Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - falsely denied a factory warranty claim, fabricated damage to the CV axle boot and are refusing to take accountability. Lakewood New Jersey

I’m writing to share my experience and publicly expose the deceptive, unethical, and potentially unlawful practices I encountered at Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Lakewood, located in Lakewood, New Jersey.

On April 15, 2025, I dropped off my 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys — a well-maintained vehicle with only 16,000 miles — for what should have been a routine factory warranty inspection. The issue was minor seepage from the CV axle seal.

Prior to the visit, I had the vehicle inspected by multiple independent mechanics, all of whom confirmed the CV boot was fully intact, with no signs of compromise. I also took timestamped photographs clearly documenting that there was no visible damage.

After the vehicle was in the custody of Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Lakewood, I received a video from their service department showing an unusual glob of grease applied to the U-joint and a clean, unnatural slice in the CV boot. This damage was not there when I dropped the vehicle off.

The timing, the nature of the damage, and the presentation of the video all strongly suggest the boot was cut while at the dealership — in what appears to be an attempt to fabricate a cause for warranty denial.

This is more than poor service. It is a serious breach of federal and state consumer protection laws. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits denial of warranty claims without supported cause, and New Jersey laws (including theft by deception, consumer fraud, and automotive repair regulations) prohibit concealment or fabrication in repair transactions.

Joe DeAngelo, the service manager at Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Lakewood, acted with complete indifference when I presented proof of the vehicle’s condition. He offered no explanation or investigation and instead stood behind the dealership’s narrative without addressing the clear contradiction.

Rather than act as a problem-solver, he protected the dealership at all costs. His evasive, dismissive conduct was unprofessional and reflected a culture of cover-up.

I also approached Dan Ariel, who I had known through years of vehicle purchases from the Pine Belt group. He now works on the Chevrolet side. I reached out in good faith based on a long-standing relationship, hoping for transparency.

Unfortunately, Dan chose to defend the dealership’s version of events and made it seem like I was the one being unreasonable. He didn’t attempt to understand the situation or review the evidence. His response was passive and aligned more with dealership spin than any sense of integrity or advocacy for the customer.

This was not a misunderstanding. This was a coordinated attempt to manufacture damage in order to deny a valid factory warranty. If Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Lakewood can do this to a repeat customer with clear documentation, it raises serious concerns about how they treat other unsuspecting consumers.

I have filed complaints with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, and Stellantis/FCA. If the matter is not resolved, I will pursue civil litigation under the applicable warranty and consumer protection laws.

Avoid Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Lakewood. Document everything. Do not expect honest service or accountability from their leadership. They do not operate in good faith.