NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2019 RAM 2500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 190 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 12 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH19 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2019 RAM 2500 receives a 4.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 190 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 12 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 6,200 miles (IQR: 6,00013,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .

2019 RAM 2500Near-Luxury2019
DLC Port: Driver footwell below steering column near parking brake

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
4.8 / 10

15.8 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
190

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
12

12 Active / Free Remedies

Switch 2500 Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity81% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

53
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):6,200 milesIQR: 6,00013,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756887 • Filed: 08/14/2026

Premature lifter and cam failures on the 6.7 engines. Yes it can be inspected. Yes it was heard and confirmed by multiple dealers and sources. It can be an issue if the engine locks up when driving

ODI #11738689 • Filed: 05/19/2026

My 2019 Ram 2500 with push‑button start became completely immobilized due to failure of the RF Hub Module. The truck has full electrical power but will not crank, will not click, and will not shift out of Park. The Check Engine Light blinks several times and stays on, and the ...

ODI #11736606 • Filed: 05/08/2026

The truck acts like it running out of fuel when entering the hiway. One time it just died and restarted. Then several days later when pulling out onto the hiway the same thing happens. Last time was May 6. Acts like it’s running out of fuel. Keep pumping the petal and it takes...

#2 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONCritical Severity75% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

50
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):17,000 milesIQR: 11,50019,568 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11712421 • Filed: 01/21/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was blue and white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact saw a cloud of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact w...

ODI #11664222 • Filed: 06/01/2025

Following completion of the Y78 (high-pressure fuel pump) and XQ1 (emissions) recall repairs in April 2024, our 2019 Ram 2500 immediately began experiencing misfires, fuel system issues, and ongoing performance problems. These symptoms have persisted for over a year and have n...

ODI #11637312 • Filed: 01/21/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded...

#3 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity82% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

38
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):13,500 milesIQR: 5,00017,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756887 • Filed: 08/14/2026

Premature lifter and cam failures on the 6.7 engines. Yes it can be inspected. Yes it was heard and confirmed by multiple dealers and sources. It can be an issue if the engine locks up when driving

ODI #11738689 • Filed: 05/19/2026

My 2019 Ram 2500 with push‑button start became completely immobilized due to failure of the RF Hub Module. The truck has full electrical power but will not crank, will not click, and will not shift out of Park. The Check Engine Light blinks several times and stays on, and the ...

ODI #11735675 • Filed: 05/04/2026

The transmission failed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had an undiagnosed fluid leak believed to be coming from transmission-related hoses/lines. These hoses were replaced; however, the issue persisted and ultimately resulted in transmission failure. The failure occurred w...

#4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity86% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

33
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):71,500 milesIQR: 54,75088,250 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11738689 • Filed: 05/19/2026

My 2019 Ram 2500 with push‑button start became completely immobilized due to failure of the RF Hub Module. The truck has full electrical power but will not crank, will not click, and will not shift out of Park. The Check Engine Light blinks several times and stays on, and the ...

ODI #11737616 • Filed: 05/13/2026Odometer: 38,000 mi

I was driving at night when my wipers activated at full speed on there own causing my trucks horn and blinkers to stop working. I was with my wife and 2 children when this occurred causing my wife and I to feel very uncomfortable. Driving with this issue for an extended period...

ODI #11734321 • Filed: 04/28/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact assumed that the odor was coming from the AC and turned off the AC. No warning light was illuminated. The contact...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity75% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

22
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):82,500 milesIQR: 60,250104,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11737616 • Filed: 05/13/2026Odometer: 38,000 mi

I was driving at night when my wipers activated at full speed on there own causing my trucks horn and blinkers to stop working. I was with my wife and 2 children when this occurred causing my wife and I to feel very uncomfortable. Driving with this issue for an extended period...

ODI #11730141 • Filed: 04/09/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500 equipped with Lexani Tires, Tire Line: Terrain Beast AT, Tire Size: LT285/60/R20, DOT Number: 1TBF2FA5C1624. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the contact's girlfriend driving behind the contact, the contact’s g...

ODI #11700211 • Filed: 11/18/2025

My rear back window is leaking into the cab. Water comes in around the rear headliner and down onto the seats. This is a known issue on 2019+ Ram trucks with the same backlite design — cracked upper frame and failed seal causing water intrusion.

#6 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity83% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

20
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):28,568 milesIQR: 25,35131,784 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11732630 • Filed: 04/21/2026

dash board displays trailer not connected when it is then lights and brakes goes out and will not come back on. this happens every time I haul. I have to pull over on the side and disconnect and reconnect tailer and shut off the engine and restart to reset. sometimes this work...

ODI #11731093 • Filed: 04/14/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a trailer, the trailer brake light was continuously flickering and shut off, and the warning message trailer not connected was erroneously displayed. The vehicle was tur...

ODI #11670199 • Filed: 06/30/2025

Brake pedal became very soft and spongy and excessive travel. Need to pump brake pedal to restore pressure. No warning lamps. Dealer technician verified “low pedal”

#7 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity71% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

14
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11720773 • Filed: 02/26/2026

I was in an accident and my airbags did not deploy. I have a head injury. No Not yet No

ODI #11697052 • Filed: 11/02/2025

We took a trip from Daleville, Alabama to Las Vegas, Nevada. Before we left, We took my 2019 RAM 2500 Bighorn diesel pickup to our local Ram dealership, Mitchel Chrysler Dodge in Enterprise, Alabama to have it inspected, to make sure there wouldn't be any problems along the wa...

ODI #11684523 • Filed: 09/02/2025

Parked vehicle for a week in driveway. Sometime during that week side curtain airbag inflator unit exploded causing significant damage to the roof and interior of the truck. Vehicle was powered off and was not involved in a collision when this incident occurred. Vehicle was no...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (12)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #22V035000Reported: 27/01/2022

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.

Safety Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.
NHTSA Campaign #20V580000Reported: 24/09/2020

SEAT BELTS

Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

Safety Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
NHTSA Campaign #20V191000Reported: 10/09/2020

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."

Safety Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
NHTSA Campaign #20V043000Reported: 24/01/2020

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.

Safety Consequence: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.
NHTSA Campaign #19V498000Reported: 27/06/2019

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.

Safety Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel lines, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V76.
NHTSA Campaign #21V880000Reported: 12/11/2021

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.

Safety Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.
NHTSA Campaign #20V207000Reported: 09/04/2020

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.

Safety Consequence: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.
NHTSA Campaign #19V635000Reported: 29/08/2019

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.

Safety Consequence: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses and bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V98.
NHTSA Campaign #22V140000Reported: 10/03/2022

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."

Safety Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
NHTSA Campaign #22V904000Reported: 08/12/2022

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.

Safety Consequence: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
NHTSA Campaign #25V010000Reported: 16/01/2025

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.

Safety Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
NHTSA Campaign #25V824000Reported: 01/12/2025

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.

Safety Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Manufacturer 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 RAM 2500

Before purchasing a used 2019 RAM 2500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

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.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 12 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 RAM 2500

Is the 2019 RAM 2500 a reliable used car?

The 2019 RAM 2500 earns a 4.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 190 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 2500?

The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 6,200 miles (IQR: 6,00013,500 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 RAM 2500?

Yes, the NHTSA records 12 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.