Bob Caldwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM – Misrepresentation of Extended Warranty Coverage – Transmission Failure at 89,000 Miles Columbus OH

Summary:

In Dec 2023, we purchased a 2021 Ram ProMaster from Bob Caldwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Columbus, OH, with 59,213 miles and a 5-year/125k-mile extended warranty. We were told, “If anything goes wrong, it’s covered.”

Last week, at only 89,000 miles, the transmission failed. The warranty provider denied the claim, citing a missed 60,000-mile service—something never disclosed, despite the sale occurring less than 800 miles before that interval.

Key Complaint:

• Purchased van with 59,213 miles and a 5-year/125k-mile extended warranty.

• Told, “If anything goes wrong, it’s covered.”

• Transmission failed at 89,000 miles.

• Warranty denied due to no record of the 60k-mile service.

• This requirement was never disclosed during the sale.

• Vehicle sold less than 800 miles before that service interval, making the warranty vulnerable almost immediately.

• We have maintained the van with regular oil changes, but it doesn’t matter to the dealer or warranty provider.

Why This Matters:

Selling a warranty already at risk of voiding without disclosure is, in our view, a deceptive sales practice under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and conflicts with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires proof that lack of maintenance caused the failure before denying coverage.

Attempts to Resolve:

We asked the dealership for:

• Full VIN-based service history from all authorized Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM service centers.

• Either warranty coverage for the repair or a refund of the warranty cost with repair assistance.

They refused, stating they see “no wrongdoing” and cannot help.

Impact:

This has been costly and disruptive to our small business, which relies on this vehicle daily. We paid for protection we were told would cover us, only to be left with a major repair bill and no support.

Warning to Buyers:

If buying from Bob Caldwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge—or any dealer—demand:

• Full maintenance history in writing.

• Written disclosure of all warranty requirements that could void coverage.

• Confirmation the vehicle meets all maintenance intervals at sale.

Don’t rely on verbal promises like, “If anything goes wrong, it’s covered.”