2019 RAM 3500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 RAM 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system5029.2%
- Engine2514.6%
- Electrical1810.5%
- Powertrain (other)1810.5%
- Brakes105.8%
- Tires & wheels105.8%
- Body & structure84.7%
- Driver assistance74.1%
- Other / unspecified74.1%
- Suspension63.5%
- Steering52.9%
- Airbags31.8%
- Visibility10.6%
- Interior & seats10.6%
- Exterior lighting10.6%
- Seat belts10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
HAD RECALL FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP COMPLETED IN 12/2022 AND THE NEW PART HAS PREMATURELY FAILED CAUSING DEBRIS TO GO INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE NEW PART WAS TO PREVENT THIS ISSUE FROM HAPPENING AND IT SEEMS THAT FAILURE AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS MEANS THAT A DEFECTIVE PART WAS INSTALLED OR SOME FORM OF IMPROPER INSTALLATION OCCURRED.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, a warning light for the exhaust system illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, but the vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that an unknown recall repair was previously completed on the vehicle. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA23001(Fuel System, Diesel). The failure mileage was approximately 214,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 towing an empty container. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven uphill at unknown speeds, it unexpectedly caught fire. No warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report. The fire department was on the scene, extinguished the fire, and provided a fire report. The fire chief was unable to determine the cause of the fire due to the extensive damage. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
Driving along normal and the engine started knocking, then the noise went away and about three miles later the engine started knocking extremely loud as I attempted to get off the road safely the engine locked up, I opened th hood and seen the engine connecting rods broke out of the engine and it now has holes in the block, and needs a total replacememt
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recurring water intrusion through firewall/wiper cowl causes electrical corrosion and loss of vehicle communication (CAN bus). Dealer repeatedly documented: • 05/19/2022: “Cowl drains clogged; water entering passenger side” (Invoice #XXX). • 08/15/2025: “Water intrusion through firewall due to wiper cowl drains being clogged with organic debris; water found in passenger kick-panel connector” (Invoice #XXX). Resulting failures include: • BCM shorted (02/16/2022 – replaced). • HVAC module failure (10/15/2022 – replaced). • Intermittent CAN bus, loss of gauges while driving (09/04/2025 – Invoice #XXX; dealer suspects internal corrosion from prior water leaks). • 10/16/2025: Dealer states “old water damage to BCM causing corrosion on circuit board and disrupting bus circuits”; BCM replaced again (Invoice #XXX). • 10/20/2025 (current): Dealer states “ORC (airbag module) dead on bus; ABS module loss-comm with ORC; replace airbag module” (Workorder #XXX). The truck has lost instrumentation and safety systems in rain, with airbag and ABS communication currently inoperative. This is a safety defect; seeking investigation and manufacturer remedy/reimbursement. Injuries/Crashes: None, near-miss due to loss of gauges. Dealer: Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light and while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and inspected the engine while attempting to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that a rod had fractured in cylinder #1, causing the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V511000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving transmission just died would only go in reverse. lucky it happened at midnight so there was no traffic and was able to pull over safely. I drove truck home in reverse has I was only about 1000ft from house. Checked transmission fluid was burnt and all black. there was no warning signs check engine light came on just has it happened. I then ordered a aftermarket transmission and had it installed . When old transmission was sent back for core was told under drive and overdrive clutch packs are welded together. Was not brought to dealer because warranty was already up. didn't think to keep codes that populated when check engine light came on there was about six all seemed to do with shift solenoids. I am filling this out in case others have had same issue and maybe its a defect seems like low miles for this to have happened.
While entering the interstate highway and accelerating to merge into traffic the transmission would not shift properly and check engine light came with code p0871. I could not fully control the speed to keep up with traffic due to the erratic shifting of the transmission and was nearly rear ended by another vehicle also merging into traffic. This could have caused a multi vehicle accident at highway speed of 65 MPH. The p0871 code is transmission fluid pressure sensor / switch c circuit range/performance. There have been previous recalls with this transmission for the same problem but my vin was not listed. Transmission would not shift properly until code is reset with scan tool.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I lost trailer brakes, hydraulic controller not working. traction control light is on along with my airbag and my abs light comes on at times. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE YET. DEALER STATES ORC MODULE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I believe this is an reoccurring issue.
Recurring water intrusion through firewall/wiper cowl causes electrical corrosion and loss of vehicle communication (CAN bus). Dealer repeatedly documented: • 05/19/2022: “Cowl drains clogged; water entering passenger side” (Invoice #XXX). • 08/15/2025: “Water intrusion through firewall due to wiper cowl drains being clogged with organic debris; water found in passenger kick-panel connector” (Invoice #XXX). Resulting failures include: • BCM shorted (02/16/2022 – replaced). • HVAC module failure (10/15/2022 – replaced). • Intermittent CAN bus, loss of gauges while driving (09/04/2025 – Invoice #XXX; dealer suspects internal corrosion from prior water leaks). • 10/16/2025: Dealer states “old water damage to BCM causing corrosion on circuit board and disrupting bus circuits”; BCM replaced again (Invoice #XXX). • 10/20/2025 (current): Dealer states “ORC (airbag module) dead on bus; ABS module loss-comm with ORC; replace airbag module” (Workorder #XXX). The truck has lost instrumentation and safety systems in rain, with airbag and ABS communication currently inoperative. This is a safety defect; seeking investigation and manufacturer remedy/reimbursement. Injuries/Crashes: None, near-miss due to loss of gauges. Dealer: Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
NEXEN RADIAN HTX tires supplied on new 2019 RAM 3500 DRW. 19,920 miles, Front tires while towing 5th wheel RV began to shake a various speeds. With or without RV attached. RAM dealer indicates belts in both front tires have begun to separated. RAM Service rep stated they have seen this alot with NEXEN Tires.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500 equipped with Nexen Tires. Tire line: Rodian HT, Tire Size 235/80R17, and DOT Number: unknown. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the driver's front tire blew out and he noticed a bulge on the sidewall of the tire. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. There was no further information provided. The tire failure mileage was 24,096.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have problem with rear window light water leak. This light has water leak and I have a lot of water after each rain. Many of my things were destroyed because of this. I know RAM has reacalls for this huge problem, but they denied to fix my car, because there is no this recall under my VIN. But I read a lot of comments on RAM forums and many people complaining about this issue. I also saw that some people were able to fix it under the recall but I don't have any idea who I should contact for help. I need them to fix this issue in my car also, because this is manufacture issue not because of me
Tailgate has been on recall repairs. However, it is still dropping but with less frequency.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Firstly, I have contacted Ram about the issue and they said I can't do anything about it. It's a safety feature and it absolutely is the total OPPOSITE of a safety feature! When on icy roads, with traction control off, and in four-wheel drive, if the truck starts sliding, it cuts the power to the wheels when I need power to pull out of the slide. I've been driving in icy / snowy conditions since I was 14 years old and I'm now [XXX] . Since it cut power to the wheels, the truck continued to slide off into the ditch causing major front end damage. If there had been a person walking their dog there, they would have been killed. This happened at about 15 mph and was totally preventable if I had had control of the vehicle instead of a computer! I don't even understand what the traction control button being turned off actually does because apparently it doesn't do anything. Also, I about got thrown through the windshield when the automatic brakes came on thinking I was going to rear-end some one who was not going to be there by the time I got there! Again, not a safety feature! There definitely needs to be a way to turn these systems off completely. If I remove the fuse for the traction control system it unfortunately affects other systems as well. So that is not an acceptable fix. In my opinion, people are putting far too much trust in computer systems. I do not believe there should be a computer in control of a vehicle at any time. You will never get me in a" "self-driving car!" It's complete lunacy! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the Cruise Control was unintendedly disabled and remained inoperative. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated he noticed the air of the front passenger side tire was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that there was a leak on the inside of the rim that caused the air of the tire to release. The rim was replaced. The contact stated that after several months the front driver-side tire was flat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that there was a leak on the inside of the rim as well. The rim was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that they would not cover the rims. The failure mileage was 27,000.
Traveling approximately 65 mph when tonneau cover blew off. Luckily no one was behind me so no accident occurred. Appears that wind got under a corner of the cover and put pressing on the locking handles. The rear two handles snapped off and we’re still in the bed of the truck when the cover blew off. I saw online that this has happened to other people. I’m not sure the name of the tonneau cover but it is OEM from Ram.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front driver side. The chassis weld is broken. It’s a weld that holds the coil spring bucket. I also notice bad welds on the frame.
I have concerns about the ball joints on my Ram 3500 they have been replaced 4 times under warranty. Each time the truck becomes hard to keep under control and wonders back and forth while driving. This is a known issue with Ram
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's employer owns a 2019 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable, the vehicle went off-road and crashed into a tree, swiping the passenger's side mirror, the front passenger's hubcap, and the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the workplace. There was no police report filed. The contact stated that the employee had a bruise on the right arm and a small cut on the right cheek. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,927.
I have concerns about the ball joints on my Ram 3500 they have been replaced 4 times under warranty. Each time the truck becomes hard to keep under control and wonders back and forth while driving. This is a known issue with Ram
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I lost trailer brakes, hydraulic controller not working. traction control light is on along with my airbag and my abs light comes on at times. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE YET. DEALER STATES ORC MODULE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I believe this is an reoccurring issue.
Recurring water intrusion through firewall/wiper cowl causes electrical corrosion and loss of vehicle communication (CAN bus). Dealer repeatedly documented: • 05/19/2022: “Cowl drains clogged; water entering passenger side” (Invoice #XXX). • 08/15/2025: “Water intrusion through firewall due to wiper cowl drains being clogged with organic debris; water found in passenger kick-panel connector” (Invoice #XXX). Resulting failures include: • BCM shorted (02/16/2022 – replaced). • HVAC module failure (10/15/2022 – replaced). • Intermittent CAN bus, loss of gauges while driving (09/04/2025 – Invoice #XXX; dealer suspects internal corrosion from prior water leaks). • 10/16/2025: Dealer states “old water damage to BCM causing corrosion on circuit board and disrupting bus circuits”; BCM replaced again (Invoice #XXX). • 10/20/2025 (current): Dealer states “ORC (airbag module) dead on bus; ABS module loss-comm with ORC; replace airbag module” (Workorder #XXX). The truck has lost instrumentation and safety systems in rain, with airbag and ABS communication currently inoperative. This is a safety defect; seeking investigation and manufacturer remedy/reimbursement. Injuries/Crashes: None, near-miss due to loss of gauges. Dealer: Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE SHREDDED AND DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAN CUMMINS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF GEORGETOWN (1470 CHERRY BLOSSOM WAY, GEORGETOWN, KY 40324, (502) 378-5386) THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the electronic parking brake was engaged, and the vehicle inadvertently shut off and failed to restart. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the failure was a known failure. The dealer advised the contact to disengage the electronic parking brake to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that he followed the instruction of the dealer, and the vehicle restarted; however, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a secondary lever chafed the electrical wiring underneath the dashboard and caused the vehicle to shut off when the electronic parking brake was engaged. The dealer informed the contact that the dashboard needed to be disassembled to secure the electrical wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have problem with rear window light water leak. This light has water leak and I have a lot of water after each rain. Many of my things were destroyed because of this. I know RAM has reacalls for this huge problem, but they denied to fix my car, because there is no this recall under my VIN. But I read a lot of comments on RAM forums and many people complaining about this issue. I also saw that some people were able to fix it under the recall but I don't have any idea who I should contact for help. I need them to fix this issue in my car also, because this is manufacture issue not because of me
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I lost trailer brakes, hydraulic controller not working. traction control light is on along with my airbag and my abs light comes on at times. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE YET. DEALER STATES ORC MODULE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I believe this is an reoccurring issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .