Ram 1500 Complaints (2019)

1,496 consumer complaints on file.

#11663000May 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The MGU has failed. The truck is undriveable. It was diagnosed by Ram dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662946May 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Truck was stopped. Then as I started pressing on the gas pedal, there was a warning sound. The gear selector knob rotated on its own from D to P and the message on the screen said to start / stop the vehicle to put it back in gear D. This put myself and my family at risk of a car accident as we were merging onto an expressway. This happened while the truck was starting to accelerate. This is the second time this happens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662953May 24, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2019 RAM 1500 Big Horn/Longhorn 3.6L V6 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure without warning while driving. The vehicle shut off unexpectedly on the highway and would not restart. There were no prior dashboard warning lights, low oil pressure indicators, or error messages before the incident. A full diagnostic revealed severe mechanical failure in cylinder 1, including piston-to-valve contact and 40% leak-down with compression at 50 psi. This damage rendered the engine inoperable and required a complete replacement. Prior to the failure: The vehicle was regularly maintained using synthetic oil, following the manufacturer's recommended intervals (between 6,500–10,000 miles). The oil life indicator was followed, and the truck was never low on oil or pressure. A Customer Satisfaction Notification for PCM (Powertrain Control Module) reprogramming was never completed due to the dealer’s system being down on two separate service visits. Despite following proper maintenance and attempting to comply with the manufacturer’s recall-like notice, the engine failure occurred without any warning or indication. The dealership and warranty provider have attempted to deny responsibility, blaming maintenance intervals without proof that it caused the failure. This is a serious safety concern as the engine shut down at highway speed, placing me and others at risk. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this issue and whether PCM logic, a known defect, or improper diagnostics at the dealership contributed to the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662767May 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The issue involved the truck’s parking and collision avoidance systems, which suddenly shut off. A warning message appeared on the dashboard stating "Service Shifter." This issue may be related to the electronic shifter module or associated control systems. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -The sudden deactivation of both the parking and collision systems while the vehicle was in motion created a serious safety hazard. Without collision avoidance functionality and the ability to securely park the vehicle, there was increased risk of unintentional vehicle movement or inability to avoid obstacles, which could have led to a crash or injury. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Yes, the truck was taken to an authorized dealer for assessment, and the issue was confirmed. Diagnostic tests found trouble codes starting with "U", which typically indicate a communication or control module fault within the vehicle’s network. The codes provided from the dealer are U0159, U0140, U0100, U0137, U0102, U10121, and U0101. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership. There is no indication that police or insurance representatives have inspected it at this time, but the incident and diagnostics are recorded in the dealer’s service records. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -Yes, a warning message "Service Shifter" appeared on the dashboard. This message coincided with the shutdown of the parking and collision systems. These symptoms appeared suddenly and without prior warning during regular vehicle operation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662049May 20, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Detachment of the magnetic strip from the reluctor wheel/tone wheel, CKP sensor, or both. Information obtained with the scanner
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662086May 20, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driving 60mph in 8th gear while raining, 40 deg F, in Minnesota. The truck shut off (I did not press the Start/Stop button) and dash said "Vehicle Not in Park." Went to pull over, put on turn signals, but they didn't work (it acted like the vehicle was completely shut off but was still rolling at 50+ mph in 8th gear - there was no indication on the dash that showed green light indicating turn signal was working). I suspect brake lights also did not work at this time, but cannot confirm because I couldn't see them. I pulled over to shoulder, slowed to a stop, and put vehicle into Park manually. Pressed Stop/Start button and vehicle started. No codes were thrown. Drove another 2-3 miles and similar issue happened again. Display flashed on and off (then completely turned off) when coming to a stop this time. Vehicle stayed running but again said "Vehicle Not in Park" on dash. No other indication on dash (no warning lights). Drove vehicle back to dealership to get inspected. Similar issue occurred 4 more times on the 12 mile drive to dealership. When I got the vehicle into the service shop, I put it into Park, then pressed the Start/Stop button, but the truck would not shut off. I left the vehicle with the dealer and they are currently diagnosing the issue. 105,000 miles on vehicle. First time this issue has ever occurred on the Ram since I bought it used with 67,000 miles on it. Scared the heck out of me - I had cars swerve around me as I pulled off to the shoulder without any indication - no brake lights (I assume), no turn signals. Very scary. I am worried about driving my family (wife and 2 young children) in this vehicle. What has scared me even more is I looked up this issue online and I have found 100s of examples in the forums of similar (or exactly the same) issue happening to them! I have had all recalls completed on my truck and keep meticulous care of it. I am an engineer and understand technical details well - this electrical issue scares me. Not safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661193May 15, 2025
STEERING
Power Steering Failed at startup of vehicle and starts and stops working randomly while driving. It does tell you to service the power steering system when it is not working. I have not had it inspected by a dealer yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661351May 15, 2025
STEERING
as of 3/25/2025, Started having sudden intermittent power steering loss along with, 'service power steering' code. I haven't been able to use the truck due to being unsafe. I am on call all month and will have to tow it to dealership afterwards. I see that there was a recall way back in 2019. It's nice that you want to know if a dealership can confirm the problem. So far, when I tack this trjck or my last truck in they can't seem to figure it out until the warranty expires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660783May 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I took my truck into my mechanic for a loud whining noise coming from my engine bay. I was told my alternator is going out. I have a 2019 ram 1500 5.7L v8 with the e-torque system. Part number 68438054AB or 68623194AB. This part you can literally buy from no one. Not a dodge dealership, mopar or any other website. There is about 1 listing I saw for a used one which was $1000 over what a new one would cost. If this part goes out I’m fully unable to use my truck which has 56,000 miles and is my only means of transportation. I have absolutely no chance of buying this part from anyone or anywhere at this current time. I can barely afford to buy the part even if it was available and I surely can’t afford to pay for a rental car or another car in the time it would take for this part to become available (if it does). From reading online and hearing what the Dodge dealership told me there is about 4,000+ people waiting for this same part. I still am paying a loan for this truck and I am at a loss on what to do. Insurance won’t do anything, dealership won’t do anything, and my bank won’t do anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659657May 8, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
I am filing a formal complaint regarding a critical safety defect in my 2019 Ram eTorque, which posed a severe risk to my pregnant wife while she was driving. The vehicle’s battery unexpectedly failed, resulting in a complete loss of power steering and all safety functions, creating a hazardous situation in the middle of the roadway that could have led to a serious accident. This defect is not isolated. My truck has been at the repair shop for over two months, as the necessary replacement part is on backorder due to over 3,000 reported vehicles affected by the same issue. The widespread nature of this defect and the unavailability of parts amplify the risk of injury or fatality to drivers and passengers. I urge the Safety Advisory Board to investigate this defect urgently, focusing on the significant safety implications and the high number of affected vehicles. Immediate action is needed to prevent potential harm.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659509May 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the leather on the dashboard near the windshield had bubbled up and risen due to the heat. Due to the failure, the contact's vision was obstructed while driving at various speeds. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The contact was provided an estimate for a new dashboard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact was referred to the NTHSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658959May 5, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel locked up. The message " Service Power Steering " was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 71,320.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659046May 5, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear window is leaking, above the sliding glass portion and allowing water inside the cab and onto the seats that can cause mold.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658755May 4, 2025
ENGINE
Smelling antifreeze coolant inside the cab while driving. Fumes are not safe to breathe and vehicle could overheat and cause engine failure stranding driver and passengers. Appears to be common based on Internet research.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658757May 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear window frame cracked in two places and checked with dealer and no recall for my VIN. Common issue with other trucks that did have a recall. Not sure why my vehicle does not have a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658642May 3, 2025
ENGINE
Bad Cam Shaft and lifters on 2019 Ram 1500 3.7 liter 6 Cyl. Have been told it is a timing issue. Check engine light is on. Have been told by dealer not to drive long distances and that the engine could shut off while operating the vehicle. Parts are back ordered through dealer. Have waited at least 1 month but no parts are available. Understand this to be a common issue with this specific vehicle and engine. It's an expensive repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658703May 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle will require that you shift it into park when slowing causing you to have to stop the vehicle place it in park then back into gear. This has happened regularly since about 20,000 miles on the vehicle, most often occurs in warmer weather months and it randomly occurs but at least weekly. This is a known issue among many Ram owners as noted in the online chats and forums. Pulling into traffic can be an issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658129May 1, 2025
ENGINE
The MGU has failed just outside of the 80,000mile warranty. Looking online the MGU failing seems to be a big issue and the manufacturer doesn’t have parts stocked so it takes a month to get a new part. The cause is manufacturers defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658191May 1, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, with a message that the "Fuel/Air Ration Imbalance" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the rocker arm bearings and lifters needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windshield wipers activated independently, the power steering assist had failed, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with the "Service Transmission, Continue to Drive, “Do not Shift or Turn off Engine,” and "No Buss" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact initially inspected the vehicle and determined that the battery, relays, and fuses were all satisfactory. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had either a faulty ground wire or a computer. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657555April 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The star connector on the CAN C BUS will start to have communication problems with the all the systems on that star connector approximately after about 15 to 20 min after driving. Systems that were constantly going in and out were the front and rear parking sense, ABS and traction would go out. Service shifter message, caused the transmission to up shift while driving at a constant speed. After getting a check engine light, I hooked up my code reader and had a code for the park sense control module. I proceeded to replace that module and was unable to get the code to go away. Upon further investigation, I found a history code for the CAN C BUS PERFORMANCE code and researched on this topic in the forums with other owners of the same truck and looked for any maintenance for this topic as well. These owners would have the same problem that my truck was having and the dealerships were unable to pin point the malfunction of all these systems. I did find video of an owner that had the same problem as my truck and he was able to pin point the problem down to the star connectors. The star connector would slowly over time while the vehicle was on would slowly take on more power then it was supposed to and overload the star connector. Upon learning about the star connectors, I learned how to replace them and after I replaced the star connectors for the exterior and interior components of the vehicle, everything went back to normal. I do still have the star connectors that were taken out incase I wanted to get them tested for the same issue the other guy found out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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