I see the 2012 JD Power & Assoc. vehicle dependability rankings has all Chrysler products listed dead last in every category in this year's vehicle dependability ratings.

Putting this in perspective, the results were actually based on 31,000 responses from owners of 2009 model vehicles after 3 years of ownership. Not surprisingly Lexus came out on top, but disappointing to see Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram all do so poorly.

To me, considering the plural millions of vehicles sold each year, I do not feel that a sample size of 31,000 is representative. They also paint with a broad brush without differentiating between various models from a given manufacturers. For example, to say that LEXUS is most dependable of all may well be an accurate statement for their "LS" line, but my son drives a 2009 "IS" that I can attest is of marginal dependability at best and the RX400 series (Hybrid) that my neighbor has is a POS. - Frequently in the shop.

As for RAM series trucks, what do others in this forum think? Are they really as bad as JD Power says they are? Perhaps those extended warranties some of us purchased may be of some benefit after all.

...sigh

 

I'm not surprised.

 

Yep, just read some rankings. 196 complaints per 100 vehicles. Lexus did best at only 86 complaints per 100 vehicles. Average is 130 per 100 vehicles.
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/lexus-to...ndability.html

 

Didn't the 2010 RAM get awarded "Truck of the Year by Motor Trend? Perhaps dependability wasn't one of the tested criteria

 

Well for my personal opinion, i love dodge, love the looks love the power. This is my first brand new vehicle i ever bought, i'm only 26 and 3 years later i didn't plan to have the torque converter changed and a differential crap out on me. Amongst a few recalls and being in the shop for some time. I was just under the impression that i'd buy a brand new vehicle to be problem free for at least 5 years or so. Would i buy another dodge probably, but next one will be a diesel and is gonna be used. My truck just pissed me off a few time and i know many friends who own 4th gens that have had issues with them, but that's a debatable subject with other brands.

 

I am not sure where the media get's their information but it always seems way off. Maybe JD Power should have read the article I did last week on MSN Autos. Their is a good article on the top 10 recalls of all time. Well, there was not one MOPAR on the list. But the F-150 was listed three times.

 

First of all, this is not a reliability ranking, it's a defect ranking. Yes, Rams have issues with recalls and other small things but keep in mind that 2009 was the first year model. So we Ram owners complain about fit, wind noise, seat covers falling apart, exhaust leaks, water leaks, MDS issues and blown rear ends but for the most part, the trucks are reliable. My 2009 has had a leaking transmission pan gasket and the broken exhaust bolts at 36500 miles, but it has never left me stranded. I do think that there is a perception that Chrysler and Dodge have lower quality and reliability but the gen 4s are as good as the competition.

Edit: I will correct myself and agree that it is a reliability ranking but it encompasses all aspects of the truck ownership experience. Here is the link from JD Powers, http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings.../large-pickup/

The Ram scored high on the drivetrain and low on the Body and Interior and Feature and Accessory areas. These low scores is what put it on the lower over all rankings.

On the Powertrain Light Duty (LD) trucks, only the Tundra was higher and in fact, the Ram scored higher than the Nissan Titan, GMC Sierra LD, and all Ford trucks. Ram tied with the Chevy Silverado LD and the HD and outscored the Chevy Avalanche.