AI Damage2019 RAM 1500: common problems
Owners of the 2019 RAM 1500 filed 1,494 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and steering. The maker issued 999 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 1,494
- involving a crash
- 76
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 999
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 26% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 23% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 16% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 14% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 9% of all complaints
- 6 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 5% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 382 complaints (26% of all), 7 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 283.
- Steering: 340 complaints (23% of all), 12 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 31.
- Engine: 233 complaints (16% of all), 5 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 51.
- Powertrain: 207 complaints (14% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 75.
- Service brakes: 133 complaints (9% of all), 15 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 24.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 5 complaints
- 5.7 L · petrol · 8 cylnamed in 11 complaints
- 3 L · diesel · turbo · 6 cylnamed in 23 complaints
- 3.6 L · hybrid · 6 cylnamed in 5 complaints
- 5.7 L · hybrid · 8 cylnamed in 11 complaints
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 1,494 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 382 | 7 | 283 |
| Steering | 340 | 12 | 31 |
| Engine | 233 | 5 | 51 |
| Powertrain | 207 | 2 | 75 |
| Service brakes | 133 | 15 | 24 |
| Air bags | 93 | 42 | 18 |
| Structure | 81 | 3 | 130 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 80 | 2 | 7 |
| Visibility | 79 | 0 | 78 |
| Vehicle speed control | 53 | 2 | 15 |
| Suspension | 33 | 1 | 29 |
| Seat belts | 33 | 8 | 4 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 29 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 24 | 0 | 38 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The problem is the crankshaft position sensor temporarily fails causing the vehicle to stall, in my case, in stop and go traffic, which caused an accident. Once the 'Heat Soak' effect passes, the vehicle start and drives normally again.
No warning lights, lamps or other symptoms were present before this catastrophic incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
the power steering suddenly and with no warning stopped working when my wife was on a winding country road. There was no warning lights on the dash at all. She was unable to turn the steering wheel because the power assist stopped working.
The contact mentioned that the vehicle seat belts did not retract. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
The vehicle accelerated over the concrete parking block and crashed into the grocery store's front window. The contact stated that the incident happened so quickly that they were uncertain if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel or if the brake pedal was depressed during the acceleration.
In the middle of the turn the power steering stopped working and I proceeded to go straight. I was able to stop before crashing into a wall. I couldn’t only imagine the pannic of losing power steering at 65mph on a high way. The dealer said I need a $3,000 rack and Pinion.
The seatbelt was the only thing that kept him was going anywhere... If the airbags had gone off his head and neck wouldn't of snapped forward. We have police report pictures and can get insurance report. Contacted Ram and they said there wasn't anything they could do.
I was almost back to the site, my dash lights started wildly flashing. The ESC SYSTEM OFF displayed, the (ABS) light illuminated along with SERVICE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. The front passenger side tire started to shake, just as I was trying to avoid a large pothole around a bend.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 16 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 1% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 1500 has 494 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 1,494, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive
- The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward…
The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE…
- Engine PNs
MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide sufficient…
- MOTOR - WINDOW REGULATOR
- Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park
- CORE – HEATER
- SWITCH – HEADLAMP
- Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
- OUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER
- For concerns of an inoperative A/C system (no relay activation, no compressor engagement, or no response…
For concerns of an inoperative A/C system (no relay activation, no compressor engagement, or no response to commands), technicians need to utilize Star Online Publication S2624000007 prior to component replacement…
- Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot
Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
- 3-way valves are available in STAR Parts as two distinct components and must be selected correctly based…
3-way valves are available in STAR Parts as two distinct components and must be selected correctly based on application. The High Temp 3-way valve (68309834AC) is located between the engine and the bulkhead at the rear…
NHTSA lists 999 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2019 RAM 1500?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, steering, engine. Total complaints: 1,494. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (20%), steering or power steering problems (16%), windows, sunroof (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2019 RAM 1500?
NHTSA lists 999 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2019 RAM 1500 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2019 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.