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Engine & cooling

2019 Ram 3500 Engine problems

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2019 Ram 3500's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 19% of all its complaints, most recently on September 23, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
26
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2019 Ram 3500

Engine and engine cooling: oil / lubrication

21V43900032,002 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Engine and engine cooling: oil / lubrication

20V51100032,318 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

1. Engine failed while driving. 2.This could have caused an accident if I were at highway speeds. 3. The cause of failure was a spent bearing on piston #3 due to lack of oil. 4. Per my mechanic an engine or rebuild kit is needed. This was a reported complaint in March of this year with a complaint number of #11724554. Their was no warning or low oil lamp which was a recall for some 2019 Rams, however my VIN was not included in that recall.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11766553
Engine & coolingFire

The contact owned a 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 towing an empty container. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven uphill at unknown speeds, it unexpectedly caught fire. No warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report. The fire department was on the scene, extinguished the fire, and provided a fire report. The fire chief was unable to determine the cause of the fire due to the extensive damage. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was...

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not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11726482
Engine & cooling

Driving along normal and the engine started knocking, then the noise went away and about three miles later the engine started knocking extremely loud as I attempted to get off the road safely the engine locked up, I opened th hood and seen the engine connecting rods broke out of the engine and it now has holes in the block, and needs a total replacememt

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11724799
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11724554
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, a warning light for the exhaust system illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, but the vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that an...

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unknown recall repair was previously completed on the vehicle. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA23001(Fuel System, Diesel). The failure mileage was approximately 214,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Incident Fuel system, diesel · EngineNHTSA 11723090
Engine & coolingElectrical system

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light and while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and inspected the engine while attempting to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that a rod had fractured in cylinder #1, causing the engine to fail. The...

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contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V511000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 11668824
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the turbo charger became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11633631
Engine & coolingElectrical system

The contact owns a 2019 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal squealing sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to...

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V511000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 11625532
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11587141
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11548041
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11514263
Engine & coolingElectrical system

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 11507904
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel systemFire

Vehicle # 76 MD Tag # 3DS2550 a 2019 Dodge Ram pick up truck was parked at our facility on 7/6/22 at approximately 4:15 p.m. At 5:50 p.m. the truck was observed fully engulfed in flames, we attempted to extinguish the fire but were unable to do so. The Howard County Maryland Police and Fire Deportment were contacted and responded. ( Police Incident # 2259220 Fire Incident # 2022-020323) The vehicle and equipment on the truck are a total loss additionally the heat generated from the fire damaged other company...

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vehicles. Fortunately, the fire was contained and did not spread to adjacent vehicles or buildings. We were awaiting notification that recall could be completed inasmuch as parts for the recall were on backlog and not available.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11478728
Engine & coolingFuel system

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

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11474091
Engine & coolingFuel system

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11467555
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11447151
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the started to decelerate. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced, the filter needed to be changed weekly, and an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11443762
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Truck lost throttle response at about 50mph. Coasted to a stop on the side of the road and as soon as it stopped the truck shut down and wouldn't restart. Check engine light came on and warning message read something along the lines of "exhaust system service required see dealer" After researching these symptoms and warning message, I believe this to be a fuel pump failure. I was able to safely get my truck off the road, but I can easily see how this could be a safety concern depending on traffic. Truck will go to the dealership tomorrow.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11437993
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11437744
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11437590
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11437375
Engine & coolingFuel systemCrash

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....

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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

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11387018
BrakesEngine & coolingFuel system

My truck is equipped with a defective cp4 injection pump. It's been changed twice since my truck was built, once in 2020 and again in 2021 to a different model. Ram has had many costly and dangerous failures with these pumps. I have not yet had a failure. However it's only a matter of time. When a pump fails it happens suddenly and not only does it wipe out the entire fuel system and sometimes the engine, it causes your engine to stall. This causes lack of power steering and no brakes. My 3500 is built to tow heavy...

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trailers and in a situation with heavy traffic of a steep grade sudden lose of brakes could be disastrous, especially towing a camper with my family aboard. Ram knows of this problem and made a quick revision of the pump in 2020 and ditched it altogether in 2021 for a different pump. There needs to be a recall on these 2019 first model trucks with the known defective and dangerous cp4 injection pump.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11386063
Engine & coolingFire

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11366694
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

2 Weeks ago my brand new ram 3500 with only 15000 on board didn't start, it didn't start in the morning on parking lot. Called a mechanic to have it fixed but they were not able. Same day called roadside assistance for towing and ram customer service. Results: -ram roadside assistance didn't cover the cost to dealer: reason: too close to the dealer. -Ram customer service took all the information, gave me a case id and said somebody will call you in 1-2 days. As of today I keep calling customer service once in...

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2 days, they keep issuing new case id's because old once are incorrect, and keep telling me will call you in 1-2 days. Nobody from ram called so far. Dealer said: fuel pomp failed and they'll get the parts in november, (august 21 now) and I can't tell them anything cause they will fix me even tomorrow if would have parts from ram question: why a brand new ram has to sit 3 month in dealers shop, who is going to cover the payments and why I keep getting promises that somebody will call?

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11350683

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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