According to a new survey from Alan’s Factory Outlet, owners of Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs say they’re dealing with a very specific, and rather unpleasant problem: birds. The poll, which gathered responses from more than 3,000 vehicle owners across the U.S., found that Ram and Jeep models top the list of vehicles most frequently “attacked” by birds, resulting in droppings, paint damage, and mounting cleaning costs.
Nearly a quarter of respondents said they spend over $500 annually on washing or minor paint repairs due to bird-related mess, with Ram and Jeep owners reporting the most frequent hits. Drivers cited frustration at the scale of the issue, with some saying birds “seem to have it out” for their trucks.
Why Ram and Jeep Vehicles Are Prime Targets
Experts suggest there’s no conspiracy among the sparrows, but rather a mix of design and circumstance. Taller vehicles like pickups and SUVs tend to be parked under trees, power lines, and structures where birds perch. Their large horizontal surfaces, hoods, roofs, and tonneau covers, are also more exposed.
Color may play a role, too. Studies suggest darker vehicles, particularly black, red, and brown, attract more droppings, possibly because birds are drawn to how those shades reflect ultraviolet light.
Even as these owners battle droppings, both brands have more exciting headlines on the way. Ram is developing a midsize pickup aimed at rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, meaning there may soon be more surfaces for birds to target.
Jeep Owners Have More to Think About Than Droppings
Jeep drivers, meanwhile, have their own set of issues beyond avian ones. The automaker is preparing to roll out its all-electric off-roader amid uncertainty about demand. While Jeep experiments with electrification, traditional models like the Wrangler continue to attract loyal buyers through offers, which starts at $289 a month.
For now, though, some Wrangler and Grand Cherokee owners are more concerned with preserving their paintwork than choosing their next trim package. Many have taken to social media to share photos of their bird-splattered rides, joking that it’s “part of the ownership experience.”
How Owners Are Fighting Back
Those surveyed offered a few practical solutions: avoiding parking under trees or light poles, using protective car covers, and washing vehicles frequently to prevent acid damage to the paint. Quick cleaning is key, bird droppings can corrode clear coat and etch paint within hours.
Ram and Jeep have not commented directly on the findings, but detailers note that frequent detailing, ceramic coatings, and basic shade awareness can go a long way toward minimizing damage.
Why It Matters
While this might sound like a trivial problem, it highlights an aspect of real-world ownership rarely discussed in brochures. For Ram and Jeep drivers, these rugged vehicles can handle dirt, mud, and rocks, but apparently not pigeons.
The takeaway s that even as the brands prepare for electrification, new models, and competitive lease deals, their most loyal customers might just be hoping the next big update includes a stronger paint finish, or maybe a built-in bird deterrent.
