paint recall?

[destrekor]

So I just discovered my 1997 Dodge Dakota had a recall due to paint chipping.

It's not too late to take Chrysler up on the offer, is it?

Because seriously, paint chipping *somewhat* describes what has happened on my Dakota. More precisely, paint flaking, like... chunks of it. Most of the top of the frame surrounding the truck bed, is devoid of paint. Granted, it was like that when I bought it (used), but has continued to get worse.

I've always thought getting new paint would be nice, but have since realized I don't care nearly enough to invest that kind of money.

But if Chrysler will do it for free, or hell even a substantial discount, hell yes I would. Stupid white paint is missing on quite a few spots.

This is mostly a joke thread, as I completely expect to be laughed at for even thinking Chrysler would consider doing anything for a 13 year old vehicle. But I can dream right? In the pigs-flying type of world, anything is possible yes?

 

[Kaervak]

Actually I think you'll be laughed at for owning a Chrysler.

 

[destrekor]

Actually I think you'll be laughed at for owning a Chrysler.

yeah yeah yeah

Considering I bought this vehicle in high school, money was a primary factor.
Good used Toyota trucks ( yes a company to laugh at today, but they make the best non-US trucks) were very expensive, and well... in the form factor of the mid-size truck, Dodge has always reigned supreme. Far more capable, it took years of the Dakota's success for Chevy to finally build a true competing model (Colorado). The Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10 are just pathetic, and those were options around the same price but I refused. Didn't help that at the time Chevy was also terrible, and again the Ranger just cannot compare to the Dakota.

However I chose the absolute worst model year for the Dakota.
Though at this point in time, most of the parts, save for the various electronics and the engine itself, are now new. Specifically the infamous transmission.

And honestly, though Chrysler financially is having some serious trouble, a lot of their trouble is now related to keeping up with the desires of the population as far as vehicle preferences. But if you like their fleet, I'd argue their pretty damn golden.
But see, even if they eventually prove to have maintenance problems, a lifetime warranty sure is enticing. Not having to pay for vehicle problems would convince me to own one.

And Chevrolet has some damn reliable vehicles now, they've turned quite a page over the past 5 years or so.

 

[Kaervak]

I used to like Chrysler stuff years ago, lately (to me) they just seem like a really half assed B team. The Fiat merger/deal though looks like it's going to make things interesting with them. Definitely looking forward to how that is going to turn out.

Anyway, it can't hurt to try and get the paint issue covered under the recall. The worst thing they can say is no.

 

[StageLeft]

A neighbor has a PT Cruiser. Not that many miles, maybe 45k? He currently has the check engine light, the airbag light (seriously, wtf), a radiator leak, and the transmission light is on. However, I don't think these actually have transmission lights, so his wife was probably not accurate on that last count.

 

[SooperDave]

Chevy trucks had this problem in the early 90's also. Mostly it was with white and silver colors. It was expensive to fix. You had to strip the old paint off and primer the entire vehicle before refinishing.

 

[radioouman]

My friend had a Neon that also had paint peeling problems and was repainted under warranty by Chrysler. But don't fool yourself, they sand it smooth and paint over it. They don't strip the old paint, prime and repaint like they should. It was peeling again a couple years later.

 

[destrekor]

I used to like Chrysler stuff years ago, lately (to me) they just seem like a really half assed B team. The Fiat merger/deal though looks like it's going to make things interesting with them. Definitely looking forward to how that is going to turn out.

Anyway, it can't hurt to try and get the paint issue covered under the recall. The worst thing they can say is no.

I think Chrysler has a chance, they seem to be improving the vehicles first, and later might expand the fleet or start changing their focus.

A neighbor has a PT Cruiser. Not that many miles, maybe 45k? He currently has the check engine light, the airbag light (seriously, wtf), a radiator leak, and the transmission light is on. However, I don't think these actually have transmission lights, so his wife was probably not accurate on that last count.

Like I was stating above, previous generations did have a load of problems. Like I stated, my '97 Dakota has a whole lot of new stuff inside now. Hopefully I can keep this thing a few more years.

Who knows what I'll end up looking to replace this with a few years down the road, but I have eyed quite a few 2008, 2009 Chrysler vehicles (Dodge and Jeep brands specifically). A few years down the road and used vehicles of around this time frame will be far more affordable, and the lifetime warranty (something that shows either Chrysler is willing to pay a ton of money in warranty repairs to regain consumer faith, or they have faith in their own products starting with those years). Either way, I'd be willing to take them up on that offer, considering a lifetime powertrain warranty just about covers all of the issues my Dakota has had (save for the radiator?).

I won't mind looking elsewhere, but I definitely continue to favor Jeep in general. It's not a blind "buy American" thing, as I will choose a vehicle with better quality over one that is more prone to failure, but I would prefer to support the American economy. I'd have preference for models manufactured in the U.S. over Mexico, for instance. Jeep still makes some nice models in Toledo, and I've always had a spot in my heart for the Wrangler built there. The recent JK platform is quite nice.
As much as I despise the city I'll always support anything to help the terrible economy there. As Detroit Jr, it's always been heavily dependent on the auto industry like Detroit.

However, it's still going to come down to initial investment and potential ownership cost over the long term.

My friend had a Neon that also had paint peeling problems and was repainted under warranty by Chrysler. But don't fool yourself, they sand it smooth and paint over it. They don't strip the old paint, prime and repaint like they should. It was peeling again a couple years later.

When I'm back in Toledo I might have to give a local dealer a call.
Like someone said, the worst I can get is a no.
Hell, some people said they called Chrysler directly after dealers refused, and Chrysler got on the horn and bitched at the dealers. They caved, apparently.

 

[sdifox]

I think Chrysler has a chance, they seem to be improving the vehicles first, and later might expand the fleet or start changing their focus.




Like I was stating above, previous generations did have a load of problems. Like I stated, my '97 Dakota has a whole lot of new stuff inside now. Hopefully I can keep this thing a few more years.

Who knows what I'll end up looking to replace this with a few years down the road, but I have eyed quite a few 2008, 2009 Chrysler vehicles (Dodge and Jeep brands specifically). A few years down the road and used vehicles of around this time frame will be far more affordable, and the lifetime warranty (something that shows either Chrysler is willing to pay a ton of money in warranty repairs to regain consumer faith, or they have faith in their own products starting with those years). Either way, I'd be willing to take them up on that offer, considering a lifetime powertrain warranty just about covers all of the issues my Dakota has had (save for the radiator?).

I won't mind looking elsewhere, but I definitely continue to favor Jeep in general. It's not a blind "buy American" thing, as I will choose a vehicle with better quality over one that is more prone to failure, but I would prefer to support the American economy. I'd have preference for models manufactured in the U.S. over Mexico, for instance. Jeep still makes some nice models in Toledo, and I've always had a spot in my heart for the Wrangler built there. The recent JK platform is quite nice.
As much as I despise the city I'll always support anything to help the terrible economy there. As Detroit Jr, it's always been heavily dependent on the auto industry like Detroit.

However, it's still going to come down to initial investment and potential ownership cost over the long term.



When I'm back in Toledo I might have to give a local dealer a call.
Like someone said, the worst I can get is a no.
Hell, some people said they called Chrysler directly after dealers refused, and Chrysler got on the horn and bitched at the dealers. They caved, apparently.

I was under the impression the lifetime warranty is for the first owner only?

 

[darom]

I have a 1994 Dodge 2500 diesel truck painted with green teal color which exhibits some of your Dakota's symptoms. Besides the paint, the truck has been quite reliable.

Here locally Maaco offers an 'ambassador' (whatever that means) paint job for $250, I might just do it and repaint the truck.

 

[destrekor]

I was under the impression the lifetime warranty is for the first owner only?

That is possible. :hmm:

 

[zestar]

Automotive painting is a science.

A typical finish consists of four layers:
1) electrocoat - provides corrosion protection
2) primer - protects electrocoat, stone chip resistance, adhesion
between basecoat and elctrocoat
3) basecoat - provides color to the vehicle
4) clearcoat - sunlight protection, scratch resistance, gloss
and appearance properties

Film thickness is a criteria used by the auto industry to ensure durability.

Each of the 4 layers must be at the proper film thickness specification.

If any of the individual layers is below specification. The vehicle would
be considered a factory paint defect.

A visible manifestation of low film thickness is paint peeling, body rusting and stone chipping.

Since the mid 1990s the auto industry while retaining ownership of the paint facilities have outsourced the
process and quality responsibilities to multiple paint suppliers.

Outsourcing in this application is defined as a process in which a company
assigns its in-house operations to a third party.

Specifics on automotive paint suppliers roles within the facilities may be found in
textbooks published both in Europe and America. The most recent textbook
being released in 2008.

The paint suppliers actively market and advertise their outsourcing expertise with terms such as
"Cost Per Unit" or "Pay As Painted" supplier programs. Outsourcing [Cost Per Unit] programs are common
throughout Europe and America within the auto industry.

Not all vehicle flaws are associated with the paint itself, vehicle design and weathering will impact the vehicle's finish.

It is our opinion that the automaker, auto dealer and consumer should not receive a vehicle painted
below the automaker's film thickness specifications of any of the four layers that comprise
a vehicle's finish.

We have analyzed the film thickness data of over 11,000 vehicles and
have found that the measurements are below the automakers' specifications.

Low film thickness will cause paint failures.

Investigation summarized in press releases:
http://www.mmdnewswire.com/auto-industry-6716.html
and
http://www.mmdnewswire.com/vehicle-paint-quality-6280.html

A quick internet search for the following:

Toyota Paint Problems, Toyota Paint Peeling
Ford Paint Problems Ford Paint Peeling
GM Paint Problems GM Paint Peeling
Chrysler Paint Problems Chrysler Paint Peeling
Honda Paint Problems Honda Paint Peeling
Nissan Paint Problems Nissan Paint Peeling

will return results back in the millions.

Public Interest best served by a "Truth in Finish Disclosure"
with the purchase of any vehicle.

 

[zestar]

Automotive paint durability research publication documents vehicles released to dealer and consumer
below automaker's minimum paint thickness specifications.

Refer to link for details.

Link:

http://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/making-it-right-why-your-car-payments-are-lasting-longer-than-your-factory-paint-job-basic-guide/

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

I doubt it will be covered under any kind of recall. Safety recalls however must be honored indefinately.