Ram has introduced Canada's most extensive full-size truck powertrain warranty: 10 years or 160,000 kilometres on 2026 model-year vehicles. For drivers in Dartmouth and throughout Nova Scotia, this warranty changes the ownership equation for trucks and vans.

This guide answers the essential questions: what this warranty covers, which vehicles qualify, who can get it, and why Ram made this change.

What Is This Warranty?

The 10-year/160,000-kilometre limited powertrain warranty protects the major mechanical systems that power your Ram truck or van. According to Ram's official announcement, "The warranty covers the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials and axles for 10 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first."

The coverage begins on your purchase or lease date and runs until you reach 10 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever happens first. If you drive 180,000 kilometres in nine years, the warranty ends at 160,000 kilometres. If you reach 10 years with only 140,000 kilometres on the odometer, coverage expires at the 10-year mark.

This warranty is non-transferable. It applies only to the original retail purchaser or lessee. When you sell or trade your vehicle, the next owner does not inherit the remaining coverage.

Which Vehicles Are Covered?

The 10-year warranty applies to these 2026 model-year Ram vehicles sold in Canada:

• Ram 1500 (including the Ram 1500 RHO)
• Ram 2500
• Ram 3500
• Ram Chassis Cab 3500/4500/5500
• Ram ProMaster vans

Full battery-electric vehicles are excluded. The warranty covers gasoline and diesel powertrains only.

To qualify, you must purchase or lease a new, previously unregistered vehicle from an authorized Ram dealership in Canada. The warranty covers retail customers--individuals and businesses--but excludes fleet purchases. Fleet buyers receive separate warranty terms.

What Components Does It Cover?

The powertrain warranty protects six major systems:

Engine: All internal components, including the block, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing mechanisms, and oil pump.

Transmission: The gearbox and all internal components, including gears, torque converter (on automatics), valve body, hydraulic systems, and electronic control modules specific to transmission function.

Transfer Case: On 4×4 models, this component splits power between front and rear axles. Coverage includes the housing, internal gears, chain or gear-driven systems, and engagement mechanisms.

Driveshafts: The metal shafts that transfer power from the transmission to the axles, including universal joints, CV joints, splines, yokes, and centre support bearings.

Differentials: The gearbox inside each axle that allows wheels to rotate at different speeds. Coverage includes the housing, ring and pinion gears, spider gears, bearings, seals, and limited-slip or locking mechanisms.

Axles: The shafts connecting the differential to the wheels, including CV joints, boots, bearings, seals, and axle housing components.

If any of these components fail due to a manufacturing defect or workmanship issue, the warranty covers the repair or replacement at no cost to you.

What's Not Covered?

The warranty is specific to powertrain components. It does not extend to:

• Brake systems (pads, rotors, calipers, lines)
• Suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms, springs)
• Steering systems
• Exhaust systems
• Cooling systems (radiator, water pump, hoses)
• Electrical systems and infotainment
• Body panels, paint, glass, and interior trim
• Tires, wheels, and wheel bearings
• Air conditioning and heating systems
• Wear items like filters, fluids, and belts

Your Ram comes with a separate comprehensive warranty that typically covers three years or 60,000 kilometres for most non-powertrain components. The 10-year powertrain warranty extends protection for the specific drivetrain parts listed above.

Maintenance requirements remain in effect. You must follow the service schedule outlined in your owner's manual. Skipping oil changes, ignoring fluid replacements, or neglecting routine maintenance can void your warranty coverage. Keep all service records organized and accessible.

Who Qualifies for This Warranty?

You qualify if you meet these requirements:

1. You purchase or lease a new, previously unregistered 2026 model-year Ram vehicle
2. You buy from an authorized Ram dealership in Canada
3. You are the original retail purchaser or lessee (not a fleet buyer)
4. Your vehicle is one of the covered models listed above
5. Your vehicle is not a full battery-electric model

The warranty applies to individuals and businesses making retail purchases. If you're buying one truck for your construction company or a ProMaster van for your plumbing business, you qualify. Large fleet orders follow different warranty terms.

The warranty does not transfer to subsequent owners. If you sell your Ram after four years, the new owner will not receive the remaining six years of powertrain coverage.

When Does Coverage Begin?

Coverage starts on the date you take delivery of your vehicle. The warranty clock runs from that day forward, tracking both calendar time and odometer kilometres.

This warranty applies exclusively to 2026 model-year vehicles. Earlier model years follow Ram's standard warranty structure, which typically includes five years or 100,000 kilometres of powertrain coverage. The 10-year program represents a doubling of that baseline protection.

Why Did Ram Extend the Warranty?

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis explained the reasoning: "Truck buyers are financing purchases for longer periods of time, with nearly 80% of new truck loans exceeding five years. Our customers are making a long-term investment in Ram, and with Canada's best full-size truck limited powertrain warranty, Ram is making a stronger and longer commitment to our customers."

Truck prices have increased significantly in recent years. To manage monthly payments, buyers are extending loan terms to six, seven, or even eight years. A standard five-year warranty leaves owners unprotected during the final years of their financing period.

By doubling the warranty term, Ram aligns coverage with modern financing realities. If you finance a 2026 Ram over seven years, you now have powertrain protection through your entire payment period and three years beyond.

For Dartmouth drivers who use their trucks for work--fishing, construction, trades, transportation--this warranty provides reassurance. Nova Scotia's coastal weather and rural roads test vehicles hard. Knowing your powertrain is protected for a decade removes financial risk from the purchase.

How to Use the Warranty

If you experience a problem with a covered powertrain component, contact Dartmouth Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to schedule a diagnostic appointment. You'll need:

• Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Proof of ownership or lease documentation
• Complete service records showing all maintenance

The service department will verify your warranty eligibility, diagnose the issue, and determine whether the repair falls under powertrain coverage. If approved, they'll order necessary parts and complete the repair at no cost to you for covered components and labour.

Some tips for smooth warranty claims:

• Keep all maintenance receipts organized and accessible
• Report problems as soon as you notice unusual noises, vibrations, leaks, or performance changes
• Don't attempt DIY repairs on powertrain components during the warranty period
• Use authorized Ram dealerships for all major service work

If you're traveling outside Dartmouth when a problem occurs, you can visit any authorized Ram dealership in Canada. The warranty applies nationwide, though you'll need to provide your documentation.

Additional Warranty Programs

Ram has expanded two other warranty programs for 2026 model-year vehicles:

Fleet Warranty: Canadian fleet customers now receive 5-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain coverage. This is separate from the 10-year retail warranty and applies to large fleet orders.

CanAm Warranty: For customers who may relocate to the United States, Ram (along with all Stellantis brands) now offers expanded CanAm warranty coverage. If you export your 2026 Ram to the U.S. after driving it in Canada for more than six months and 15,000 kilometres, your warranty coverage can continue. This applies to retail and fleet purchases starting with 2024 model-year vehicles.

What This Means for Dartmouth Drivers

If you're considering a Ram 1500 for daily driving, a Ram 2500 for towing a boat or trailer, or a ProMaster van for your business, this warranty strengthens the ownership case.

Consider your typical driving patterns. If you drive 20,000 kilometres per year, you'll reach 160,000 kilometres in eight years. That's substantial protection through your entire financing term and beyond.

For work trucks that face Nova Scotia winters, coastal salt exposure, and heavy use, this warranty covers the most expensive potential repairs. Replacing a transmission or differential typically costs thousands of dollars. Having that protection for a decade provides real financial security.

The warranty also signals Ram's confidence in its engineering and manufacturing quality. Extending coverage to 10 years requires belief that these powertrains will remain reliable well into the next decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my truck?

The warranty is non-transferable. It applies only to the original retail purchaser or lessee. When you sell the vehicle, the warranty does not follow it to the next owner.

What happens if I exceed 160,000 kilometres before 10 years?

The warranty expires at whichever milestone you reach first. If you drive 170,000 kilometres in nine years, your warranty ends at 160,000 kilometres.

Are 2025 Ram trucks eligible for this warranty?

The 10-year/160,000-kilometre warranty begins exclusively with 2026 model-year vehicles. Earlier model years follow Ram's standard warranty structure.

Does the warranty cover the Ram 1500 RHO and Ram Power Wagon?

Yes. Both high-performance variants qualify for the 10-year/160,000-kilometre warranty as long as they're 2026 model-year retail purchases. The official announcement specifically mentions "the high-performance Ram RHO and Ram Power Wagon."

Do I need to service my truck at a dealership to maintain warranty coverage?

While you're not legally required to use dealership service in Canada, it's strongly recommended. Using an authorized Ram dealership ensures all maintenance is documented properly and performed to manufacturer specifications, which protects your warranty rights.

Does the warranty cover ProMaster vans?

Yes. The 2026 Ram ProMaster van qualifies for the 10-year/160,000-kilometre warranty, as long as it's not a full battery-electric model.

What if I need warranty service while traveling outside Nova Scotia?

You can visit any authorized Ram dealership in Canada. Bring your VIN, proof of ownership, and maintenance records. The warranty applies nationwide.

Does this warranty cost extra?

The 10-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain warranty is included at no additional cost with the purchase or lease of a qualifying 2026 Ram vehicle.

Planning Your Next Ram Purchase

If you're ready to explore the 2026 Ram lineup, visit Dartmouth Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to see which model fits your needs. Whether you're looking at a Ram 1500 for daily driving and weekend adventures, a Ram 2500 for serious towing capability, or a ProMaster van for your business, this warranty adds substantial value to your ownership experience.

Calculate your typical annual mileage and expected ownership period. If you plan to keep your truck for seven or eight years and drive 18,000 to 22,000 kilometres annually, you'll likely stay within both warranty limits. That's comprehensive protection through your entire ownership period.

Our team can answer specific questions about how this warranty applies to different models and trims, explain the claim process, and help you choose the right Ram vehicle for Nova Scotia conditions.