New Chrysler to provide Lifetime Powertrain Warranty

[1972Rallye]

Got this from a buddy of mine at Chrysler:

Dear Colleagues,

   I have some exciting news to share with you about an unprecedented new
   program that the Chrysler Group is announcing today.

   As we prepare to transition to new ownership, we are focused on how we
   can send consumers a powerful message about our commitment to delivering
   outstanding products and a great ownership experience.

   Right at the top of the list is product quality. Our quality must exceed
   the expectations of our customers - because in the end, their opinion
   is the one that matters most. Simply put, quality must be in everything
   we do.

   I believe - as many of you do - that we are capable of designing and
   delivering the best cars and trucks in the business. Now, we will offer
   our customers even more: the best warranty coverage in the business to
   back up our great products.

   I'm very pleased to tell you that, starting today, we will offer our
   customers in the United States a new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on
   most new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

   The program will be the first of its kind offered by any automaker, and
   it will apply to most new model-year 2006, 2007 and 2008 vehicles
   purchased from dealer inventory on or after July 26, 2007. The warranty
   will cover the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered
   powertrain components.

   As a team, we all have a responsibility to each other and to our
   customers to ensure the highest level of quality. This new program
   provides us with additional motivation to make it happen, and I ask all
   of you to support this companywide effort.

   I also want to ask you, as an ambassador of Chrysler, to spread the word
   about the products we offer and the benefits of this unique new warranty
   program.

   Thanks for your continued commitment to our customers and your focus on
   quality.

   Steven Landry
   Executive Vice President -- NAFTA Sales, Global Marketing, Service and Parts

[Charger1973]

Great!  Im thinking these guys will be just what Chrysler needed... 

[bull]

  "Lifetime" or "as long as the company lasts" which ever comes first.

[moparjohn]

how do you determine a cars lifetime ?

[TUFCAT]

"LIFETIME" is to the 1st owner I believe..... and this could be a logistical nightmare - - proving ownership, with spousal name changes, etc.

I think this opens up to a lot of expense and liability.  why not just reduce the prices a bit? - -  offer MORE STUFF, and a better design?  Too simple I guess.....

Meanwhile, they took away the dual exhaust on ALL PACIFICA models for 2008 just to save a few dollars.

Sorry to be negative, but Chrysler was a leader in long warrantys in the late 80's and early 90's (remember 7/70 and 7/100?). They haven't learned that lesson yet...?  It WON'T help if quality isn't there, no matter what the hell the warranty says. 

Here's a thought for the "new" Chrysler....  Be competitive in warranty, and blow people away with quality. 

[BigBlackDodge]

Looks like they be hiring lots of mechanics soon.....................


Any 'official' news links on this? Seems like it would be a big news item!


BBD

[bordin34]

That freaking sucks. My Mom bought a 2007 3.7 Jeep Grand Cherokee last friday.

[68 RT]

On the few Dodge trucks Ive had none have ever had anything go wrong with the drivetrain. It was everything else that would start to go.

[Forza]

Maybe they could offer a Lifetime Door replacement. Every dodge I have owned the doors would be the first to act up. The engine was always as tough as a tank.

[Charger1973]

Way back when I was detailing cars at a Dodge dealership, I remember all the cars coming in needing transmissions...  it was nuts.  Some of the cars were almost new.   

[69_500]

One boards like these is the only place I ever heard of transmission troubles on Dodges. I know tons of people who have Dodges and drive them daily, and haven't ran into a single one who had tranny problems. Yet online thats all I read about, and  that is all people wanna say about dodges when you talk to them. But then can't find anyone who actually had those troubles.

[74Charger]

Well thats a good start for the new owners.  To maybe help keep some loyal customers .  Who might have been worried with the buyout.

And here are some news links.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/26/breaking-chrysler-announces-lifetime-powertrain-warranty/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19976855/

[bull]

One boards like these is the only place I ever heard of transmission troubles on Dodges. I know tons of people who have Dodges and drive them daily, and haven't ran into a single one who had tranny problems. Yet online thats all I read about, and  that is all people wanna say about dodges when you talk to them. But then can't find anyone who actually had those troubles.

I had lots of trouble with the trans in my '94 T&C and my dad had ongoing problems with the trans in his '95 Ram. It hit close to home in my case.

[The70RT]

I wonder how much proof of maintenance they want and can the owner perform his own? I could hear them asking for receipts on maintenance and try to weezel out on a technicality trying to say you shoulda coulda and we woulda

[Musicman]

One boards like these is the only place I ever heard of transmission troubles on Dodges. I know tons of people who have Dodges and drive them daily, and haven't ran into a single one who had tranny problems. Yet online thats all I read about, and  that is all people wanna say about dodges when you talk to them. But then can't find anyone who actually had those troubles.

1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with a 46RE Tranny... Great Truck, but the tranny is a piece of !@#$... Thank God for Lucas Stop Slip.

[dkn1997]

not too risky of a move. with computer controls and such, stuff does not grenade like it used to.  and if you are 100K into it and a rod lets go, I will guarantee you that you will end up with a big bill, they will figure that out for you somehow.

[71ChallengeHer]

I bought a 90 Daytona , new. I started having tranny problems at 1000 miles. The dealership said there was something wrong with the torque converter not holding pressure. And to drive it til it blew so they could put a new tranny in it. The tranny went at 3000 miles.