Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis calls shorter warranties “stupid” given longer loan terms and ownership spans
- Ram introduces a new 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty for 2026 models.
- It covers a number of pricey components including engines, transmissions, and transfer cases.
- The move comes as more customers hold onto vehicles longer and finance for over 5 years.
Study after study has shown one undeniable thing. Americans are holding onto their vehicles for longer than ever before. Last year, the average car and light truck in the United States was 12.6 years old. That’s two months older than in 2023 and a whopping 1.5 years older than in 2012.
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Despite this, most new vehicles typically come with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. That’s not even a quarter of an average vehicle lifespan and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis thinks that’s stupid as nearly 80% of new truck loans exceed five years.
As the outspoken executive noted at a media briefing last month, extended warranties are more important than ever because people are holding onto their vehicles and financing them for longer. If something serious goes wrong after the warranty expires and they’re still paying on the truck, they might never buy another vehicle from that brand again. On top of that, you can pretty much rule out positive word of mouth.
Michael Gauthier
This is what makes the new 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty so special. It’s standard on 2026 Ram trucks and vans, and applies to the original customer including individuals and businesses, but not fleets.
That’s not the only caveat as this isn’t a bumper-to-bumper warranty, but rather a limited powertrain plan that applies to the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. Those are expensive things to repair or replace, so the warranty could potentially save customers thousands of dollars.
It’s a brilliant marketing move and one that also aids customers. That sounds like a win-win and Kuniskis noted, “Our customers are making a long-term investment in Ram, and with America’s Best Full-size Truck Limited Powertrain Warranty, Ram is making a stronger and longer commitment to our customers.”
That being said, the new powertrain warranty doesn’t apply to “full battery electric vehicles.” This suggests the 1500 REV is persona non grata.
