will consider is "Paint De-lamination" . This happened to some trucks and was a problem of the paint breaking down over time and flaking off the truck.

I know some on here have written about small claims court. While this is one avenue to pursue, it is not a walk in the park. You would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that your truck's paint worn, broke down, flaked because of something Dodge didn't do. Your truck is 7-8 years old and I would not think your chances were too good. After 7 years of were and tear from sun, weather, ice, road salt, washings, waxing or lack of waxing, it would be very hard for anyone to come to the conclusion that your trucks paint was bad. If the paint had started to show wear 2-3 years after being sold as new, then you would have had a chance. But to make a claim now, boarders on the ridiculous. The service manager might have been smug, and I would say yes he could have handled it better. But in his defense, he might have several people like yourself, all wanting a new paint job, at the companies expense. Take them to court if you must, but I don't think you have a case. Even with the best of judgments, Dodge would only be responsible for a very small fraction of the cost to repaint the truck. After 7-8 years of use, their part under the best of conditions would be less then 20%. I think you are wasting your time, but good luck.

 

[Sasquatch]

y-knot:



You could be right, of course, but I figure is doesn't hurt to try.



I live in Atlanta, and road salt isn't an issue. This truck is pampered ridiculously, and gets waxed twice a month. It's parked out of the sun, and rushed to "Dent Wizard" to repair the slightest blemish.



From the looks of your rig, you're as fanatical as I am. I'll just say this, and not argue the point further: I have four cars in my home's parking areas, and none of them is much newer than my Ram. I've got a Ford (boo, hiss) Explorer ('96) that my daughter drives, and it looks damned near "showroom". My son drives a '98 silver Jetta that looks great, too. The wife drives an '90 Toyota Land Cruiser, and while it's paint is beginning to show its age, it looks a whole lot better than my hood and roof.



What I'm looking at is not the normal "wear and tear" that you'd reasonably associate with a six or seven year old truck. This is massive paint failure, and it's started, suddenly, within the past couple of weeks. The paint on the sides, fenders, and rear of the truck look new. Only the hood and the roof of the cab are terrible. I've never seen a vehicle of mine do anything like what I'm describing, and I routinely keep my rides until their doors fall off. (minimum 10 years).



If the salesman had said (at point of purchase), "Yessir, you're gonna love this truck, and after 7 years, you'll get to spend $5,000. 00 completely repainting it!" I would've turned around and walked out of the showroom, saying, "Thanks, anyway. "



Thanks for your response.

 

[Casey Ray]

Is this what you are looking for?

Peeling Paint





cul,



Casey

 

[dseabaugh]

If it wasn't that this deathly slow dial up times out before I can ever post any pictures I would post where the paint is bubbling up and popping off on my white truck. I took it in and asked the dealer about it when it was still under warranty 2 years ago and was told they would only pay if it was rusted through. wouldn't even write an order on it. We are putting up a fence for a man that owns a body shop now and he says only the white trucks do what mine is. he says chevies and dodges both. Wanted $1400 to fix the 2 worst panels. He said it has to be taken down to bare metal and re-done. I have dime sized spots all over now that are only primer and the drivers door looks like it was shot with a skatter gun. They start out as bumps like a footballs skin and graduate to little specks where the paint pops off and then get gradually bigger.

 

[dseabaugh]

Maybe we should start a list of everyone with this problem and then go to chrysler with a list of people with this problem requesting action.

 

[y-knot]

I guess every case has it's own merits?? And yes there may be a few out there that do deserve some form of compensation. That said, Dodge is not going to issue vouchers out for a free paint job. Nor should they. Where fault can be placed, they should work the the owners (only original owners) and agree to perhaps pick-up part of the total cost of the pain job. I feel they are by no means responsible for the complete tab. The truck has seen it's share of abuse and normal wear and tear must be considered. I recently had mine re-painted and the cost was around $5,000. 00. I would think if you got twenty percent you would be doing good. Problem is there are way to many people with there hands out looking to get some money for nothing, makes the ones with a legitimate claim look dirty. I have never meet you or seen your truck, and I believe you when you describe the wear. If you feel you have a claim to make, then by all means do what is necessary. The bottom line is no one is getting anything free, so thoes with thoughts of something for nothing, should step out of line and make way for those with real claims. You should start with seeing your local body shop manager. he will set up an appointment with the district manager. If he feels you have a credibly complaint, your local body shop (Dodge) manager can be a huge asset. If he and the regional manager feel the complaint is valid, then they will agree to repair a portion of the damaged areas. They do not give anyone a free paint job, so that should not be on your mind. What they will, and may do, is offer to reimburse you for a percentage of the total bill. Much like the warranty on a battery, they give you a portion off on the new one. Every truck has it's own story, so you may very well be due something. The small claims route, is a different story. You will have to prove your self and that is going to be very difficult. Trying to fix blame on a 6-7 year old trucks finish is difficult. Picture yourself in the other position, or on a jury? Trucks a built to haul, tow, and do very other dirty job. You live in an area were winter and salt are known to be used. Also the sun, and acid rain are documented as causing paint problems in your and almost every other area in the United States. How much blame should the power companies have? local chemical plants? i'm not trying to knock you down, these are points that they will use against you in court. I can not see how you or anyone else could reasonably affix blame to any one person, company or corporation.

 

[big barney]

I'm going through the same thing right now. My truck isn't peeling yet but it has the little pimples in the paint. All over the hood, roof. and fenders. I took it to the dealer and they offered me a $300. 00 They called it a good will gester. I am going to court.

Here is another web page

http://www.theinfomaniac.net/infomaniac/content/cars/120carsStepByStep.html

 

[Sasquatch]

y-knot:



In Re your, "... I guess every case has it's own merits?? And yes there may be a few out there that do deserve some form of compensation. That said, Dodge is not going to issue vouchers out for a free paint job... "



First, I never got a chance to discuss a remedy with the District Manager. I never asked for ". . a free paint job. "



I took the truck to the dealership, because I sincerely believed that what I've experienced doesn't come under the heading, "Normal Wear and Tear. "



I'm in my mid-fifties and, like most folks my age, have owned dozens of cars and trucks. I've purchased several cars and trucks from this dealership, and have been a customer of long-standing. The service writers know me by name, and salivate when I walk in from the parking area.



We've owned 4 Chrysler minivans, and two of them (both white) had paint problems. Both had paint that peeled off the roof, one was clearly under warranty and was covered without any sort of hassle, and the other was "negotiated" by the dealership's owner and a satisfactory arrangement arrived at. I don't get in anyone's face, ever.



The irritating aspect of yesterday's discussion was that the District Manager pretty much preempted anything I had to say. He didn't say, "Yup, you've got some unusual paint damage, here, I'll have somebody look at it and we'll discuss your options. . "



His attitude was almost combative, and it took me by surprise. The Chrysler service manager (dealership) was almost apologetic, after-the-fact, and gave me his card and said, "We'll see what we can do. "



Like I said, I've never seen paint damage like this before, (except on our minivans) and I'm convinced that it's a paint defect.



If Chrysler "stepped up," and offered to repaint my hood and roof, I'd be satisfied. Their "real cost" on this transaction would be peanuts, as it'd be performed by one of their own dealers, and it'd be done at pretty close to cost.



I don't have unreasonable expectations. I'm not looking for 45 layers of enamel, clear coat and "ghost flames". I'm just looking to protect my investment in this truck, and move on down the road.



I extended my hand, and got a clenched fist in return from the Chrysler honcho. He didn't ask for my number; didn't say he'd look into it; didn't leave me any maneuver room or options other than to recite the "small claims" option and leave.



I'm no freeloader, nor do I look for, want or expect a handout. There's gotta be a middle ground in this sort of situation, and if you're customer savvy, you make an effort to find it. I'm looking for what's fair and equitable. A complete paint job, as you suggested, wouldn't be a reasonable expectation, because I've gotten 7 years use from the truck, but neither is it reasonable for me to be left holding the bag with a paint job that's self-destructing completely on an otherwise immaculate truck.



This isn't a case of my being dissatisfied with the cosmetics, alone, say a situation where the paint is fading and chalking from age, but is serviceable with a decent wax job. This is paint that's coming off right down to the primer coat.

 

[Sasquatch]

big barney:



Thanks, man. This is very helpful information.

 

[Guest]

I hate to say this but DC will tell you to go to hell, they arent going to do a thing after the 3 yr 36000 appearance warranty. .

 

[GCross]

Originally posted by loganHill02

I hate to say this but DC will tell you to go to hell, they arent going to do a thing after the 3 yr 36000 appearance warranty. .

Ditto, You will have a fight on your hands going against DC in court for paint on a truck that old. Even if you could somehow prove that the paint was defective from the start, manufacturers are not usually held responsible beyond the warranty period. There are exceptions in class actions, but that's way beyond what you could do yourself, unless you're a lawyer with plenty of time on your hands.

 

[RJOL]

Had an 86 F250 diesel that was 5-6 years old when the paint on the top of the cab started to peal. Heard that Ford had problems with their gray paint for this year vehicle and I took it into the local dealer. They inspected it and Ford anti'd up for the repaint. It was out of warranty, so I thought it was pretty fair for Ford to step up. That being said, I still wouldn't own another Ford (glow plugs... but that's another story)...