An American subsidiary brand under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Ram provides U.S. drivers with pick-ups, commercial trucks and cargo vans. With all the heavy lifting that Ram vehicles do on the job, how much heavy lifting does the Ram warranty do for you?
In this article, we discuss the Ram warranty in detail, taking a look at coverage, term limits, transferability and more. We’ll also provide helpful information on extended warranties for those looking to invest in additional, long-term coverage.
Ram Warranty Overview
The Ram warranty’s fundamental coverage is twofold, consisting of a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and either a 5-year/100,000-mile or 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, depending on whether you drive a diesel or gas truck.
Here’s a breakdown of all coverage offered under the Ram warranty:
| Ram Warranty | Term Length |
|---|---|
| Basic Limited Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Diesel Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Gas Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Federal Emissions Warranty | Up to 8 years/80,000 miles |
| Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty (Inner Panels) | 3 years/unlimited miles |
| Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty (Outer Panels) | 5 years/unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | Duration of powertrain warranty |
The Basic Limited Warranty is your bumper-to-bumper coverage, which protects most systems and parts in your Ram vehicle. However, there are a few components that are protected under separate warranties, including:
- Batteries
- Collision parts
- Catalytic converters
- Gaskets and seals
- Remanufactured powertrains
- Crate HEMI® engine kits
- Performance parts
- Brake pads and shoes
- Shocks and struts
- Mufflers
- Starters
- Alternators
- Water pumps
You’re also covered by either a Diesel Powertrain Limited Warranty or a Gas Powertrain Limited Warranty, depending on the engine of your vehicle. These protections cover repairs of powertrain components including the engine, transmission and drive system.
While the Gas Powertrain Limited Warranty meets industry standards, we’re impressed with the length of the diesel option. Additionally, each powertrain warranty provides roadside assistance that coincides with the warranty’s term length. This feature comes through Mopar®, the customer service, parts manufacturing and vehicle care arm of FCA.
When the time comes to sell your Ram (if it ever does), any remaining truck warranty coverage will transfer to the subsequent owner.
What’s Not Included in the Ram Warranty?
The Ram warranty doesn’t exclude anything out of the ordinary. Like most manufacturer protection plans, the Ram warranty does not cover:
- Environmental damages
- Maintenance costs and services
- Racing damages
- Accidents or collision damages
- Abuse or negligence
- Misuse
- Repairs made with used parts
- Improper fluids
- Industrial fallout corrosion
- Unauthorized modifications
Keep in mind that unauthorized modifications may even void your warranty entirely. There are a few actions that may also void your warranty, like disconnecting, altering, or tampering with your odometer.
Ram Certified Pre-Owned Warranty
Like the Ram warranty for new vehicles, Ram certified pre-owned (CPO) coverage has a few different coverage tiers of varying lengths, including a 3-month/3,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Below, we outline the warranties that protect your CPO Ram.
| CPO Ram Warranty | Term Length |
|---|---|
| Maximum Care Warranty | 3 months/3,000 miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 7 years/100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 months/3,000 miles |
| Anti-Perforation Warranty | 3 months/3,000 miles |
The Maximum Care Warranty equates to your bumper-to-bumper coverage, covering over 5,000 components. This protection plan begins on the date you purchase your CPO Ram or when the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires. With this coverage, you’ll be expected to pay a deductible for each covered repair visit.
Attached to the Maximum Care Warranty, Ram’s roadside assistance and anti-perforation coverage also extend for 3 months or 3,000 miles. Ram’s roadside assistance will cover your truck if you need flat-tire changes, towing, fuel deliveries or certain other emergency services.
The Powertrain Limited Warranty, on the other hand, begins from your vehicle’s original in-service date, not when you purchase the vehicle. It covers repairs or replacements of engine, transmission and driveline components.
How To Check If You Have a Ram Warranty
If you purchased a Ram from an individual rather than directly from a dealership, your warranty details may be up in the air. Here are a few steps to clarify whether your Ram warranty is still valid:
Locate your VIN. Also known as your vehicle identification number, your VIN acts as your truck’s social security number. Documents like your vehicle registration, car title or insurance card should all include the VIN. However, you can also find your VIN on your truck itself. It’s typically located under the windshield on the driver’s side.
Call your Ram dealer. It’s best if you contact the dealer from which the truck was purchased, but any authorized dealer should be able to give you information on your Ram warranty. A representative will ask for your VIN, so have it ready.
Use CARFAX. The trusted car history site can also be used to find warranty information. Again, use your VIN to look up your truck, and the vehicle’s history will likely also include warranty details.
Is an Extended Warranty Worth It for Ram Vehicles?
An extended Ram warranty may be well worth it, but to be sure, consider your Ram truck’s reliability and your foreseeable future with it. If you own a Ram with best-in-class reliability, purchasing an extended warranty might not be the best choice for you, unless you’re interested in upping your vehicle’s resale value down the line.
Let’s shed a little light on Ram’s overall reliability using data from RepairPal, a website that turns driver-reported data into reliable estimates for vehicle repairs. RepairPal releases an annual Reliability Rating that scores vehicles based on three factors: how many trips drivers take to the repair shop per year, the probability that a vehicle will need a major repair, and how much drivers pay for repairs per year.
Here’s how Ram compares to the average vehicle in terms of dependability:
| Reliability Factor | Ram Average | Industry-Wide Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Reliability | 3.0 out of 5.0 | — |
| Average Annual Visits to Repair Shop | 0.3 visits per year | 0.4 visits per year |
| Probability of a Severe Repair | 15% | 12% |
| Average Annual Repair Cost | $858 | $652 |
However, a manufacturer’s reliability can vary from model to model. For example, RepairPal estimates the average annual repair cost for a Ram 3500 is $1,279, while Ram 1500 owners may only pay $691 per year. Research your own vehicle and take this into consideration when gauging the cost-effectiveness of an extended Ram warranty.
For additional clarity, we’ve compiled the costs of a few common Ram truck repairs:
| Ram Model | Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 3500 | Airbag crash sensor replacement | $162 to $174 |
| Ram ProMaster 3500 | Oxygen sensor replacement | $1,428 to $1,470 |
| Ram ProMaster City | Backup warning system sensor replacement | $135 to $158 |
| Ram ProMaster 3500 | Windshield washer fluid reservoir replacement | $276 to $293 |
Ram Extended Warranty Overview
Backed by FCA and provided through Mopar, the Ram extended warranty has two coverage plans: Maximum Care and Added Care Plus. Both vehicle protection plans can extend up to 8 years or 125,000 miles.
Maximum Care provides coverage for over 5,000 vehicle components. You can purchase this bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plan at any time before your original Ram warranty expires. It comes with the choice of three deductible options – $0, $100 and $200.
Added Care Plus covers your powertrain as well as a few other parts. In total, this vehicle service contract covers 800 vehicle components. If you’re interested in this coverage option, you’ll also need to opt in before your factory warranty expires.
Both Mopar Vehicle Protection Plans also give Ram drivers a rental car allowance, towing services and roadside assistance. However, it is necessary to bring your truck into an authorized dealership for covered repair services.
Benefits of a Third-Party Extended Warranty
Don’t count out third-party providers. Reputable extended car warranty companies can offer Ram owners flexibility without compromising on quality, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. Here are just a few of the benefits associated with third-party providers:
- More options for used cars
- Many more repair shops to choose from
- Additional coverage plans with more deductible options
- Free online quotes
- Monthly payment plans
- Flexible start dates
There’s even an extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles. Regardless of what route you choose, it’s always best to get quotes from more than one provider. This ensures that you get the best price for the coverage you need.
If you need a good starting point for your research, read our review of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry. You can also get free, personalized Ram warranty quotes from a few of our top recommended providers below.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car warranty provider to formulate rankings of the best warranty companies. Our in-depth rating system takes into account coverage, pricing, transparency, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each provider is given a weighted score in five categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend auto warranty companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.
