2019 Ram 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 531 federal NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
24 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
rear window leaks water causing interior damage
155complaintsHigh severityOtherThe rear window leaks water during rain or car wash, soaking the headliner and seats, potentially leading to mold growth.
- 2
Electrical system issues causing dashboard lights to malfunction
153complaintsSafety riskElectricalDashboard lights and gauges malfunction, causing the instrument panel to be difficult to read and use.
Related recalls: 19V142000, 19V556000, 18V332000
- 3
Power steering failure
109complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe power steering intermittently stops working, leading to difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V020000, 19V812000, 19V201000
- 4
Alternator Failure
86complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe alternator stops working, leading to the engine shutting down while driving.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V142000, 19V556000, 18V332000
- 5
Electrical system issues leading to power loss
13complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system intermittently causes power loss, affecting various vehicle functions such as steering and engine operation.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V142000, 19V556000, 18V332000
- 6
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 quotesRelated recalls: 19V067000, 24V653000
- 7
ABS Module Failure
5complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe anti-lock braking system (ABS) module fails, causing the ABS light to illuminate and potentially affecting braking performance.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V067000, 24V653000
- 8
Battery Failure
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe battery fails, causing the vehicle to not start or run properly.
Related recalls: 19V142000, 19V556000, 18V332000
- 9
Brake System Failure
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to skid and fail to stop properly, posing a significant safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V067000, 24V653000
- 10
Electronic Stability Control Issues
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe electronic stability control system intermittently fails, causing the vehicle to lose control and increasing the risk of accidents.
- 11
Engine Failure
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine misfires and cylinder failures cause unexpected shutdowns and potential loss of power, risking accidents.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V757000, 23V411000
- 12
Power Steering Issues
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringIntermittent power steering failure causing difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V020000, 19V812000, 19V201000
- 13
Power Train Issues
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions cause unexpected shifting into park and loss of power, requiring expensive repairs.
- 14
Steering Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringEPS (Electric Power Steering) intermittently fails, making steering difficult and potentially unsafe.
Related recalls: 19V020000, 19V812000, 19V201000
- 15
Water Intrusion
4complaintsMedium severityOtherWater leaks into the vehicle through the rear window, causing electrical system failures and corrosion.
- 16
Exhaust Manifold Cracks
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe exhaust manifold develops cracks, leading to engine performance issues and potential emissions problems.
Related recalls: 19V757000, 23V411000
- 17
Service Shifter Warning
3complaintsLow severityTransmissionThe service shifter warning light illuminates frequently, indicating an issue with the transmission or shift mechanism.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Exhaust Manifold Leak
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe exhaust manifold develops a leak, potentially leading to engine overheating and emissions issues.
- 19
Fuel Refueling Issues Causing Incomplete Fill-Ups
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel pump intermittently stops mid-fill, resulting in incomplete fuel tanks and potential engine performance issues.
Related recall: 22V406000
- 20
Instrument Cluster Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe instrument cluster malfunctions, displaying incorrect or no information to the driver.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V142000, 19V556000, 18V332000
- 21
Seat Belt Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe seat belt warning light illuminates, indicating a potential issue with the seat belt system.
- 22
Service Brakes Failure
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe service brakes fail, leading to loss of braking control and potential accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V067000, 24V653000
- 23
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Malfunction
2complaintsLow severitySteeringThe steering wheel position sensor malfunctions, affecting the vehicle's ability to accurately detect the steering angle.
Related recalls: 19V020000, 19V812000, 19V201000
- 24
Transmission Malfunction Causing Random Shifts to Park
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission randomly shifts to park while driving, requiring the driver to manually shift back to drive.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes
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.