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2019 Ram 3500 Engine Problems

18 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

18
Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Crashes
2
Fires
Jan 2025Nov 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #21V439000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.

RECALLCampaign #20V511000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

Owner Complaints (18)

criticalENGINE
FireFiled: Mar 2026

Your 2019 Ram 3500 caught fire while driving uphill with an empty trailer, with no warning lights appearing beforehand. The fire department extinguished the flames, but the fire chief couldn't determine the cause due to the extensive damage. Your vehicle was declared a total loss by insurance. The fire may have originated in the engine bay or fuel system, and a thorough inspection by a qualified technician would be needed to identify the root cause.

NHTSA #: 11726482
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

While driving normally, your engine began knocking, which stopped briefly before returning much louder a few miles later. As you tried to safely pull over, the engine seized completely. Upon inspection, the connecting rods had broken through the engine block, creating holes and requiring a full engine replacement.

NHTSA #: 11724799
criticalENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

While driving at about 30 MPH after accelerating from a stop, you heard an abnormal ticking sound from under the hood and the vehicle started to slow down on its own. After coasting to the side of the road, the engine wouldn't restart. The dealer found that a rod inside the engine had fractured in cylinder #1, causing complete engine failure. The engine will need to be replaced.

NHTSA #: 11668824
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine is making an abnormal rattling noise while driving. The vehicle has been towed to a mechanic but hasn't been diagnosed yet. You suspect this may be related to a known recall, though your specific vehicle wasn't included in that recall campaign. The issue appeared around 108,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11724554
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

Your 2019 Ram 3500 developed an abnormal ticking sound from the engine while driving, and then went into limp mode (reduced power) with the turbocharger stopping working. No warning lights appeared before this happened. Your dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the issue.

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NHTSA #: 11633631
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2024

While driving at 45 mph, you heard a squealing noise from the engine compartment and the engine suddenly shut off, causing you to lose power. You were able to pull over and restart the vehicle, but no warning lights appeared on your dashboard. This happened at 135,000 miles, and you suspect it may be related to a known manufacturer issue with the engine and electrical system.

NHTSA #: 11625532
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that he observed a check coolant level warning message on the display screen. Additionally, when coolant was added to the vehicle, the contact became aware that the check coolant warning light was illuminated after driving five miles. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the contact became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the EGR and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer again where it was diagnosed that EGR fluid was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA #: 11587141
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

The vehicle info on the dashboard tells me "Exhaust System Service Required See Dealer" and the check engine light came on. Took the vehicle to the dealer who cleared the DTC's with no resolution to the problem and sent me on my way. Problem returned within 150 miles, codes cleared. Problem returned again with same notice on the dash board and check engine light. Called a different dealer who said get it in right away, the truck will go into limp mode within a certain mileage range. Went to another dealer with the same results. Codes cleared, check engine light went off and no resolution to why this happens. Was told if it happens again bring it back.

NHTSA #: 11548041
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was leaking fuel, causing the vehicle to fail to accelerate and exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the variable turbo actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA #: 11514263
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle stated to decelerate without warning. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and examined under the hood and noticed oil on top of the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the vehicle was experiencing a similar failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V511000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA #: 11507904
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2022

Recall repairs not being made in a timely manner. It has been 7 months since recall.

NHTSA #: 11474091
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2022

The component that failed in my 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 is the fuel system. The warning light that came across my screen indicated that it was the "exhaust". The vehicle abruptly went from 75 miles an hour to 25 mph to eventually stalling. At the time there was no engine light that illuminated my screen; It simply stated service exhaust. My safety and others around me were put at risk due to the sudden breakdown while traveling on a highway through the rocky mountains. I was fortunate enough to act quickly to avoid any possible danger to myself and others around me by quickly maneuvering my vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. Yes, a Dodge mechanic found fault in the fuel system, I have paperwork that indicates the malfunction with the vehicle's fuel system. The mechanic found metal shavings in my fuel filters replaced them and told me I was good to proceed on my route. He asserted that since the metal shavings didn't go past my fuel filters I have nothing to worry about. He also stated there's no remedy at this moment to fix the problem. The manufacturer hasn't taken action to fix their own recall. I am at a loss, my vehicle has sat at the dealership since April 12th, 2022.

NHTSA #: 11467555
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2019 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, suddenly there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine rod bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 189,000.

NHTSA #: 11447151
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2021

Complete engine stall while driving at highway speeds while towing a trailer. I was able to get to the shoulder before losing all forward momentum. There were no errors or warnings before stall. Truck would not crank after stopping and was towed to the dealership. Dealership blamed the issue on an aftermarket fuel tank, but repaired fuel pump under warranty.

NHTSA #: 11437744
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2021

Going down the road and truck lost all power and it stalled wouldn't go over 5miles per hour had truck towed to dealer and found the dpf filter had stopped up they replaced it and waited almost a month for a sensor got truck back drove 60 miles and it did it again on a busy road had to get towed to dealer the dealer they said contamination caused injectors to fail had 3 different fuel samples analyzed and no contamination or signs of water were present ram has refused to repair truck under there warranty truck only has 44000 miles on it

NHTSA #: 11437590
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled temporarily. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, but the dealer informed the contact that the diagnostic results were inconclusive, and they could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had recurred approximately 34 times while driving or accelerating from a complete stop. The contact also stated an unknown warning light had illuminated twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 490.

NHTSA #: 11437375
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Jan 2021

FOR THANKSGIVING I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA ABOUT 800 MILES AWAY FROM HOME, ON A MERGING LANE I STEPPED ON THE GAS TO CLEAR LANE FOR A EMERGING SEMI TRAILER I WAS TRAVELING AROUND 65 MPH AS I DID THAT I GOT A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DASHBOARD TO SERVICE EXHAUST SYSTEM THEN LOST ALL POWER FROM MY VEHICLE FROM 65 TO 35 ON INTERSTATE 5 A DRASTICALLY SLOWDOWN CAUSING THE CARS BEHIND ME TO CRASH. I PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND MY TRUCK JUST DIED WOULD NOT START HAD IT TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALER NEXT MORNING. HAD TO SLEEP WITH MY NEW BORN IN THE COLD TRUCK. ONCE AT DEALER I WAS TOLD THE CP4 OR HIGH FLOW PRESSURE PUMP HAD FAIL AND THE COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE WAS FOR $20,000 BUT MY INSURANCE COVER $13,000 OF THE BILL THE REST I HAD TO BORROW FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY. SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL NEW RAMS. IF IT'S SO COMMON WHY NOT FIX THE ISSUE MY WHOLE FAMILY WAS OUT IN DANGER THAT NIGHT AND ALSO WAS EXPENSIVE. THE ISSUE IS FIX FOR NOW BUT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN

NHTSA #: 11387018
mediumENGINE
FireFiled: Oct 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WHEN SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SMOKE STARTED TO ENTER THE CAB THROUGH THE VENTS AND EXITING THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE ROAD AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE FIRE EXITING THE ENGINE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER SAM LEMAN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT MORTON (200 E COURTLAND ST, MORTON, IL 61550, (309) 263-2345) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE MOMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V511000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER BUT NOT BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK TO ANYONE AS OF YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA #: 11366694

Other 2019 Ram 3500 Issues