2019 Ram 1500 Classic
Common Problems
Ranked from 527 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
106 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Power Steering Failure
77complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering intermittently stops working, leading to difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Electrical System Issues
45complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences intermittent failures of the instrument cluster and other electrical systems, leading to loss of critical information.
- 3
Instrument Cluster Malfunction
21complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe instrument cluster screen goes blank or fails to display information, posing a safety risk.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Electrical System Malfunction
18complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system malfunctions, causing intermittent display failures and warning lights.
- 5
Brake System Issues
17complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system intermittently fails, causing the vehicle to lose braking ability or skid during stops.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Electrical System Failure
17complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences sudden and severe electrical failures, leading to loss of power steering, engine stall, and other critical system malfunctions.
- 7
Steering wheel sticking
17complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel occasionally gets stuck, making it difficult to return to center position.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Power steering intermittently fails
15complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering intermittently stops working, making it difficult to steer the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Transmission Malfunction
15complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission randomly shifts out of gear, causing the vehicle to lose acceleration and stall, posing a safety hazard.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
rear window leaks water causing interior damage
11complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear window leaks water during rain or car wash, soaking the headliner and seats, potentially leading to mold growth.
- 11
Electrical system issues causing dashboard lights to malfunction
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalDashboard lights and gauges malfunction, leading to poor visibility and potential misinterpretation of vehicle status.
- 12
Fuel system issues
10complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel system fails to deliver fuel properly, causing issues such as fuel spitting and reduced fuel flow.
- 13
Alternator Failure
9complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe alternator fails, leading to the vehicle shutting down while driving.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Water Intrusion Through Rear Window Seal
9complaintsMedium severityOtherWater leaks into the cabin through the rear window seal, causing damage to electronic components and creating a safety hazard.
- 15
Brake System Malfunction
8complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrakes fail to stop the vehicle properly, increasing the risk of accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Brake system malfunctions leading to unexpected braking
8complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system unexpectedly applies the brakes, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly without any external obstacles.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
rear window frame cracks allowing water ingress
8complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear window frame cracks, allowing water to leak into the cab and potentially damaging electronic systems and interior components.
- 18
Transmission fails to engage when shifting from park to drive
8complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission does not engage when shifting from park to drive, causing the vehicle to not move.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Air Bag Deployment Failure
7complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe air bags fail to deploy during collisions, posing a risk to passengers in case of an accident.
- 20
Engine Stall and Misfire
7complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or misfires, especially at low speeds or during acceleration, reducing vehicle reliability.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Exhaust manifold issues
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe exhaust manifold bolts break, causing exhaust gases to leak into the cabin and potentially leading to emissions issues and safety hazards.
- 22
Fuel System Problems
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe fuel system causes difficulty in refueling, taking a long time to fill the gas tank, and issues with the gas pump clicking.
- 23
Instrument cluster failure
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe instrument cluster stops working, leading to loss of important vehicle information.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Seat Belt Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe seat belt warning light illuminates, indicating a potential issue with the seat belt system.
- 25
Steering System Failure
7complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up or becomes difficult to turn, potentially leading to loss of control.
- 26
Steering wheel locking up
7complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up during turns, making it impossible to control the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
ABS Module Failure
6complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe anti-lock braking system (ABS) module fails, leading to the ABS light illuminating and potential loss of braking assistance.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 28
Power Steering Malfunction
6complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system intermittently fails, making it difficult to steer and posing a safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 29
Transmission issues leading to random shifting
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission randomly shifts into neutral while driving, causing the vehicle to lunge forward and requiring the driver to shift back into drive.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Vehicle Speed Control Malfunction
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle enters limp mode or full lock-down, often resulting in loss of control and potential accidents.
- 31
Airbag deployment failure
5complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbags failed to deploy during a collision, potentially increasing injury risk.
- 32
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, often accompanied by a warning light indicating low oil pressure or a malfunction in the stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 33
Engine stalling and misbehavior
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine occasionally stalls while driving or fails to start after being turned off.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 34
Fuel system hesitation
5complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel system hesitates to respond when the accelerator pedal is depressed, leading to reduced performance and potential safety risks.
- 35
Power Train Issues
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe power train experiences intermittent issues such as engine stalling, transmission problems, and exhaust system failures.
- 36
Steering Locks or Malfunctions
5complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering intermittently fails, causing the steering wheel to lock or become difficult to turn.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 37
Transmission Slipping Out of Gear
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission slips out of gear, particularly during braking and downshifting, causing the vehicle to lose power and require frequent adjustments.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Airbag system malfunctions
4complaintsHigh severityElectricalAirbags fail to deploy during collisions, posing a significant safety risk.
- 39
Battery Failure
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe battery fails, leading to the vehicle not starting or losing power.
- 40
Engine Failure
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine misfires, stalls, and fails catastrophically without warning, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 41
Engine Stall During Operation
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly stalls during operation, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 42
Engine stalling and unexpected shifting
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe engine unexpectedly stalls and shifts gears without warning, posing a safety risk.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 43
Engine stalling and unexpected shutdowns
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly stalls while driving, sometimes without warning, and the vehicle cannot be restarted immediately.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 44
Exhaust Manifold Cracks
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe exhaust manifold cracks, leading to engine performance issues and potential emissions problems.
- 45
Power steering failure or intermittent loss of assistance
4complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system intermittently fails, making it difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 46
Power Steering Issues
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringIntermittent power steering failures causing difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 47
Service Brakes Malfunctioning
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe service brakes fail to function properly, posing a risk of loss of vehicle control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 48
Service Shifter Warning Light
4complaintsLow severityElectricalThe service shifter warning light appears, indicating a potential issue with the transmission control module.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 49
Steering System Issues
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringRandom loss of power steering and difficulty steering occur, often requiring expensive repairs.
- 50
Steering Warning Light
4complaintsLow severitySteeringThe power steering warning light illuminates intermittently, indicating potential issues with the power steering system.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 51
Tailgate Malfunction
4complaintsLow severityOtherThe tailgate opens unintentionally or fails to open properly, leading to potential safety hazards.
- 52
Transmission Malfunction Causing Gear Shifting Issues
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission becomes stuck in a gear, fails to shift properly, or drops out of gear, often accompanied by a warning light.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 53
Unexplained vehicle shutdowns while driving
4complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle unexpectedly shuts off while driving, often without any warning lights, leaving the driver unable to restart the engine.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 54
Windshield replacement issues
4complaintsLow severityOtherThe windshield frequently cracks or breaks, requiring multiple replacements within a short period.
- 55
Exhaust Manifold Cracking
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe exhaust manifold repeatedly cracks, posing a risk of engine failure and potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
- 56
Exhaust Manifold Leaking into Cabin
3complaintsHigh severityOtherThe exhaust manifold leaks fumes into the cabin, posing a safety hazard due to potential carbon monoxide exposure.
- 57
Exhaust Manifold Leaks
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe exhaust manifold is leaking, potentially causing a fire hazard and reducing fuel efficiency.
- 58
Fuel System Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityOtherFuel pump and fuel delivery issues leading to difficulty refueling and engine stalling.
- 59
Power Train Issues Causing Loss of Throttle Control
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe power train issues cause loss of throttle control, leading to potential loss of vehicle control.
- 60
Power Train Malfunction
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions include unexpected shifting into park and loss of power, requiring expensive repairs.
- 61
Recall Issues
3complaintsMedium severityOtherIssues related to unaddressed recalls and delayed repairs leading to ongoing vehicle problems.
- 62
Side Mirror Malfunction
3complaintsLow severityOtherSide mirrors fail to operate correctly, causing difficulty in maintaining proper visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
- 63
Steering Lock-Up During Low-Speed Turns
3complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up or becomes unresponsive during low-speed turns, often accompanied by a warning light.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 64
Steering Rack Failure
3complaintsHigh severitySteeringSteering rack failure leading to loss of power steering and difficulty controlling the vehicle.
$900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 4–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 65
Steering Wheel Seizure
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel becomes difficult to turn and may seize, often without warning lights or messages.
- 66
Transmission Randomly Goes into Neutral
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission randomly shifts to neutral and requires the driver to shift back to drive, often leading to safety concerns.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 67
Unreliable Defrost System
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe rear defrost system fails to work properly, leaving the rear window and seats wet and affecting visibility.
- 68
Water Infiltration Issues
3complaintsMedium severityOtherWater leaks into the cab through various points, causing damage to the interior and electronic components.
- 69
Window Defects
3complaintsLow severityOtherDefective rear windows leading to unexpected shattering and water leakage.
- 70
Airbag and safety system failures
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe airbags and other safety systems fail to deploy during an accident, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- 71
Air Bag and Seat Belt Deployment Failure
2complaintsHigh severityOtherIn a collision, the air bags and seat belts failed to deploy, resulting in severe injuries and potential fatalities.
- 72
Airbag and seatbelt non-deployment in collision
2complaintsHigh severityOtherIn a collision, neither the airbags nor seatbelts deploy, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.
- 73
Airbag system malfunction
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe airbag system fails to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
- 74
Alternator Failure Leading to Vehicle Shutdown
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe alternator fails, causing the vehicle to shut down and become stranded, posing a safety hazard.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 75
backup camera display issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe backup camera display malfunctions, showing black screens or not working in reverse, reducing visibility and safety during parking maneuvers.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 76
Battery charging issues
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe motor generator unit stops charging the battery, leading to sudden loss of power and potential breakdowns.
- 77
Brakes Fail to Function Properly
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes fail to function properly, causing the vehicle to move unexpectedly even when the brake pedal is pressed firmly.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 78
Brakes locking up during backing up
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes lock up intermittently during backing up, posing a safety risk and nearly resulting in rear-end collisions.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 79
Brake squealing and performance issues
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrakes squeal and fail to perform properly, especially when slowing down from higher speeds.
$250–$700est. brake pads + rotors (per axle) · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 80
brake system issues leading to unexpected acceleration
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe brake system occasionally causes the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly, posing a significant safety risk to the driver and other road users.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 81
Check Engine Light Illumination Due to Active Air Dam Failure
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates due to a failure in the active air dam system, requiring replacement of the air dam.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 82
Defective Tire Pressure Monitoring System
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe tire pressure monitoring system frequently alerts about low tire pressure, indicating possible tire issues.
- 83
Defroster fogging up windshield
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe defroster causes fogging on the windshield, reducing visibility, especially in cold mornings and during driving.
- 84
Electrical System Interference with Dashboard Components
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical issues cause components such as the center stack and airbag system to malfunction.
- 85
Electrical system issues causing loss of cruise control
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalCruise control intermittently fails, disrupting long-distance driving comfort and safety.
- 86
Engine Oil Leak Causing Serious Issues
2complaintsHigh severityEngineAn engine oil leak leads to serious issues such as coolant level dropping and engine stalling, requiring immediate attention.
$200–$1,600est. oil-leak repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 87
Engine Stalling and Random Shutdown
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls and forces the transmission into Park while driving, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 88
Exhaust Manifold Leak
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe exhaust manifold develops a leak, potentially leading to engine overheating and emissions issues.
- 89
Forward Collision Warning System Fails
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe forward collision warning system fails to activate, leading to potential accidents.
- 90
Fuel Tank Valve Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe roller valve on the gas tank becomes stuck, preventing proper refueling and posing a safety hazard.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 91
instruments cluster fails to display information
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe instrument cluster fails to display important information such as oil pressure, tire pressure, and cooling temperature, affecting driver awareness.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 92
Intermittent Defrost Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe defrost system intermittently malfunctions, leaving one side of the windshield clear while the other remains fogged.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 93
Power Loss and Steering Malfunction
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe vehicle loses power and the steering becomes unresponsive, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 94
Service Brake Malfunction Causing Vehicle to Stall
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe service brake system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to stall and potentially leading to a loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 95
Steering Failure at Low Speeds
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering fails at low speeds, requiring excessive force to steer the vehicle.
- 96
Steering Lock-up
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system locks up when starting the vehicle, requiring the driver to wait for the warning light to disappear before being able to drive.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 97
Steering wheel lock-up during left turns
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up at around 11 o'clock position during left-hand turns, requiring forceful realignment.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 98
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Malfunction
2complaintsLow severitySteeringThe steering wheel position sensor malfunctions, affecting the vehicle's ability to accurately detect the steering angle.
- 99
Steering wheel sticking at highway speeds
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel sticks at highway speeds, particularly when turning left or right, requiring constant management to maintain control.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 100
Steering Wheel Sticks During Left Turns
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel sticks during left turns and requires manual intervention to return to center position.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 101
Stop/start system malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe stop/start system malfunctions, causing random engine misfires and rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 102
Sun visor detachment
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe sun visor detaches from its mounting post, obstructing the driver's view and potentially causing accidents.
- 103
Suspension Damage
2complaintsLow severitySuspensionSuspension damage leading to uneven ride quality and potential safety issues.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 104
Suspension issues causing instability
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension becomes unstable, especially at higher speeds, leading to an unsafe driving experience.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 105
Transmission Engages Abruptly at High RPMs
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission engages abruptly at high RPMs when shifting from park to drive, causing the vehicle to lunge forward.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 106
Wiper Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe wipers malfunction, either stopping suddenly or not working properly during rain or snow.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.