2019 RAM 3500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 134 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 14 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2019 RAM 3500 receives a 4.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 134 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 14 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports with a median failure point at 44,000 miles (IQR: 40,000 – 73,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $650 – $1,250 .
22.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
14 Active / Free Remedies
2019 3500 Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“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 INS...”
“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 to...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted.”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“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. ther...”
“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 re...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failur...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“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 throug...”
“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 ...”
“Radio some time turns off by it's self. Transmission has locked up in park after driving and put in park ,and will not go into any other gear, unless truck is turned off. After turning truck back on it will engage into preferred gear. It has done this for few time since February.”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“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. ther...”
“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 w...”
“sometimes when I first start the truck and drive off, I find out that I have no throttle response at all. No smoke or abnormal noises, just a dead pedal. Then after I stop the truck and take off again it works perfectly normal. I've heard of others having this problem but have...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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 throug...”
“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 c...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“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.”
“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 hubca...”
“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”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“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 re...”
“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 throug...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (14)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The fuel lines may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
STRUCTURE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 Cab Chassis trucks. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with an incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 RAM 3500
Before purchasing a used 2019 RAM 3500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 14 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 RAM 3500
Is the 2019 RAM 3500 a reliable used car?
The 2019 RAM 3500 earns a 4.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 134 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 RAM 3500?
The leading complaint category is Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 44,000 miles (IQR: 40,000 – 73,500 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 RAM 3500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 14 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.