Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

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.

Combined MPG
17–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1,498
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,498 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2018 – Nov 2026
  1. Electrical system382
  2. Steering340
  3. Engine235
  4. Power train207
  5. Service brakes114
  6. Air bags93
  7. Fuel/propulsion system81
  8. Structure81
  9. Visibility/wiper67

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 1500 Classic model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20191,498
2020644
2021687
2022639
Crashes reported
76
Fires reported
11
Injuries reported
63
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

382 reports7 crashes4 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11770589

Steering

340 reports12 crashes
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026SteeringODI 11770087

Engine

235 reports5 crashes4 fires
“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#…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2026EngineODI 11775894
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202723$4,100448
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192722$4,300465
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,100450
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162319$3,300475
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,200512
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
152117$4,200527
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 27 hwy · $4,100/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $4,300/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,200/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Ram 1500 Classic Regular PU/RC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Classic Regular PU/RC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 13562Vehicle 13561Vehicle 13079
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026