Last updated: 2026-03-04

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed
2019 Ram 1500

2019 Ram 1500 Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Ram 1500 scores 58/100 ("Mixed"). With 29 recalls and 1364 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

29

Complaints

1364

Complaint Rate

25.9

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$691

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
51/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
39/100 (Risky)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
74/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

STEERING (313)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (246)POWER TRAIN (175)

29 recalls on record

Should You Buy the 2019 Ram 1500?

The 2019 Ram 1500 scores 58/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution.

With 1364 owner complaints and 29 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in steering (313) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on steering (313) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2020 Ram 1500, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2018 Ram 1500 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • $245 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (13%)

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • STEERING issues reported (313 complaints)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: ETorque alternator and instrument cluster (246 complaints)

Compare 2019 Ram 1500 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 29 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • STEERING (313)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (246)
  • POWER TRAIN (175)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (141)
  • ENGINE (92)
  • AIR BAGS (67)
  • STRUCTURE (63)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (59)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (41)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (35)
  • SUSPENSION (23)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (23)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (17)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (16)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (11)
  • VISIBILITY (10)
  • SEAT BELTS (6)
  • SEATS (5)
  • TIRES (5)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (2)
  • WHEELS (2)
  • PARKING BRAKE (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

29

recalls on record

The 2019 Ram 1500 has 29 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

25.9

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 21.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

69

Fires

10

Injuries

55

Deaths

1

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Ram 1500 Recall Details

29 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ram 1500. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V8240002025-12-01

AIR BAGS

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are C2C, C7C, and C8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

19V3240002019-04-25

POWER TRAIN

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.

Consequence

A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.

25V2980002025-05-08

AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

Showing 10 of 29 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

2019 Ram 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 19.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvic (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ram 1500 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$691

vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

1500
$691
Category Avg
$936
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Ram 1500

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test alternator and check for backorder issues
  • Inspect instrument cluster for intermittent blackouts
  • Check for exhaust manifold leaks and engine stalling
  • Verify fuel tank refueling process for premature shutoff
  • Test power steering for intermittent loss of assist
  • Check for dashboard bubbling and adhesive failure
  • Inspect rear window for leaks and interior water damage

Check Any 2019 Ram 1500's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 1500 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ram 1500 with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Ram 1500 Common Problems by Component

1364 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

313
246
175
141
208
STEERING (313)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (246)POWER TRAIN (175)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (141)ENGINE (92)AIR BAGS (67)STRUCTURE (63)SERVICE BRAKES (59)Other (208)

STEERING

313 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the electric power steering system, particularly intermittent loss of power steering assist while driving. Typical symptoms include sudden steering failure, accompanied by dashboard warning lights indicating power steering service requirements. Many complaints involve this issue occurring without prior warning, and some mention corrosion or electrical shorts as contributing factors. Several reports highlight safety concerns, with at least ten incidents involving crashes, often at varying speeds, indicating potential loss of vehicle control. These problems appear across a range of mileages, with some vehicles experiencing issues as early as 60,000 miles, and are sometimes linked to unresolved recall-related defects.

313 complaints total10 crashes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

246 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2019 Ram 1500, particularly involving the eTorque alternator and instrument cluster. The eTorque alternator is often on backorder, leading to extended vehicle downtime, and its failure can result in a complete loss of power while driving, which some owners note has led to crashes. Instrument cluster failures manifest as intermittent blackouts, causing drivers to lose access to vital information like speed and fuel levels. Complaints also highlight water infiltration affecting electrical components, sometimes resulting in corrosion and fire hazards. These issues typically arise around 28,000 to 62,000 miles, with some owners experiencing them earlier or later.

246 complaints total6 crashes2 fires3 injuries

POWER TRAIN

175 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2019 Ram 1500 experiences frequent powertrain issues, primarily involving unexpected shifting between gears. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shifting into neutral or park without driver input, often accompanied by warning messages instructing to "Shift to P then Desired Gear." These issues tend to arise at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles and others reported beyond 100,000 miles. Multiple owners describe these malfunctions occurring during driving, leading to sudden loss of propulsion, which poses safety risks, especially in traffic. Additionally, some reports highlight prolonged part shortages and unresolved repairs, contributing to extended vehicle downtime.

175 complaints total1 crash1 fire1 injury
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (141 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

141 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with rear window leaks, dashboard bubbling, and malfunctioning power folding mirrors. Symptoms include water damage from leaking windows, adhesive failure causing dashboard bubbling, and mirrors becoming loose due to stripped gears. Complaints often involve these problems occurring in colder weather or after a few years of ownership. Safety implications are significant, with some reports involving crashes and fires, and issues such as unintended shifts to neutral or sudden acceleration. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for safety risks associated with the vehicle.

141 complaints total4 crashes3 fires7 injuries
ENGINE (92 complaints)

ENGINE

92 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Ram 1500's engine, particularly involving exhaust manifold leaks and failures of the camshaft and lifters. Common symptoms include exhaust odors entering the cabin, engine stalling, and check engine lights illuminating. These issues often appear around 50,000 to 70,000 miles, with some owners experiencing engine failure or stalling while driving. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, fires, and loss of vehicle control due to engine shutdowns. Buyers should be aware of potential costly repairs and parts shortages, as well as the possibility of encountering these problems in vehicles with similar mileage.

92 complaints total1 crash2 fires1 injury
AIR BAGS (67 complaints)

AIR BAGS

67 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with 36 incidents involving crashes and 32 injuries noted. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy in frontal and side impacts, even at significant speeds, sometimes accompanied by seatbelt malfunctions. Additionally, some owners mention spontaneous airbag deployments without a collision, as well as persistent airbag warning lights linked to sensor or seatbelt circuit faults. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some owners noting problems shortly after purchase. Potential buyers should be aware of these safety-related complaints, particularly the risk of airbag non-deployment in a crash.

67 complaints total36 crashes32 injuries
STRUCTURE (63 complaints)

STRUCTURE

63 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent water leakage issues in the 2019 Ram 1500, particularly through cracks in the rear sliding window and back glass frame, leading to interior water damage and potential mold growth. Complaints often describe moisture accumulation, condensation, and water pooling inside the cabin, especially after rain or snow. These issues commonly appear at mileages between 36,000 and 122,000. Additionally, some owners mention sun visors detaching and obstructing the driver's view, and door hinges detaching, which in one case resulted in an injury. These structural problems may present safety hazards, such as obstructed vision or compromised door functionality, which could be concerning for potential buyers.

63 complaints total1 crash1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (59 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

59 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the ABS control module and electronic stability control (ESC), often leading to illuminated warning lights and, in some cases, malfunctioning brakes. Many complaints describe the ABS and traction control lights activating, with some owners experiencing brake failure or unexpected vehicle acceleration. These issues are commonly reported around 70,000 to 113,200 miles. Safety implications are significant, with several reports involving crashes and one injury, particularly when brakes fail to engage or vehicles accelerate unexpectedly. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring brake-related issues and their impact on vehicle safety.

59 complaints total8 crashes1 fire1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (41 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

41 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly related to the roller valve or roll-over valve in the gas tank. Common symptoms include difficulty refueling due to the gas pump shutting off prematurely and fuel spilling out of the filler neck, often requiring extended time to fill the tank. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, starting as early as 23,400 miles and continuing beyond 75,000 miles. Complaints also mention problems with the fuel pump, leading to stalling and propulsion loss. Safety implications are evident, with reports of fuel spilling during refueling and potential fire hazards, as well as two injuries linked to these issues. Used car buyers should be aware of potential costly repairs, such as gas tank replacements, which are frequently mentioned as necessary solutions.

41 complaints total2 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (23 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

23 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2019 Ram 1500. A common problem involves the accelerator pedal getting stuck, sometimes due to interference with the floor mat, leading to unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention cruise control malfunctions, such as the system deactivating unexpectedly or failing to engage. Some owners experience sudden acceleration or deceleration, often accompanied by warning lights for throttle failure, typically occurring at mileages ranging from 4,500 to over 50,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash resulting in an injury, highlighting potential risks of loss of control. These issues provide important context for potential buyers evaluating the reliability and safety of this vehicle model.

23 complaints total1 crash1 injury

When Do 2019 Ram 1500 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

28,000–62,000 milesElectrical system failures
50,000–70,000 milesEngine failures
23,000–75,000 milesFuel system issues

Best & Worst Ram 1500 Years

Best Ram 1500 Years to Buy

The best Ram 1500 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100).

Ram 1500 Years to Avoid

The worst Ram 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to steering (313) issues.

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019(this page)

29 recalls · 1364 complaints

See full Ram 1500 years-to-avoid analysis →

Ram 1500 Reliability Score Trend

Ram 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.

avg 67
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ram 1500 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201864/100Good
201958/100Mixed
202065/100Good
202163/100Good
202264/100Good
202372/100Good
202477/100Good
202573/100Good

Ram 1500 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202674/100 (predicted)Predicted218
202573/100-4Good5186
202477/100+5Good457
202372/100+8Good10145
202264/100+1Good15506
202163/100-2Good14611
202065/100+7Good13559
2019(selected)58/100-6Mixed291364
201864/100Good15605

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Ram 1500 reliable?
The 2019 Ram 1500 has a "Mixed" reliability rating (58/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 29 recalls and 1364 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ram 1500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Ram 1500 include: STEERING (313 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (246 complaints), POWER TRAIN (175 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (141 complaints), ENGINE (92 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ram 1500 have?
The 2019 Ram 1500 has 29 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Ram 1500 expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Ram 1500 has estimated annual repair costs of $691/year, which is $245 less than the fullsize trucks average of $936. Its reliability score of 58/100 and 1364 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue