2019 Ram 1500 ClassicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1,498 owner complaints for the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. Most complaints involve electrical system (382) and steering (340). The EPA rates it 17–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“The manufacturer defect involving stress cracks in the rear window structure (TSB 23-042-24) caused water to flood the rear cab wall along with the leaking rear cab air pressure vents. This water has short-circuited the CAN-bus network/RF Hub, causing active dashboard failures including 'Service Shifter' and 'ParkSense Temporarily Unavailable.' The vehicle is at immediate risk of locking in Park, stalling, or failing to shift while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. Additionally, the exhaust manifolds are leaking, risking exhaust gas intrusion into the cabin. The dealership, Earnhardt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 1521 E Drivers Way, Gilbert, AZ 85297, has failed to resolve the water leaks over 4 separate visits this month." I was told a software update fixed the issue. Then at the last visit something electrical was replaced, the issue is still happening. The leaking rear cab air pressure vents have not been addressed in the previous 2 service appointments. This also allows water to leak onto the RF Hub”
Steering
“Power steering unavailable service required light came on when I came out from getting my kid from daycare and steering wheel would not move, I believe it’s the eps system I’ve been doing research and see a lot of rams have been having this issue, I haven’t took it to dealer ship yet for inspection wanted to check recalls before I had it towed but I don’t see any for my truck specifically”
Engine
“On XXX I purchased the truck from Brandon Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler dealership in [XXX]. I put 2k down and financed 33k. Just over a year when by and on XXX (Sunday night) I heard a loud ticking noise so on XXX I drove it to [XXX] in [XXX] which is where I am stationed. On XXX they called me and said the engine was blown and that I needed a new engine. So on XXXI had the truck towed to Patriot Diesel Services in [XXX] for a second opinion. They confirmed that the engine was blown. I then contacted [XXX] from the Brandon dealership to see what options I had. They told me that I had to get it to one of there locations to confirm if the engine was blown. They also told me that there was nothing they could offer me if the diagnosis was correct. I told them when I Purchased the vehicle it had 105k mileage on it. It now has 138k and the engine is blown. They literally are taking no responsibility or offering any kind of help. I now have estimates for over 24k to fix it. I have now found out that there are class action lawsuits on Ram for these issues on this model. I want to know how are they legally allowed to sell this model when there is a suit against them. Case#…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel · Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 448 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $4,300 | 465 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 450 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 475 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 512 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,200 | 527 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2019 1500 Classic questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2019 Ram 1500 Classic problems?
Owners filed 1,498 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (382), steering (340), engine (235). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic at 17–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
How safe is the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic 4 out of 5 stars overall.