2019 Ram 3500 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

25 owners have reported engine problems with the 2019 Ram 3500, 19% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 81,000 mi.

Engine complaints
25
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
81,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine21
Engine and engine cooling4
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel1

Engine complaints across Ram 3500 years

120072201362014920158201624201716201825201930202013202125202242023620243202532026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2019 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k310k–30k130k–60k460k–100k4100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V439000Jun 10, 202132,002 vehicles
    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.

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

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 20V511000Aug 27, 202032,318 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 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.

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

    Remedy: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 23, 2026SCEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11766553 · source
  2. Filed Mar 23, 2026150,000 miNCFireTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11726482 · source
  3. Filed Mar 16, 2026PAEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11724799 · source
  4. Filed Mar 16, 2026108,000 miSCTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11724554 · source
  5. Filed Mar 9, 2026214,000 miCATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11723090 · source
  6. Filed Jun 24, 202555,000 miNYTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11668824 · source
  7. Filed Jan 2, 202560,000 miNYEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11633631 · source
  8. Filed Nov 15, 2024135,000 miGAElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11625532 · source
  9. Filed May 6, 202487,000 miNCEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11587141 · source
  10. Filed Oct 3, 2023OREngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11548041 · source
  11. Filed Mar 28, 202375,000 miTXEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11514263 · source
  12. Filed Feb 17, 2023120,000 miTXTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11507904 · source

Other 2019 Ram 3500 problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (50)
  • Electrical System (20)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (17)
  • Wheels & Tires (15)
  • Brakes (9)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Body & Structure (7)
  • Suspension (6)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
  • Steering (4)
  • Airbags (4)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2019 Ram 3500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology