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2019 Ram 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Ram 2500 carries 12 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering linkages and seat belts. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission failure and drops out of gear.” Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #22V035000 · Jan 27, 2022

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V580000 · Sep 24, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #20V191000 · Oct 9, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #20V043000 · Jan 24, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Risk: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Campaign #19V498000 · Jun 27, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The fuel lines may leak fuel into the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel lines, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V76.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V880000 · Dec 11, 2021

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

STRUCTURE

Campaign #20V207000 · Sep 4, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.

Risk: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #19V635000 · Aug 29, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 Cab Chassis trucks. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with an incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.

Risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses and bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V98.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #22V140000 · Oct 3, 2022

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign #22V904000 · Aug 12, 2022

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.

Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #25V010000 · Jan 16, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #25V824000 · Jan 12, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are C2C, C7C, and C8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Ram 2500.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • High pressure fuel pump failure

    Action #EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · linked recall 24V957

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equi…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission failure and drops out of gear

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-05

“I PURCHASED A 2019 RAM 2500 TRUCK, AND BEGAN HAVING ISSUE WITH THE TRUCK DROPPING INTO NEUTRAL AT JUST OVER 1000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349164
“Two snap rings in transmission came loose and caused a catastrophic fail while I was driving . No warning or sounds before it happened. Almost caused a multi vehicle pileup on the interstate. This is an issue that has been happening to all these trucks”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679609
“TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY DROPS OUT OF GEAR. MOST OF THE TIME THIS IS WHEN IN REVERSE AND MOVING BACKWARDS. ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU REALIZE YOU ARE NO LONGER MOVING BACKWARDS AND IN SOME CASES ROLLING FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11322026

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving

STRUCTURE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2025-01

“OUR TAILGATE HAS OPENED ON ITS OWN 4 TIMES WHILE WE WERE DRIVING SINCE WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. IT ALSO HAS SHOWN A NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH THAT THE TAILGATE IS OPEN, BUT WHEN CHECKED IT IS CLOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11341295
“TRUCK HAS 5000 MILES ON IT. TWICE NOW THE TAILGATE HAS COME OPEN WHILE TRAVELING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330127
“The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the rear liftgate erroneously opened. The failure had occurred while driving and pulling a trailer and also while the vehicle was parked without the trailer being hauled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488153

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window water intrusion into cabin

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2026-04

“My rear back window is leaking into the cab. Water comes in around the rear headliner and down onto the seats. This is a known issue on 2019+ Ram trucks with the same backlite design — cracked upper frame and failed seal causing water intrusion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700211
“Major water leak under passenger dash. Turned and can hear water sloshing then it all dumps out on the floor while driving. Front carpet and mats are soaked. Rear windows also leak above both seats, visible water damage to the headliner”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552482
“Rear window is not sealed in both upper back corners. Worried about it coming out onto back passengers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730734

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump (CP4) failure and stall

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

55 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-01

“THE 2019 TO 2020 MODEL YEAR RAM 2500 HEAVY DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE HAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A STALL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11402816
“While traveling home with a toddler, the high pressure fuel pump failed. It left my vehicle with no power or ability to move under it’s own power. It flashed a brief warning and then shut off, with no ability to restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475051
“High pressure pump failure. Already recalled but not being repaired in a timely manner. Vehicle is in dealership parking lot, site says remedy not available but there is and manufacturer is not releasing it. The high pressure pump in the newest vehicles is the remedy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443030

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering gearbox and drag link failure

STEERING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-11

“On September 17th 2023 I was traveling on [XXX] W. Bound leaving Altamont pass coming down the grade entering Livermore, California traveling approximately 65 - 70 MPH in the far left lane when I experienced what the motor industries refer to as "Death Wobbles"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560394
“Drag link assembly seperation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440709
“The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 24 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and suddenly the steering wheel became inoperable causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a parked vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463462

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment and wiring fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-04

“Initially I witnessed a large volume of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe when pulling up to fuel pump. A passer-by informed me that there were flames underneath the truck on the passenger side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614598
“STARTED MY TRUCK TODAY AND WITHIN A MINUTE OF DRIVING IT OUT MY DRIVEWAY I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW SMOKE. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT WAS ON FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11353583
“March 10,2023 2019 Ram 2500 Cummins 6.7L Diesel I picked up my truck from the dealership this morning, after they did the outstanding CP4 fuel pump recall. I drove the vehicle home (approx 20) miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11511305

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Ram 1500 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

222 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Ram 2500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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