NHTSA Complaint #11567330 — 2017 RAM 1500

In January 2024, my 2017 Dodge 1500 leaked a large amount of oil in a short period of time. If it had gone unnoticed, this could have led to engine failure while driving. The truck has 61,000 miles on it. I took it to my local Dodge dealership for diagnosis. When I explained the problem to the Assistant Service Manager, he said; "I'll bet I know what it is... the oil cooler. It's not uncommon". In fact, it WAS the oil cooler. Specifically, the gaskets in these trucks degrade, fail, and oil quickly leaks out. I "Googled" this issue online and found that there are MANY complaints regarding this exact issue from all over the country. Many of the trucks, like mine, had relatively low mileage. In order to make the repair, the mechanic must remove the intake manifold to access the oil cooler. As the gasket is incorporated into the cooler, the entire unit must be replaced. The cost for this repair was $1324. In further discussion with the Assistant Manager, he noted again that this is not an uncommon problem and has been a problem since about 2010. The cause is inferior (plastic) parts. He said that Dodge has done nothing to rectify the issue. They have not upgraded the part, offered to fix defective oil coolers, or done a recall since they don't consider it a "safety" issue. He referred me to Dodge's "Customer Care" number but also added that he didn't think it would do much good. On January 23, 2024, I called Dodge Customer Care. The representative said he would forward my complaint "for review". When I asked him how I would follow up on my complaint, he said that he did not know if anyone from Dodge would actually call me back. It felt like a waste of time. He also said I should file a complaint with the NHTSA. Dodge needs to acknowledge that the oil cooler units on their 1500 pickups are defective and make restitution to the owners.