Finally, a truck company that understands basic math. Ram announced a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for its 2026 lineup, doubling what Ford, Chevy, and Toyota offer. CEO Tim Kuniskis pointed out that most truck buyers now finance for more than five years, meaning their warranty was expiring before they finished making payments.
Strategic thinking like this feels rarer than finding a parking spot at Costco on Sunday. When truck prices push $ 80,000 and buyers stretch loans to seven years, a five-year warranty becomes meaningless. Ram’s move acknowledges that people keep trucks longer because they cost more than most starter homes.
Coverage includes every truck that matters in Ram’s lineup. The 2026 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, ProMaster vans, and chassis cabs all receive the extended warranty protection. This encompasses the returning Hemi V8, and the performance-focused RHO enthusiasts want to drive hard.
Powertrain components under warranty include engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. These represent the expensive failures that can cost $8,000 to $15,000 when they occur outside warranty coverage. Imagine replacing a transmission on a loaded Ram 2500, and you’ll understand why this matters.
However, fine print exists that buyers need to understand. The warranty only applies to original owners, so purchasing used eliminates coverage. Fleet sales don’t qualify either, and electric vehicles like the ProMaster EV are excluded from this extended protection.
General Motors pioneered 100,000-mile powertrain warranties before Ram existed as a standalone brand. GM offered this coverage until 2015, when accountants convinced executives to reduce it to 60,000 miles. That decision probably saved money short term while costing customer loyalty long term.
Timing for this announcement reflects Ram’s desperate need for positive momentum. Through Q1 2025, Ram sales dropped nearly 12% year-over-year while the brand struggled in distant third place behind Ford and Chevrolet. The botched 2025 launch, which initially eliminated the beloved Hemi V8 and priced trucks beyond reason, alienated core customers.
Desperation brought Tim Kuniskis out of retirement after just six months to lead Ram’s turnaround efforts. His plan includes 25 product announcements over 18 months, starting with the Hemi’s return and this warranty extension. NASCAR re-entry for 2026 adds another nostalgic touch to win back traditional truck buyers.
Context matters when evaluating this warranty against competitors. Ford maintains its five-year, 60,000-mile coverage while Chevrolet offers five years and 100,000 miles on diesel models only. Toyota sticks with the industry standard despite its reputation for reliability.
Warranty length now exceeds most people’s phone upgrade cycles, which typically run two to three years maximum. Your truck’s powertrain coverage will outlast multiple streaming service subscriptions, several phone contracts, and probably your current relationship status. Ram’s betting this psychological comfort translates into sales recovery and customer retention in an increasingly competitive market.
