I first thought thought one of the doors hadn't fully closed but to my disappointment I found all four doors have alignment issues. Each door varies from top to bottom with various gaps from the front doors to the rear and the rear doors to the door frame.

I'm trying to work through my dealer to have the issues corrected but I've been told Chrysler has claimed these gaps are to reduce noise, explaining that many of their trucks show similar gaps so it must be by design.

I've been buying vehicles for a long time and I remember the days before robotics and laser guided assembly lines, tv ads showing how accurately door seams and hoods were installed as a sign of fine craftsmanship. Since the US auto industry retooled in the 70's and 80's to catch up with Europe and Japan these qualities are expected not the exception. I was frankly annoyed by the claim that since most of our truck's are poorly assembled it's now their standard!?

It's frankly too easy to dismiss their engineering claim, creating turbulence doesn't reduce noise, it causes it but this is not a noise complaint it is a quality complaint. If this were by design then why does it vary from truck to truck (as seen on the showroom floor) or from left to right side of the same truck? Why isn't this design carried over to all the Chrysler lines? I haven't found a single example of similar fit issues with Jeep, Dodge, or their namesake lines.

This truck listed out at a little more than $51K with options...I would expect the fit and finish to at least equal a new Nissan Versa at $13K!

Update from Apr 14, 2014: For doubters out there please don't take my word or pictures for it...stop by any RAM dealer's showroom and see for yourself! RAM/Chrysler Corporation doesn't deny these issues but embraces them as if by design.

As for conspiracy theorists please get help!

Update from Apr 14, 2014: Not so surprisingly I'm suddenly receiving negative responses to my concerns from industry insiders and/or persons who neither own or plan on purchasing a similar vehicle. I would appreciate hearing from owners of 2014 RAM 1500's to get their take on the door alignment. Is this an issue for them, had they even noticed until I brought it to their attention?

I'm not a Chrysler hater, in fact I still own a 2002 PT Cruiser. That vehicle was manufactured in Mexico 14 years ago. The doors still align perfectly, although smaller they are much more complex in design contours, yet somehow managed to fit them perfectly. The QC in Chrysler's Michigan plants should take notice!

Overall, I'm largely satisfied with the truck despite losing weeks in the shop for warranty issues actually covered by Chrysler! The truck is a head turner, if you don't look too close and that HEMI rumble is unmistakable!

Finally, if you're satisfied with these imperfections then Chrysler will continue to make them that way! As I told the manager of my dealer's body shop, "if I had spotted these issues on the showroom floor I would be driving a Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado today".. Who know's , maybe trading one issue for another!