Unveiled in 2018, the 2019 Ram 1500 is the fifth generation of Ram’s full-size pickup truck line. Characterized by its robust build, advanced technology features, and premium interiors, it has been designed to deliver improved capabilities while ensuring a comfortable ride for its occupants. Despite its impressive specs on paper, which include a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds and an advanced infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, the model has been plagued with a series of defects and recalls, putting a significant damper on its appeal to customers.

Among these are the 2019 Ram 1500 problems which include electrical, transmission, steering, suspension, and brake problems.

In addition to those existing problems, we have represented clients with Ram 1500 issues involving gear shift hesitation, loud engine noises, and high levels of cabin noise.

Existing Ram 1500 Recalls

The 2019 Ram 1500 is currently subject to 10 recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involving:

• Disabled airbags and seat belt pretensioners
• Rear driveshaft fracturing or weld cracking
• Steering wheels that can detach from the steering column
• Auxiliary battery wire terminals that can overheat
• Brake pedals that can separate from the pedal assembly
• Nonfunctioning defrosting/defogging systems
• Loss of power steering due to faulty battery connections
• Malfunctioning passenger seat position sensor
• Rear axle failure caused by low oil levels in the differential
• Cruise control system that will not deactivate

Any one of these problems could be considered a major system failure or safety hazard, but we have represented clients with pickups that suffer from more than one of these defects.

New Ram 1500 Problems

Recently we’ve started to see Ram 1500 owners who are experiencing some issues that are not part of the existing recalls, including:

Cabin Noise

Clients are reporting droning, booming, humming or pulsing noises that seem to be originating in the sound system – the noise comes from the speakers – particularly when passengers or other objects are in the rear seats. Dealers are just beginning to see this issue and Chrysler has not yet come up with a software update or other solution.

Gear Shift Hesitation

We have clients reporting incidents in which the pickup will not shift back into drive when engaged in neutral or reverse (the gears lock up entirely) or that the transmission is delayed in transitioning from one mode to another (reverse to drive, neutral to drive).

Engine Noise and Loss of Power

Owners are experiencing a loss of power and hesitation to shift gears while accelerating (for example, the truck might not accelerate beyond 25 mph). These incidents are typically accompanied by increased engine noise. At this point, the dealers have managed to fix this issue when called to their attention, but the problem has recurred for some of our clients.

Navigation and Audio System Failure

The Ram’s infotainment system has failed altogether for clients, or they’ve experienced malfunctions in certain features of the navigation or audio components.

Electrical System Defects

The 2019 Ram 1500 issues are plenty, with a bad electrical system topping the list. Owners have reported problems with almost every electrical component in the cab of the truck. From malfunctioning lights to blank dashboard displays and power mirrors that fail to operate, these issues significantly impair the vehicle’s functionality. The occurrence of random, recurring warning lights and drained car batteries further exacerbate the problem, leading to situations where the vehicle cannot start or its important operating systems, like the navigation, are disabled. A significant concern is the failure of the instrument panel to illuminate, which prevents drivers from receiving essential information and warnings about the vehicle’s operating conditions, thereby increasing the risk of crashes.

Transmission Problems

The 2019 Ram 1500 transmission problems are serious, indicating a lack of reliability and durability. Among the commonly reported issues are failing rear axles that can lead to wheel lockup. Symptoms of transmission problems in these vehicles include grinding during acceleration, strange whistling noises near the transmission, difficulties shifting gears, vehicle shaking, a burning odor, and even complete transmission failure. One of the dangerous manifestations of these transmission problems is sudden acceleration bursts. This can occur even when the brake is fully applied, leading to the engine accelerating on its own and causing the truck to push forward, which can result in collisions, as was the case for a driver who hit a minivan despite applying the brake.

Steering Problems

Among the numerous 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 problems, the recurrent steering problems are particularly concerning. Drivers have reported a loss of steering ability, with the steering system unexpectedly locking while the vehicle is in motion. The structural design of the 2019 model is reportedly loose, causing components to malfunction when working together and thus leading to steering and suspension issues. An unusual rattling noise from the steering suspension area has been noted in numerous formal complaints lodged with the NHTSA.

In 2019, due to these steering problems, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled approximately 160,000 Ram 1500 vehicles. The recall was necessitated by improperly installed defective battery ground circuit fasteners during manufacturing. This defect could cause the fastener to loosen, creating an open circuit that would lead to a loss of power steering while driving. Consequently, this could result in unexpected understeering or oversteering in the affected Ram pickups.

Suspension Problems

Owners of the 2019 Ram 1500 have reported significant problems with the 2019 Ram 1500 suspension system, which is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and smooth drive. A well-functioning suspension system mitigates the impact of road imperfections, but when any part of this system malfunctions, it can compromise ride comfort and vehicle handling.

Among the issues reported, drivers have noted a noise emanating from the steering suspension area, especially when driving over uneven road surfaces or encountering potholes. Despite acknowledging the noise, some dealers claim that it is a common occurrence in all trucks. However, this assertion seems to sidestep the issue, as a manufacturer communication (Number 02-002-19) highlights this problem, suggesting technicians tighten the sway bar link nuts better to address the noise. This shows that the noise is not a normal characteristic of the vehicle, raising further questions about the suspension system’s integrity in the 2019 Ram 1500.

Brake Problems

A fundamental expectation for any vehicle, let alone a full-sized truck, is its ability to come to a stop when the brakes are applied. Regrettably, several owners have reported that their trucks did not stop as expected despite firmly pressing the brake pedal, further contributing to the list of 2019 ram 1500 problems.

In one unfortunate incident, a driver reported that the truck would continue to gain speed even while the brake pedal was fully engaged, leading to a collision with a parked vehicle. In addition to the distress caused by the accident, the two-week-old truck sustained damage to its bumper.

The brake pedal issue bears an alarming similarity to other reported problems involving detached components, such as the steering wheel coming loose or the driveshaft separating. In fact, another recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V067000) cites potential separation of the brake pedal from the assembly, which could lead to a loss of braking power and, consequently, an accident. This series of component failures, from steering to braking systems, may hint at a more systemic problem with the vehicle, compelling owners to question the overall safety and reliability of the 2019 Ram 1500. It seems important to enable the appropriate corrective measures and preventive checks to avoid such instances in the future.

FAQs

Are There Any Recalls for the 2019 RAM 1500 Problems?

Yes, there have been numerous recalls for the 2019 Ram 1500, encompassing issues with the airbags, drivetrain, steering wheel, battery, brake pedals, defrosting system, seat position sensor, rear axle, and cruise control system. This data suggests significant quality control issues during manufacturing.

Are any of the 2019 RAM 1500 Problems Covered by a Warranty?

Yes, many of the 2019 ram 1500 problems are covered under the vehicle’s warranty. However, if the same issue persists after multiple repair attempts, owners may have a claim under their state’s Lemon Law.

What Do I Do if my 2019 RAM 1500 is Experiencing These Issues?

If your 2019 Ram 1500 is showing signs of these issues, it’s important to report them to a certified Ram dealership immediately for service. If the problems persist despite attempts to fix them, you should consult with a Lemon Law attorney with experience who can guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Contact Timothy Abeel & Associates About Your 2019 Dodge Ram 1500

If you own or lease a 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck that is malfunctioning or has been repaired more than once for the same issue, The Law Offices of Timothy Abeel & Associates can help you. These pickups are known to suffer from basic build quality issues and some major component defects and failures. If you are experiencing these or other issues with your Ram 1500, you may be entitled to a new car, a full refund, or a cash settlement depending on your particular situation.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Timothy Abeel & Associates is a national law firm that handles lemon law claims across the country. Reviews can be seen on AVVO, Google, Glen Mills Yelp, Roseland Yelp, & Pittsburgh Yelp.