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It’s no secret that when trucks let owners down, it can sour a brand’s reputation for years. Reliability matters more than horsepower figures or the latest gadgets because when your truck is down, it disrupts everything from daily commutes to long-haul plans. That’s why stories of a dealer stepping up and making things right always grab my attention. One recent example came from the “6th Gen Ram 1500’s (2024+)” Facebook group, where Scott Storm shared how his 2021 Ram EcoDiesel was such a constant headache that he couldn’t go three days without a trip to the shop, but his dealer made things right by swapping him into a brand-new 2025 Ram 1500 Limited. Now, with just over 2,000 miles logged on Texas highways, he’s enjoying a surprisingly positive ownership experience so far.
Here’s what Scott wrote in his post: “I bought my 2025 Limited 3 weeks ago. I had a ‘21 Eco (bought in May) that was a POS. I could not drive it for 3 days without a trip to the shop and it being down for weeks. The selling dealer (Landers in Norman) made it right and gave me everything I paid and put me in the ‘25 Limited. I have had everything and really like the I6 and the active driving. The dealer even gave me a new electric Retrax because of the Ram Box. The verdict is out on the Ram Box. I have a disability and also have a bed slider. I just turned 2k on it driving through Texas Highways with no issues. I am taking off the Bridgestones and putting on Michelin LTX tires. The stereo sounds good and there’s no rumble out of the tailpipe. The only options I have are the Level A and trailer brake. Thank you for allowing me into your group.”
Scott’s honesty paints a clear picture of two extremes. On one hand, the constant reliability problems with his 2021 Ram EcoDiesel nearly pushed him out of the brand. On the other, the new 2025 Ram 1500 Limited with the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six engine is showing how far Ram has come in addressing concerns and moving away from diesel in the half-ton lineup.
The Difference Between Diesel and the Hurricane I6
The outgoing EcoDiesel engine promised efficiency and torque, but for many owners, the reality was frequent shop visits and warranty headaches. Stellantis pivoted toward the new Hurricane I6 engine in the 2025 Ram 1500 to balance performance and reliability, and early reports like Scott’s are encouraging. The I6 is smoother and capable of pulling without the constant worries that plagued diesel owners. For Scott, it has already carried him 2,000 trouble-free miles on Texas highways, something his 2021 truck never allowed.
When he mentions liking the active driving features, it highlights another key shift that Ram isn’t just about brute force anymore. It’s about making daily driving easier for owners who rely on their truck in every aspect of life.
Scott didn’t stop at praising the drivetrain. He’s already making ownership decisions that many Ram drivers can relate to, like swapping out Bridgestones for Michelin LTX tires, evaluating the usefulness of the RamBox system, and pairing everything with a bed slider for easier access given his disability. It shows how truck customization for real-world utility is as important as horsepower or trim level. The fact that Ram supplied an electric Retrax cover because of the RamBox only reinforces how these details matter to customers.
Community Responses
Other Ram owners jumped into the conversation, offering their own experiences and building a bigger picture of what the 2025 Ram 1500 ownership experience looks like.
Allen Highsmith said: “33,000 miles on my ‘25 Limited Longhorn and we love it! No issues.”
That kind of mileage without problems shows that Scott’s experience isn’t isolated. Early adopters are stacking up thousands of miles without major concerns, and that’s something Ram needs in order to convince buyers who are hesitant after recent stories.
Brian Henry commented: “Nice truck and good on the dealer for making it right.”
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Brian nails one of the key points of Scott’s post. The dealer didn’t just brush him off, but they covered his previous loss and put him into something new. That sort of customer service is rare, and it explains why Scott’s tone shifted from frustration to gratitude.
Jeff Kraust added a longer take: “I came from the DFW area and bought my truck from Landers and I couldn’t be happier with my experience with them. I have bought a lot of new vehicles and Landers is definitely at the top of the list. Congratulations on your new Ram. This is my 3rd Ram 1500 and I absolutely love this motor. Yes it doesn’t sound as cool but it is definitely more impressive than my last 2 Hemi’s.”
Jeff’s comment gives us the perfect reminder that a dealer can make or break the ownership experience. Some drivers have horror stories about buying a truck only to face indifference when issues arise. I’ve covered those situations before, like when a GMC Sierra 1500 Denali owner struggled with unresolved camera problems, and the contrast couldn’t be more stark. Landers earned Scott’s and Jeff’s trust by going above and beyond, which is exactly how dealers should build loyalty.
Why This Matters in the Bigger Picture
Stories like Scott’s highlight several important trends. The EcoDiesel is gone, and the Hurricane inline six is proving it can deliver both long-term Ram 1500 reliability and modern efficiency. Dealers who step up for their customers ensure those buyers stay in the brand. And at the same time, Ram is doubling down on trims like the Limited and Longhorn to deliver upscale and tech-heavy trucks for everyday life.
I’ve also seen owners get excited about their decision to move from other brands into Ram, and some are even giving up 18 years of GM loyalty for a 2025 Ram 1500 RHO. This shift is about better confidence that the truck will deliver without endless service visits.
That’s why reading Scott’s story, I think it really shows how fragile trust can be in the truck world. One bad ownership experience can ruin years of loyalty, but one good dealer experience can rebuild it instantly. The Hurricane I6 is giving Ram a second chance with customers who lost faith in the EcoDiesel, and that’s significant. For me, the lesson is that a truck isn’t just about numbers on paper, it’s about how it supports your lifestyle without constant setbacks.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Ram EcoDiesel left many owners frustrated with constant shop visits, but Ram’s shift to the Hurricane I6 is already showing more promise.
- Dealer support can completely change ownership experiences, as shown by Landers in Norman stepping up for Scott.
- Truck customization for everyday needs matters, from tire upgrades to bed sliders, especially when accessibility plays a role.
- Other 2025 Ram 1500 owners are reporting reliability and satisfaction, stacking tens of thousands of trouble-free miles.
- Ram is winning back loyalty from drivers who once leaned on other brands by delivering smoother engines, modern features, and strong dealer relationships.
Let’s Hear From You
Have you ever had a dealer step up and turn a bad ownership experience into a positive one like Scott’s?
And do you think the new Hurricane I6 will finally give Ram the reputation for reliability that the EcoDiesel never quite achieved?
I’d love to hear what you have to say in our comments section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “6th Gen Ram 1500’s (2024+)” public Facebook group.
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Source: torquenews.com
