Problems · by component

2019 Ram 1500 Classic power train problems

207 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic cite power train, 14% of all 1,498 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
207
14% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“2019 RAM 1500, UPON DECELARATION WHEN COMING TO A STOP, OR TO VERY SLOW, VEHICLE WILL DROP INTO NEUTRAL/ LOSE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. GEAR SELECTER DIAL INDICATOR LIGHT WILL FLASH, DASHBOARD MESSAGE "SHIFT TO P, THEN SELECT DESIRED GEAR" WILL BE DISPLAYED. DURING THIS TIME VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL DRIVER COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHIFTS INTO N, THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF ACTIVE INTERSECTIONS, WITH ACTIVE ONCOMING TRAFFIC FROM BOTH INFRONT AND BEHIND. VEHICLE HAS HAD TCM FLASHED, VALVE BODY REPLACED, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, AND SOFTWARE VERIFIED UP TO DATE WITH NO REPAIR SOLVING ISSUE. VEHICLE ISSUE ONGOING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11767502
“This has now happened 3 separate times. Once 1 month ago, my husband and I were on the connecting road from [XXX] toward [XXX] by the water plants stopped in traffic and the truck completely powered off at a red light. It took 30 seconds for the truck to power back on, and be restarted. It showed a check engine light the rest of the drive. The next time it turned on from being off there was no check engine light. Last week we were driving on a the main road toward our house going 30 miles per hour and coming up to a right turn then the truck stopped abruptly and died. It completely powered off and took 2 minutes to power back on. We were blocking a one lane road. It then showed a check engine light that went away after a few days. Today after getting ready to enter [XXX] going 55 miles per hour the truck showed a check engine light and the truck started to power down mid highway entrance and I had to try and pull off before it powered down completely. It took 5 minutes this time for the truck regain power enough to be restart fully. The check engine light is still on. It endangered both me and everyone behind me because I abruptly slowed down and risked not…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2026Power train, Service brakes, EngineODI 11756629
“The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated shortly afterwards. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The message “Slow Down - Service Shifter” was displayed. The contact associated the failure with TSB: (23-029-22 Rev. A); and referenced an extended warranty coverage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and produced DTC: U0645 - Lost Communication with Active Air Dam Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 137,700.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11755973
“I was on the highway when the vehicle alerted me that shift was unavailable then the auto start/stop was unavailable then the airbags were unavailable then my FUEL and my MPH were not reading. My windshield wipers started all on their own and could not be turned off! And my EMERGENCY LIGHTS WERE INOP. I LOST POWER STEERING and was locked in gear! All while in morning rush hour traffic on the highway! The vehicle gave me a notification to get to my destination before turning it off or changing gears because it would not go back into gear. I got off the highway as safely as I could without EMERGENCY LIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS and proceeded to a stop light. While slowing down I had no steering control. I pulled over and had to force the wheel to turn then I attempted to accelerate to move and had no power. So I was stuck. I had emergency services come and tow my vehicle to Chevrolet of Homewood at that point who is currently looking at it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11751567
“The truck went into park from drive on its own . The emergency brake was also activated after going into park. The shifter knob kept switching from drive into park every time I slowed down at a light or stop sign.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11748202

Showing 6 of 207 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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