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2019 Ram 1500 Classic
Common Problems

Ranked from 527 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

5
Safety
36
High severity
49
Medium
16
Low
5 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

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.

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  1. 1

    Power Steering Failure

    77complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering intermittently stops working, leading to difficulty in controlling the vehicle.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Electrical System Issues

    45complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The vehicle experiences intermittent failures of the instrument cluster and other electrical systems, leading to loss of critical information.

  3. 3

    Instrument Cluster Malfunction

    21complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The instrument cluster screen goes blank or fails to display information, posing a safety risk.

    $300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 13 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Electrical System Malfunction

    18complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The electrical system malfunctions, causing intermittent display failures and warning lights.

  5. 5

    Brake System Issues

    17complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brake system intermittently fails, causing the vehicle to lose braking ability or skid during stops.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Electrical System Failure

    17complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The vehicle experiences sudden and severe electrical failures, leading to loss of power steering, engine stall, and other critical system malfunctions.

  7. 7

    Steering wheel sticking

    17complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering wheel occasionally gets stuck, making it difficult to return to center position.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  8. 8

    Power steering intermittently fails

    15complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering intermittently stops working, making it difficult to steer the vehicle.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Transmission Malfunction

    15complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission randomly shifts out of gear, causing the vehicle to lose acceleration and stall, posing a safety hazard.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  10. 10

    rear window leaks water causing interior damage

    11complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The rear window leaks water during rain or car wash, soaking the headliner and seats, potentially leading to mold growth.

  11. 11

    Electrical system issues causing dashboard lights to malfunction

    10complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Dashboard lights and gauges malfunction, leading to poor visibility and potential misinterpretation of vehicle status.

  12. 12

    Fuel system issues

    10complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The fuel system fails to deliver fuel properly, causing issues such as fuel spitting and reduced fuel flow.

  13. 13

    Alternator Failure

    9complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The alternator fails, leading to the vehicle shutting down while driving.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.54 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  14. 14

    Water Intrusion Through Rear Window Seal

    9complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Water leaks into the cabin through the rear window seal, causing damage to electronic components and creating a safety hazard.

  15. 15

    Brake System Malfunction

    8complaints
    Medium severityBrakes

    Brakes fail to stop the vehicle properly, increasing the risk of accidents.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  16. 16

    Brake system malfunctions leading to unexpected braking

    8complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brake system unexpectedly applies the brakes, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly without any external obstacles.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  17. 17

    rear window frame cracks allowing water ingress

    8complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The rear window frame cracks, allowing water to leak into the cab and potentially damaging electronic systems and interior components.

  18. 18

    Transmission fails to engage when shifting from park to drive

    8complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission does not engage when shifting from park to drive, causing the vehicle to not move.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  19. 19

    Air Bag Deployment Failure

    7complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The air bags fail to deploy during collisions, posing a risk to passengers in case of an accident.

  20. 20

    Engine Stall and Misfire

    7complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine stalls or misfires, especially at low speeds or during acceleration, reducing vehicle reliability.

    $200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  21. 21

    Exhaust manifold issues

    7complaints
    High severityEngine

    The exhaust manifold bolts break, causing exhaust gases to leak into the cabin and potentially leading to emissions issues and safety hazards.

  22. 22

    Fuel System Problems

    7complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The fuel system causes difficulty in refueling, taking a long time to fill the gas tank, and issues with the gas pump clicking.

  23. 23

    Instrument cluster failure

    7complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The instrument cluster stops working, leading to loss of important vehicle information.

    $300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 13 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  24. 24

    Seat Belt Malfunction

    7complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The seat belt warning light illuminates, indicating a potential issue with the seat belt system.

  25. 25

    Steering System Failure

    7complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering wheel locks up or becomes difficult to turn, potentially leading to loss of control.

  26. 26

    Steering wheel locking up

    7complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering wheel locks up during turns, making it impossible to control the vehicle.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  27. 27

    ABS Module Failure

    6complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The 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 · 25 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  28. 28

    Power Steering Malfunction

    6complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering system intermittently fails, making it difficult to steer and posing a safety risk.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  29. 29

    Transmission issues leading to random shifting

    6complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The 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 · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  30. 30

    Vehicle Speed Control Malfunction

    6complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The vehicle enters limp mode or full lock-down, often resulting in loss of control and potential accidents.

  31. 31

    Airbag deployment failure

    5complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The airbags failed to deploy during a collision, potentially increasing injury risk.

  32. 32

    Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure

    5complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The 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 · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  33. 33

    Engine stalling and misbehavior

    5complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine occasionally stalls while driving or fails to start after being turned off.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  34. 34

    Fuel system hesitation

    5complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The fuel system hesitates to respond when the accelerator pedal is depressed, leading to reduced performance and potential safety risks.

  35. 35

    Power Train Issues

    5complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The power train experiences intermittent issues such as engine stalling, transmission problems, and exhaust system failures.

  36. 36

    Steering Locks or Malfunctions

    5complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering intermittently fails, causing the steering wheel to lock or become difficult to turn.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  37. 37

    Transmission Slipping Out of Gear

    5complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The 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 · 816 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  38. 38

    Airbag system malfunctions

    4complaints
    High severityElectrical

    Airbags fail to deploy during collisions, posing a significant safety risk.

  39. 39

    Battery Failure

    4complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The battery fails, leading to the vehicle not starting or losing power.

  40. 40

    Engine Failure

    4complaints
    High severityEngine

    Engine misfires, stalls, and fails catastrophically without warning, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 1220 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  41. 41

    Engine Stall During Operation

    4complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine unexpectedly stalls during operation, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  42. 42

    Engine stalling and unexpected shifting

    4complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The engine unexpectedly stalls and shifts gears without warning, posing a safety risk.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  43. 43

    Engine stalling and unexpected shutdowns

    4complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine unexpectedly stalls while driving, sometimes without warning, and the vehicle cannot be restarted immediately.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  44. 44

    Exhaust Manifold Cracks

    4complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The exhaust manifold cracks, leading to engine performance issues and potential emissions problems.

  45. 45

    Power steering failure or intermittent loss of assistance

    4complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering system intermittently fails, making it difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  46. 46

    Power Steering Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    Intermittent power steering failures causing difficulty in controlling the vehicle.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  47. 47

    Service Brakes Malfunctioning

    4complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The service brakes fail to function properly, posing a risk of loss of vehicle control.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  48. 48

    Service Shifter Warning Light

    4complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The service shifter warning light appears, indicating a potential issue with the transmission control module.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  49. 49

    Steering System Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    Random loss of power steering and difficulty steering occur, often requiring expensive repairs.

  50. 50

    Steering Warning Light

    4complaints
    Low severitySteering

    The power steering warning light illuminates intermittently, indicating potential issues with the power steering system.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 12 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  51. 51

    Tailgate Malfunction

    4complaints
    Low severityOther

    The tailgate opens unintentionally or fails to open properly, leading to potential safety hazards.

  52. 52

    Transmission Malfunction Causing Gear Shifting Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The 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 · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  53. 53

    Unexplained vehicle shutdowns while driving

    4complaints
    High severityFuel system

    The 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 · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  54. 54

    Windshield replacement issues

    4complaints
    Low severityOther

    The windshield frequently cracks or breaks, requiring multiple replacements within a short period.

  55. 55

    Exhaust Manifold Cracking

    3complaints
    High severityEngine

    The exhaust manifold repeatedly cracks, posing a risk of engine failure and potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

  56. 56

    Exhaust Manifold Leaking into Cabin

    3complaints
    High severityOther

    The exhaust manifold leaks fumes into the cabin, posing a safety hazard due to potential carbon monoxide exposure.

  57. 57

    Exhaust Manifold Leaks

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The exhaust manifold is leaking, potentially causing a fire hazard and reducing fuel efficiency.

  58. 58

    Fuel System Malfunction

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Fuel pump and fuel delivery issues leading to difficulty refueling and engine stalling.

  59. 59

    Power Train Issues Causing Loss of Throttle Control

    3complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The power train issues cause loss of throttle control, leading to potential loss of vehicle control.

  60. 60

    Power Train Malfunction

    3complaints
    High severityTransmission

    Transmission malfunctions include unexpected shifting into park and loss of power, requiring expensive repairs.

  61. 61

    Recall Issues

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Issues related to unaddressed recalls and delayed repairs leading to ongoing vehicle problems.

  62. 62

    Side Mirror Malfunction

    3complaints
    Low severityOther

    Side mirrors fail to operate correctly, causing difficulty in maintaining proper visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.

  63. 63

    Steering Lock-Up During Low-Speed Turns

    3complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering wheel locks up or becomes unresponsive during low-speed turns, often accompanied by a warning light.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  64. 64

    Steering Rack Failure

    3complaints
    High severitySteering

    Steering rack failure leading to loss of power steering and difficulty controlling the vehicle.

    $900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 48 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  65. 65

    Steering Wheel Seizure

    3complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering wheel becomes difficult to turn and may seize, often without warning lights or messages.

  66. 66

    Transmission Randomly Goes into Neutral

    3complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The 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 · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  67. 67

    Unreliable Defrost System

    3complaints
    Low severityOther

    The rear defrost system fails to work properly, leaving the rear window and seats wet and affecting visibility.

  68. 68

    Water Infiltration Issues

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Water leaks into the cab through various points, causing damage to the interior and electronic components.

  69. 69

    Window Defects

    3complaints
    Low severityOther

    Defective rear windows leading to unexpected shattering and water leakage.

  70. 70

    Airbag and safety system failures

    2complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The airbags and other safety systems fail to deploy during an accident, increasing the risk of injury or death.

  71. 71

    Air Bag and Seat Belt Deployment Failure

    2complaints
    High severityOther

    In a collision, the air bags and seat belts failed to deploy, resulting in severe injuries and potential fatalities.

  72. 72

    Airbag and seatbelt non-deployment in collision

    2complaints
    High severityOther

    In a collision, neither the airbags nor seatbelts deploy, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.

  73. 73

    Airbag system malfunction

    2complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The airbag system fails to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.

  74. 74

    Alternator Failure Leading to Vehicle Shutdown

    2complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The alternator fails, causing the vehicle to shut down and become stranded, posing a safety hazard.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.54 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  75. 75

    backup camera display issues

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The backup camera display malfunctions, showing black screens or not working in reverse, reducing visibility and safety during parking maneuvers.

    $250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 13 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  76. 76

    Battery charging issues

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The motor generator unit stops charging the battery, leading to sudden loss of power and potential breakdowns.

  77. 77

    Brakes Fail to Function Properly

    2complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The 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 · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  78. 78

    Brakes locking up during backing up

    2complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The 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 · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  79. 79

    Brake squealing and performance issues

    2complaints
    Medium severityBrakes

    Brakes squeal and fail to perform properly, especially when slowing down from higher speeds.

    $250–$700est. brake pads + rotors (per axle) · 12.5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  80. 80

    brake system issues leading to unexpected acceleration

    2complaints
    High severityOther

    The 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 · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  81. 81

    Check Engine Light Illumination Due to Active Air Dam Failure

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The check engine light illuminates due to a failure in the active air dam system, requiring replacement of the air dam.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 12 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  82. 82

    Defective Tire Pressure Monitoring System

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The tire pressure monitoring system frequently alerts about low tire pressure, indicating possible tire issues.

  83. 83

    Defroster fogging up windshield

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The defroster causes fogging on the windshield, reducing visibility, especially in cold mornings and during driving.

  84. 84

    Electrical System Interference with Dashboard Components

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Electrical issues cause components such as the center stack and airbag system to malfunction.

  85. 85

    Electrical system issues causing loss of cruise control

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Cruise control intermittently fails, disrupting long-distance driving comfort and safety.

  86. 86

    Engine Oil Leak Causing Serious Issues

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    An engine oil leak leads to serious issues such as coolant level dropping and engine stalling, requiring immediate attention.

    $200–$1,600est. oil-leak repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  87. 87

    Engine Stalling and Random Shutdown

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine frequently stalls and forces the transmission into Park while driving, posing a safety risk.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  88. 88

    Exhaust Manifold Leak

    2complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The exhaust manifold develops a leak, potentially leading to engine overheating and emissions issues.

  89. 89

    Forward Collision Warning System Fails

    2complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The forward collision warning system fails to activate, leading to potential accidents.

  90. 90

    Fuel Tank Valve Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The roller valve on the gas tank becomes stuck, preventing proper refueling and posing a safety hazard.

    $300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 26 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  91. 91

    instruments cluster fails to display information

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The 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 · 0.53 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  92. 92

    Intermittent Defrost Malfunction

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The defrost system intermittently malfunctions, leaving one side of the windshield clear while the other remains fogged.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 12 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  93. 93

    Power Loss and Steering Malfunction

    2complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The vehicle loses power and the steering becomes unresponsive, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  94. 94

    Service Brake Malfunction Causing Vehicle to Stall

    2complaints
    High severityOther

    The service brake system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to stall and potentially leading to a loss of control.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  95. 95

    Steering Failure at Low Speeds

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The power steering fails at low speeds, requiring excessive force to steer the vehicle.

  96. 96

    Steering Lock-up

    2complaints
    High severitySteering

    The 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 · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  97. 97

    Steering wheel lock-up during left turns

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering wheel locks up at around 11 o'clock position during left-hand turns, requiring forceful realignment.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  98. 98

    Steering Wheel Position Sensor Malfunction

    2complaints
    Low severitySteering

    The steering wheel position sensor malfunctions, affecting the vehicle's ability to accurately detect the steering angle.

  99. 99

    Steering wheel sticking at highway speeds

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The 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 · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  100. 100

    Steering Wheel Sticks During Left Turns

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering wheel sticks during left turns and requires manual intervention to return to center position.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  101. 101

    Stop/start system malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The stop/start system malfunctions, causing random engine misfires and rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive.

    $150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  102. 102

    Sun visor detachment

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The sun visor detaches from its mounting post, obstructing the driver's view and potentially causing accidents.

  103. 103

    Suspension Damage

    2complaints
    Low severitySuspension

    Suspension damage leading to uneven ride quality and potential safety issues.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  104. 104

    Suspension issues causing instability

    2complaints
    Medium severitySuspension

    Suspension becomes unstable, especially at higher speeds, leading to an unsafe driving experience.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  105. 105

    Transmission Engages Abruptly at High RPMs

    2complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission engages abruptly at high RPMs when shifting from park to drive, causing the vehicle to lunge forward.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  106. 106

    Wiper Malfunction

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The wipers malfunction, either stopping suddenly or not working properly during rain or snow.

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.

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Problems & Recalls | WrenchConnect