how is everyone making out after the R29 recall?

[Strykerviper2014]

Doing the recall tomorrow along with an oil change wondering how the install and how your cars are doing?

[Rare Snake]

The oil change is part of the recall, isn't it?

My parts are in, I'm just waiting to have the work done.

Dason

[lochnessmonster]

Mine was taken care of on March 4th. It was a pretty straightforward procedure. I had no problems before, and I've had no problems since. It's all good :)

[ViperPete]

Dropped mine off yesterday.

I think it takes a couple of weeks for the results though doesn't it?

[AZTVR]

Dropped mine off yesterday.

I think it takes a couple of weeks for the results though doesn't it?

"Results" are only from a R28 recall, not the R29 that this thread is referencing. R29 is for rerouting the driver's side valve cover venting hose.

[Stubbygda]

Had done and it seems to work fine. With the change i pulled off the driver side catch can but obviously left on passenger side can. Now i need to sell the catch can!!

[Dr.Ron]

Did you guys tell the dealer over the phone that you needed the recall and they pre-order the parts, or did you have to bring the car in 1st before they'd order anything?
Or did they order at the R28 recall visit? By the way, they don't keep your car while awaiting the R28 oil analysis, do they?

Ron

[ViperPete]

"Results" are only from a R28 recall, not the R29 that this thread is referencing. R29 is for rerouting the driver's side valve cover venting hose.

Does it replace the valve cover it self?

[7TH_SIGN]

Does it replace the valve cover it self?

R29 gets a new driver side valve cover.

I haven't done it yet and check my air filter and oil before and after I take the car out. Still no oil loss and no oil on the intake air filter.

[Dave1968]

Yah, mine has been good since new and I have about 14,000 kms on it - I'm planning on just leaving it alone. No oil loss, nothing.:t15197:

[ViperPete]

What do they do with the valve cover they take off?

[Bleed viper]

Got R29 done 1400 miles ago and two track sessions later all is well.

[FSTENUF]

Free oil change to start the track season off with. That's how I see it.

[1ststrike]

Just an FYI to those that have painted there engine valve cover plates the the R29 had to replace the drivers side so you will have to get the new one painted to match.

[Strykerviper2014]

Just an FYI to those that have painted there engine valve cover plates the the R29 had to replace the drivers side so you will have to get the new one painted to match.

I think I read somewhere that the hose can be re-routed so the old one can still fit?

[Crotalidae]

What do they do with the valve cover they take off?

You can keep it...I have all the old parts in the garage...

[TA Two Oh]

What do they do with the valve cover they take off?

The dealer that did mine told me that they had to send my old valve cover back to FCA. They said they had been charged for the core plus with recalls, FCA needs to get the old parts back to make sure they don't end up finding their way onto a car in the future. I have no idea if that's true or not... it's just what I was told.

I had replaced the factory plastic Coilpack covers with beautiful carbon fiber ones from Xtreme Supercars. And my original plastic covers were in storage 1200 miles away when I had the recall done. At first the dealer said they wouldn't do my R29 without the factory plastic coilpack cover to send back to FCA. But they relented after discovering that part DID NOT need to go back to FCA... just the valve cover (again, according to them). So, as of right now, I have a cf coil pack cover on the pass side and a new plastic cover on the drivers side. When I get a moment I'll reinstall the cf one on the drivers side. I'm told that it should still fit, but is a bit snug.

[lochnessmonster]

Free oil change to start the track season off with. That's how I see it.

Exactly. I was pretty happy with that.

[ViperPete]

Here's where mine sits a few hours ago

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/45D85A81-2A96-48A8-9E56-CF0C6E8D4B13_zpsmrogq7ln.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/45D85A81-2A96-48A8-9E56-CF0C6E8D4B13_zpsmrogq7ln.jpg.html)

[TA Two Oh]

Here's where mine sits a few hours ago

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/45D85A81-2A96-48A8-9E56-CF0C6E8D4B13_zpsmrogq7ln.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/45D85A81-2A96-48A8-9E56-CF0C6E8D4B13_zpsmrogq7ln.jpg.html)

Looks like they left it out back and somebody stripped it! Hope they piece everything back together correctly, Pete.

[swexlin]

Yes, that's kind of scary looking. Only recall I haven't had done in the airbag one. I guess that's why the doors are off? Why the hood off?

[ViperPete]

Replaced hood mat
Replaced dr side door hinges
Replaced pass side window regulator
Replaced window seals
R28 and R29 recalls done.

They even gave me a brand new air filter. The recall comes with a new one, but mine was new so they just gave it to me anyway. I wanted to keep the valve cover but they said they have to send it back to Dodge.

Car looks great. The local Viper tech does an amazing job. I trust him.

[ViperPete]

EDIT.....

Car doesn't look great. I found a deep scratch and awful panel gaps everywhere. Gotta take it back next week.

:(

[TheMadMachinist]

Can I ask why they replaced the driver door hinges?

I think I'm have a problem with my





Replaced hood mat
Replaced dr side door hinges
Replaced pass side window regulator
Replaced window seals
R28 and R29 recalls done.

They even gave me a brand new air filter. The recall comes with a new one, but mine was new so they just gave it to me anyway. I wanted to keep the valve cover but they said they have to send it back to Dodge.

Car looks great. The local Viper tech does an amazing job. I trust him.

[zee]

EDIT.....

Car doesn't look great. I found a deep scratch and awful panel gaps everywhere. Gotta take it back next week.

:(

oh no! Deep scratch where??? That would make me furious!!!

[Next Phase]

I was hoping I would get a new motor...but mine passed. Great service with mine. They replaced some of my hood vents as the tabs broke. Capital CJDR in Garner NC was awesome to deal with!

[Vprbite]

EDIT.....

Car doesn't look great. I found a deep scratch and awful panel gaps everywhere. Gotta take it back next week.

:(

I would feel more comfortable having a quality body shop put the car back together. That is its own skill set, aside from being a mechanic. I'm not saying some people can't do both, just that putting body panels back together isn't like snapping Legos together.

Sorry to hear that, man. There is no reason or excuse for them not to make it perfect. Even if it costs them money and they need to send it out to a body shop that does restorations or custom builds. Stay on them till it's right. I feel for you and I hope it gets sorted out quickly.

[One Viper Bite]

Pictures of mine getting done a few days ago!

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/brianjames624/13090888_1024396594282918_468531944_o.jpg (http://s580.photobucket.com/user/brianjames624/media/13090888_1024396594282918_468531944_o.jpg.html)

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/brianjames624/13112418_1024396584282919_1195703716_o.jpg (http://s580.photobucket.com/user/brianjames624/media/13112418_1024396584282919_1195703716_o.jpg.html)

[ViperPete]

I would feel more comfortable having a quality body shop put the car back together. That is its own skill set, aside from being a mechanic. I'm not saying some people can't do both, just that putting body panels back together isn't like snapping Legos together.

Sorry to hear that, man. There is no reason or excuse for them not to make it perfect. Even if it costs them money and they need to send it out to a body shop that does restorations or custom builds. Stay on them till it's right. I feel for you and I hope it gets sorted out quickly.

I'm going to give them a chance to make it right. Its heart breaking really. I trusted them you know?

[Policy Limits]

Been 2.5 weeks since I've had mine done. Today was the first opportunity I've had since then to drive it and then inspect under the hood. She runs strong. But stupid question: is there a new coil/wire attached to the front piece that then runs past the engine and under the new cover? I don't recall seeing that before the R29 service. Pic attached.

[zee]

If a car only has the R29 recall but not the R28, is it still less likely for it to fall into the motor failure group? I know that all 15's have the R29, and some 13's and 14's only have R29 as well, while others have both R28 and R29. Has anyone reported an engine failure due to oil contamination that only had the R29 recall?

[08viperviolet]

Both my 14 and 15 both passed and had the recalls done. 14 Ta and 15 1 of 1 Anodized.

[mak1118]

I was very close to buying a new 2015 gt, great deal but after reading about these engine problems I'm thinking of either looking at a 2016 or backing out completely..... I know if I pay that much for the car I would like to feel more sure about what I am getting. I have a 1995 and I am the original owner, never felt unsure of the car until I read about these engines failing.... not unsure about my '95 though.

[zee]

I was very close to buying a new 2015 gt, great deal but after reading about these engine problems I'm thinking of either looking at a 2106 or backing out completely..... I know if I pay that much for the car I would like to feel more sure about what I am getting. I have a 1995 and I am the original owner, never felt unsure of the car until I read about these engines failing.... not unsure about my '95 though.

It is reported that its only 5% that are affected. The fact that they identified the problem, put a recall out and corrected the issue makes me feel good now. Also, you obviously have the warranty for a safety net even though I would really not want to deal with all the downtime. I think the R28 is what is the scary one as it deals with the contamination issue. R29 seems like a simple job and looks like dodge is doing that recall for all 2015 and below models as an extra precaution.

[Vipes]

I was very close to buying a new 2015 gt, great deal but after reading about these engine problems I'm thinking of either looking at a 2106 or backing out completely..... I know if I pay that much for the car I would like to feel more sure about what I am getting. I have a 1995 and I am the original owner, never felt unsure of the car until I read about these engines failing.... not unsure about my '95 though.

Why don't you just run the VIN before you buy the car that way you know for sure if you don't want to buy one affected by the recall?

[lochnessmonster]

I was very close to buying a new 2015 gt, great deal but after reading about these engine problems I'm thinking of either looking at a 2106 or backing out completely..... I know if I pay that much for the car I would like to feel more sure about what I am getting. I have a 1995 and I am the original owner, never felt unsure of the car until I read about these engines failing.... not unsure about my '95 though.

I hear there are a lot of Z06 Corvettes up for sale.......

[mak1118]

Why don't you just run the VIN before you buy the car that way you know for sure if you don't want to buy one affected by the recall?


I did run the VIN and it says R29 was done in Feb 2016, car was built in late 2014. I stopped in today to talk the the Viper mech and he said he sent it in and it came back fine so to me that sounds like he had to do the R28 also. I asked him how sure was he that it's not something else causing these problems... he said he didn't know. I can get a good price on the car but not if I'm going to have problems down the road....I'm not a mechanic, I don't work on my cars I just enjoy them.... unlike some of the other Viper owners I don't want to pay a lot of money for a car and then be happy with a new engine. If I felt more comfortable, if the mechanic would have said... yep not a problem just a little fix well then I would offer the price I want to pay and if he doesn't want it I can order a '17 from Bill at Woodhouse, I talked to him today, nice guy.

[mak1118]

I hear there are a lot of Z06 Corvettes up for sale.......

I have a Z06 conv. also, nice car, I happen to like the Viper more but I like the Z06 too. I bought my Viper in 1995 so I've liked them for a long time. The Z06 to me is more of an everyday car and the Viper would be my weekend car. My '95 only has 21k miles so it's not like I would drive the hell out of the car...... I wouldn't want to have to take the Viper to the grocery store or the movies, that would be the Vette's job....:)

[ViperPete]

Got the call from Dodge today.

Engine is fine. Have a nice day. :)

[swexlin]

Got the call from Dodge today.

Engine is fine. Have a nice day. :)

Congrats Pete. How is the rest of the work coming?

[dewilmoth]

Got the call from Dodge today.

Engine is fine. Have a nice day. :)

Can you elaborate on why the door hinges were replaced? Thanks.

[ViperPete]

Can you elaborate on why the door hinges were replaced? Thanks.

My drivers side door was making awful creaking noises. The hinges were binding up. It was embarrassing getting in and out of the car.

I have an appointment for Monday to get the stuff taken care of. Here are the pic's of what is wrong with the car

I didn't sleep for about 2 days because of all this crap you know?

Huge gaps here

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/FD12BA05-AC70-4BE6-9731-93A0DFF846D2_zpsyldli5v3.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/FD12BA05-AC70-4BE6-9731-93A0DFF846D2_zpsyldli5v3.jpg.html)

Door/hood not lining up

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/E57BAE96-9457-47AB-94E3-94036C92D2F2_zpspcahmhqf.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/E57BAE96-9457-47AB-94E3-94036C92D2F2_zpspcahmhqf.jpg.html)

Deep scratch in front of rear wheel

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/57A4F852-99C2-4161-8F5C-75F0CF1C1892_zpsgndoxq00.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/57A4F852-99C2-4161-8F5C-75F0CF1C1892_zpsgndoxq00.jpg.html)

Here is the knick on the rear wheel

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/BF8E7EB1-87E1-458D-9A8C-8C60BFC0303C_zps9i30k01m.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/BF8E7EB1-87E1-458D-9A8C-8C60BFC0303C_zps9i30k01m.jpg.html)

And the passenger door panel was not installed correctly when they replaced the window regulator

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/1C6AD4A8-CDB4-4806-B93B-1B4109F3CD25_zpsgfub6ir4.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/1C6AD4A8-CDB4-4806-B93B-1B4109F3CD25_zpsgfub6ir4.jpg.html)

[dewilmoth]

That's completely unacceptable. Do they really think you're just going to overlook stuff like that? There's no way they didn't see that stuff when they were putting it back together. Makes you wonder what they did that you can't see.

[ViperPete]

That's completely unacceptable. Do they really think you're just going to overlook stuff like that? There's no way they didn't see that stuff when they were putting it back together. Makes you wonder what they did that you can't see.

Yeah I know. I was pretty upset for a few days. When I showed them the car they were very apologetic.

The thing is I have had them work on the car before and they did excellent work. So I really don't know what the breakdown was.

Either way this was an experience I wish I never had. If they fix it right then i'll keep using them. If they don't I guess i'll be visiting Alex's dealership from now on.

[lochnessmonster]

I have a Z06 conv. also, nice car, I happen to like the Viper more but I like the Z06 too. I bought my Viper in 1995 so I've liked them for a long time. The Z06 to me is more of an everyday car and the Viper would be my weekend car. My '95 only has 21k miles so it's not like I would drive the hell out of the car...... I wouldn't want to have to take the Viper to the grocery store or the movies, that would be the Vette's job....:)

Wow, nice combination. Is it a C7 or a C6? I have to admit, my comment was somewhat "tongue in cheek" given all of the problems the C7 Z06 has had, that, in my opinion, far far outweigh the limited problems seen with the Gen V Viper. My '13 GTS has been absolutely problem free, and by far the best car/purchase I've ever made.

I think someone said/wrote this engine issue has affected/affects less than 5% of the cars, which I feel is not too bad, but not all that impressive in this day and age. I think the biggest thing is that, while GM consistently sits on its hands and does absolutely nothing for its customers until there is a class action law suit and people are literally dying in their cars, FCA has stepped up to the plate in every instance I have read where an engine or component failed, and has taken the preventative steps to stop the engine problem from happening in the first place, which again, is something I have never seen GM do. That should provide you with some additional confidence.

I'm huge on the C6 Z06 and ZR1, and I'd have either of those cars in my garage in a heartbeat.

[lochnessmonster]

My drivers side door was making awful creaking noises. The hinges were binding up. It was embarrassing getting in and out of the car.

I have an appointment for Monday to get the stuff taken care of. Here are the pic's of what is wrong with the car

I didn't sleep for about 2 days because of all this crap you know?


Huge gaps here

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/FD12BA05-AC70-4BE6-9731-93A0DFF846D2_zpsyldli5v3.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/FD12BA05-AC70-4BE6-9731-93A0DFF846D2_zpsyldli5v3.jpg.html)

Door/hood not lining up

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/E57BAE96-9457-47AB-94E3-94036C92D2F2_zpspcahmhqf.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/E57BAE96-9457-47AB-94E3-94036C92D2F2_zpspcahmhqf.jpg.html)

Deep scratch in front of rear wheel

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/57A4F852-99C2-4161-8F5C-75F0CF1C1892_zpsgndoxq00.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/57A4F852-99C2-4161-8F5C-75F0CF1C1892_zpsgndoxq00.jpg.html)

Here is the knick on the rear wheel

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/BF8E7EB1-87E1-458D-9A8C-8C60BFC0303C_zps9i30k01m.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/BF8E7EB1-87E1-458D-9A8C-8C60BFC0303C_zps9i30k01m.jpg.html)

And the passenger door panel was not installed correctly when they replaced the window regulator

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/skyy406/1C6AD4A8-CDB4-4806-B93B-1B4109F3CD25_zpsgfub6ir4.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/skyy406/media/1C6AD4A8-CDB4-4806-B93B-1B4109F3CD25_zpsgfub6ir4.jpg.html)

Unreal!!! Really sorry to see all of this. I hope it gets resolved without too much fuss.

[AZTVR]

Yeah I know. I was pretty upset for a few days. When I showed them the car they were very apologetic.

The thing is I have had them work on the car before and they did excellent work. So I really don't know what the breakdown was.

Either way this was an experience I wish I never had. If they fix it right then i'll keep using them. If they don't I guess i'll be visiting Alex's dealership from now on.

Interesting to see what the dealership personnel thought was an acceptable quality job.

[swexlin]

Interesting about that door panel. It is a "problem area" on my car as well. Originally, was loose in that very area (passenger right corner), and tech replaced a couple clips, and was fine for a while. But, I've had a couple passengers in the car recently, and I notice that right hand corner gap is widening again, so I don't know if I've lost a clip again. Haven't had time to look at it carefully.

Drivers side, which I use (obviously!) the most, is fine.

Panel gaps, hard to tell. Scratch - the needs touch up and professional help.

[DanH]

well after my trip to get the recall done my car started leaking oil nonstop. Mechanic couldn't find the leak the first trip. Second trip he realized he had clamped a plastic clip between the head and the valve cover. He fixed it and charged me for the oil change.
Three trips and 3 weeks at the dealer and I just moved my car today and there's oil again on the garage floor, except that it seems to be getting worse with each trip.
Trip 1-My rear sidewinder got chipped on the inside spoke.
Trip 3- Got a u shape indentation on the front bumper paint and my car ran on 9 cylinders the way home because he forgot to reinstall the spark plug wire boot to the spark plug.
Service advisor tried to make me look like if I was trying to get a wheel for free. I reminded her that between my arrow and coilover install I had spent with them more than the wheels cost twice over.
Talked to dealer Monday and nobody had gotten back to me on the issue. I am pissed off and frustrated.

[ViperSmith]

wow, DanH that is unreal.

[DanH]

17237

17238

17239

17240
Clip that got sandwiched between head and valve cover

[DanH]

Yeah I know. I was pretty upset for a few days. When I showed them the car they were very apologetic.
At least they were apologetic, my dealer doesn't seem to care about dealing with me.

[swexlin]

well after my trip to get the recall done my car started leaking oil nonstop. Mechanic couldn't find the leak the first trip. Second trip he realized he had clamped a plastic clip between the head and the valve cover. He fixed it and charged me for the oil change.
Three trips and 3 weeks at the dealer and I just moved my car today and there's oil again on the garage floor, except that it seems to be getting worse with each trip.
Trip 1-My rear sidewinder got chipped on the inside spoke.
Trip 3- Got a u shape indentation on the front bumper paint and my car ran on 9 cylinders the way home because he forgot to reinstall the spark plug wire boot to the spark plug.
Service advisor tried to make me look like if I was trying to get a wheel for free. I reminded her that between my arrow and coilover install I had spent with them more than the wheels cost twice over.
Talked to dealer Monday and nobody had gotten back to me on the issue. I am pissed off and frustrated.

I don't even know where to begin with this. The tech did the recall incorrectly, pinched a line, causing an oil leak, and then they CHARGED you to correct it? No offense, but why did you accept that? I would have raised hell with the owner of the dealership.

Call SRT, open a ticket, and they might be able help you along, or get you to a dealer that will do it right. With as much oil as you have leaking, honestly, I wouldn't feel comfortable driving the car. All these years, and we still have incompetent dealers like this.

[Uranium235]

What do they do with the valve cover they take off?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322005446851?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Hmmmm. Can't imagine these are flying off the shelf.

[Policy Limits]

The worst component of viper ownership: going to the average dodge dealer for service.

[swexlin]

The worst component of viper ownership: going to the average dodge dealer for service.

My Dart was treated better than Dan. What he described in unacceptable, which is why he needs to open a ticket with SRT.

[DanH]

They didn't charge me for the repair but they did charge me for the oil change I had asked for since the engine had obviously been compromised and oil possibly contaminated. It was an extra precaution for me

[Terminator02]

I had my appointment today and my part ordered in advance. The Viper tech was overbooked and they didn't let me know at Suburban Chrysler in Troy. Took off work for this. They nonchalantly told me to just come back next Tuesday like it's not big deal. I'm pretty pissed.

[swexlin]

They didn't charge me for the repair but they did charge me for the oil change I had asked for since the engine had obviously been compromised and oil possibly contaminated. It was an extra precaution for me

They should have changed it for free as part of the repair - since THEY caused it! Please track this with SRT, so everything is documented.

[lochnessmonster]

The worst component of viper ownership: going to the average dodge dealer for service.

This certainly does seem to be case. It just boggles my mind when I see the pics DanH and others have posted. It's a shame. I've had such a different experience with my local dealership in this little 5000 pop town. They literally have me pull the car into an isolated area of the garage, my own separate bay, where the other mechanics and staff will be no where near the car. Only the tech has access to the car throughout the day, and he has done an excellent job with respect to each and every recall/service campaign on the car: door handles/node reprogram/R28/R29. I had the last of them performed last Friday when they installed the shims for the seat track sensor/airbag issue. I guess it's just luck of the draw, as with so many things in life, but it shouldn't be.

[lochnessmonster]

I've never owned a nice expensive/exotic car like this before. Do people on here find that the service is much better at Porsche/Ferrari etc. dealerships where the company specializes in high end cars, and has customers who expect a higher level of service? Or is it just a big charade, and we are made to feel that we/our cars are going to be treated so much better at high end dealerships? I've been considering a Porsche 911 GT3 or Turbo to add to my garage. Can I honestly expect a better experience than what everyone gets at their local Ford/GM/Chrysler dealership, or am I just buying into the hype? I'm curious.

[swexlin]

I've never owned a nice expensive/exotic car like this before. Do people on here find that the service is much better at Porsche/Ferrari etc. dealerships where the company specializes in high end cars, and has customers who expect a higher level of service? Or is it just a big charade, and we are made to feel that we/our cars are going to be treated so much better at high end dealerships? I've been considering a Porsche 911 GT3 or Turbo to add to my garage. Can I honestly expect a better experience than what everyone gets at their local Ford/GM/Chrysler dealership, or am I just buying into the hype? I'm curious.

No, it's better. I have friends with F-cars, and we are close to Algar Ferrari. I've seen first hand how these guys are treated at Algar. Night and day. Of course, I you spend $250K and up on cars, I would expect that.

Now I've had Ford trucks and cars, and my local Ford dealership has been no better or no worse than my FCA experiences. I'm lucky that I have a great dealership local, with a great Viper tech.

[ViperSmith]

I've never owned a nice expensive/exotic car like this before. Do people on here find that the service is much better at Porsche/Ferrari etc. dealerships where the company specializes in high end cars, and has customers who expect a higher level of service? Or is it just a big charade, and we are made to feel that we/our cars are going to be treated so much better at high end dealerships? I've been considering a Porsche 911 GT3 or Turbo to add to my garage. Can I honestly expect a better experience than what everyone gets at their local Ford/GM/Chrysler dealership, or am I just buying into the hype? I'm curious.

i don't need the frills. all i want is to know my service will be done and my car wont be abused.

when i bought my first lexus back in 2008, i was beating the dealer down on price. "if we sell it to you for that, we won't be able to keep our service center up and running!!"

yeah, i don't need "free" bottled water, massage chairs, the list goes on.

same goes for dodge. i don't need all that, i just want competent service

which sadly seems to be few and far between for most.

[cayenne]

I've never owned a nice expensive/exotic car like this before. Do people on here find that the service is much better at Porsche/Ferrari etc. dealerships where the company specializes in high end cars, and has customers who expect a higher level of service? Or is it just a big charade, and we are made to feel that we/our cars are going to be treated so much better at high end dealerships? I've been considering a Porsche 911 GT3 or Turbo to add to my garage. Can I honestly expect a better experience than what everyone gets at their local Ford/GM/Chrysler dealership, or am I just buying into the hype? I'm curious.

I have had several exotics, and not only have I been treated better (which I don't care about), but my baby has been treated with ultimate care... Knock on wood, not a single one of mine has ever had anything damaged while at service. Can't say that about Dodge... When I bought my first Viper, the one thing I told my wife was that I was scared to death to drop it off at the dealer. I never felt that way with Porsche, BMW, Lotus, Aston, or Lambo. I always felt like I could swing by, toss them the keys and expect the car to be returned in the same shape I gave it to them in.

FCA service is the most difficult part of owning a Viper in my humble opinion.

[Uranium235]

Same for me. My wife's Porsche gets the white glove treatment and comes back perfect every time. I wouldn't take the Viper to a "normal" Dodge dealer unless I absolutely had to. Luckily, I live a half hour away from Roanoke, and my Viper gets treated like family there. By far, the best service I've ever had.

[DanH]

^^^^My feelings exactly vipersmith.
Called the dealer back this morning since nobody over there seems to care. Now I have an appointment with the gm and the mechanic. I feel like I'm complaining about the chef to the owner of the restaurant before he makes my food

[DanH]

This is Arrigo Dodge in Sawgrass, one of the viper friendly dealers according to our list here

[swexlin]

This is Arrigo Dodge in Sawgrass, one of the viper friendly dealers according to our list here

I guess they're not that friendly after all.

[lochnessmonster]

I have had several exotics, and not only have I been treated better (which I don't care about), but my baby has been treated with ultimate care... Knock on wood, not a single one of mine has ever had anything damaged while at service. Can't say that about Dodge... When I bought my first Viper, the one thing I told my wife was that I was scared to death to drop it off at the dealer. I never felt that way with Porsche, BMW, Lotus, Aston, or Lambo. I always felt like I could swing by, toss them the keys and expect the car to be returned in the same shape I gave it to them in.

FCA service is the most difficult part of owning a Viper in my humble opinion.

All of this is really good to know. I have wondered if "the price of admission" is worth it. By the sounds of all your comments, it is. Which is a relief, because despite the fact that my ownership experience and service experience with my Viper has been excellent, I'd rather pay my cash for a good product, and expect good treatment and service in return. Rather than having to sweat out every visit to the dealership, which is what I have done thus far. Fortunately, it's worked out. Thanx for the info guys.

[Vibert]

I had my appointment today and my part ordered in advance. The Viper tech was overbooked and they didn't let me know at Suburban Chrysler in Troy. Took off work for this. They nonchalantly told me to just come back next Tuesday like it's not big deal. I'm pretty pissed.

Terminator:

I've had good service at Suburban in Farmington Hills on 10 mile and Haggerty. Tracy is always on top of stuff and Dale the Viper mechanic has so far done good work on my Viper. It may be a drive for you, but it beats being canceled on while you're there

[Malu59RT]

This is Arrigo Dodge in Sawgrass, one of the viper friendly dealers according to our list here

Dan, was Mike Bauzz the person you spoke to and dealt with? I just want to make sure before we remove them from the list. I'm referencing this post:


South Florida, (West Palm Beach, Broward County (Ft.lauderdale, Miramar, Coral Springs)and Miami-Dade County)
ARRIGO DODGE
http://www.arrigosawgrass.com/
Mike Bauz is the shop foreman and viper tech, only guy who works on Vipers and SRTs. Excellent mechanic, only one that drives the car and takes care of it. Has done all the bolt on work on my car as well as recalls.
954-515-5939
mike.bauz@arrigodcj.com

I drive 35 miles to see this guys when needed, great Viper tech guy.

[DanH]

Mike Bauz was the tech, nice guy but very sloppy. Pete Martino is the GM in charge that doesn't really want to deal with the problems. I too drove 35-40 miles one way.

[LmeaViper]

The worst component of viper ownership: going to the average dodge dealer for service.

100% correct

[aspman]

Mine went great at Capital CJD in Garner NC....picked up a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for the wife while we were there....call Mike Reeves...he will hook ya up!

[Terminator02]

Terminator:

I've had good service at Suburban in Farmington Hills on 10 mile and Haggerty. Tracy is always on top of stuff and Dale the Viper mechanic has so far done good work on my Viper. It may be a drive for you, but it beats being canceled on while you're there

Thanks for the tip Vibert!

[DanH]

Thanks to Mark J. at Woodhouse I was put in contact with a viper mechanic that's worked for Chrysler 30+ years and worked on vipers from day one. Took the car Saturday and put it up on the lift. To say that oil is everywhere is an understatement. Oil is been blown out the back and all of the taillight area is covered with it. We located the leak to the front of the valve cover right were it was clipped. I will be paying for the mechanic to replace the o-ring and fix my tpm sensor.
Thank you Mark at Woodhouse You are a life saver.

[DanH]

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