Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$691
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
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
2019 Ford F-150
Score: 65/100
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 64/100
2019 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 60/100
2019 Toyota Tundra
Score: 70/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 21.1
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
Ram 1500 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
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.
STEERING
313 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
246 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
175 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (141 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
141 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE (92 complaints)
ENGINE
92 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (67 complaints)
AIR BAGS
67 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (63 complaints)
STRUCTURE
63 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (59 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (41 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
41 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (23 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
23 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2019 Ram 1500 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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.
2019(this page)
29 recalls · 1364 complaints
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
Ram 1500 Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 2 | 18 |
| 2025 | 73/100 | -4 | Good | 5 | 186 |
| 2024 | 77/100 | +5 | Good | 4 | 57 |
| 2023 | 72/100 | +8 | Good | 10 | 145 |
| 2022 | 64/100 | +1 | Good | 15 | 506 |
| 2021 | 63/100 | -2 | Good | 14 | 611 |
| 2020 | 65/100 | +7 | Good | 13 | 559 |
| 2019(selected) | 58/100 | -6 | Mixed | 29 | 1364 |
| 2018 | 64/100 | — | Good | 15 | 605 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Ram 1500 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ram 1500?
How many recalls does the 2019 Ram 1500 have?
Is the 2019 Ram 1500 expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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