2019 RAM 1500 cruise control problems
severe 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 25 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Ram 1500 has documented issues with stuck accelerators, floor-mat entrapment, ABS module failures causing loss of critical safety systems, and malfunctioning forward-collision braking that can activate unexpectedly with nothing in the path. If considering used purchase, have the accelerator, floor mats, and ABS system thoroughly inspected before buying.
The 2019 Ram 1500 has documented several uncontrolled-acceleration issues. Owners report accelerator pedals getting stuck at full throttle, particularly in new vehicles (under 5,000 miles). Some cases involved the pedal physically catching on factory floor-mat ribs when the adjustable pedal was set to mid-height; others involved electronic throttle-controller failures. In multiple cases, the engine remained revved at 1,000–4,000 RPM regardless of pedal position or gear selection. One owner crashed into a parking garage wall at full throttle. Braking was the only reliable way to stop the vehicle, and shifting to neutral provided temporary relief.
The forward-collision warning and automatic-braking system is triggering falsely on bridges, shadows, and clear roadways, nearly causing rear-end collisions. Owners report hard stops on interstates with no obstacle in front, and the issue persists after dealer service attempts.
ABS modules have failed in several vehicles, disabling ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, and cruise control simultaneously. Replacement modules are on extended national backorder. One failure occurred immediately after a dealer attempted a recall service. With these systems disabled, one owner experienced a spin-out on a highway on-ramp during light rain.
Cruise-control buttons become unresponsive or require multiple presses, especially in cold weather. One owner's cruise control reverted to a previously set higher speed and caused unintended acceleration. Brake squealing during light deceleration between 70–40 mph is documented but not being publicly addressed.
Same RAM 1500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Stuck Accelerator Pedal / Unintended Acceleration
Accelerator pedal becomes mechanically stuck or unresponsive, remaining at full throttle or idle regardless of driver input. Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably and cannot be controlled by lifting foot off pedal; braking becomes the only means to decelerate. Electronic throttle controller warning light illuminates in some instances.
When: Early ownership (1,840 miles, 3 months); also reported at 300 miles, 4,500 miles, 45,144 miles; happens intermittently at town speeds and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stays fully depressed or on floor despite driver lifting foot; Vehicle maintains full throttle or stuck RPM regardless of pedal input; Clicking or crunching sensation felt under foot when accelerating; Pedal wobbles or feels broken inside throttle unit; Electronic throttle control warning light on dash; Engine stuck at 1,000–4,000 RPM idle even after shifting to neutral or park; Throttle failure warning message; Uncontrollable acceleration in both drive and reverse; Multiple occurrences within same vehicle (6+ times reported in one case)
Codes mentioned: Service electronic throttle controller, Throttle failure, Accelerator pedal position sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle controller replacement required (ordered, week lead time); accelerator pedal position sensor identified as faulty in at least one case; parts on backorder in some instances; one vehicle totaled in crash before repair could occur
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships ordered replacement throttle controllers; one manufacturer advised sensor fault; parts backorder noted
Accelerator Pedal Entrapment by Factory Floor Mat
Accelerator pedal gets caught on a vertical rib of the factory-installed floor mat when pedal is adjusted to mid-height, causing violent unintended acceleration. Occurs specifically when adjustable pedal height is in mid-range; pedal cannot reach mat when adjusted fully up or down. Dealer response has been to confiscate floor mat and require owner to purchase replacement aftermarket mat.
When: Within days of vehicle purchase (new trucks); one case at loaner vehicle with 300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal stuck on floor mat rib during normal operation; Violent acceleration when pulling away from stops or during normal driving; Pedal sticks downward; driver must physically pull pedal up to regain control; Brake application partially or temporarily reduces acceleration but does not fully prevent it; Near-miss accidents due to inability to stop violent acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers confiscated factory floor mat and directed owners to purchase replacement mat ($45 out of pocket for one $45,000 vehicle); NHTSA recall 20V513000 included remedy to modify floor mats with holes to prevent entrapment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 20V513000 (Vehicle Speed Control) issued remedy involving floor mat modification with holes; remedy approved by NHTSA but exposed mats to weather staining
ABS Module Failure and Disabled Safety Systems
ABS control module fails and disables critical safety systems including antilock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and cruise control. In one reported case, failure was triggered during attempted application of safety recall 24V653000 (ABS Module Configuration Mismatch). Module remains on extended national backorder with no ETA for replacement availability.
When: Several months of ownership; one failure triggered during recall service at dealer on 10/21/2024
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated on dash; Traction control warning light and message; Electronic stability light on; cannot be toggled by driver; Cruise control inoperative; Loss of traction during highway entry on ramp during light rain conditions; rear end breaks loose and vehicle spins; Vehicle unsafe to drive in adverse weather conditions
Codes mentioned: ABS module configuration mismatch
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement cost $500–$700; module out of stock nationally for months with no estimated time of availability; one owner left vehicle in unsafe condition for extended period awaiting part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 24V653000 (ABS Module Configuration Mismatch); dealer attempted recall application but caused module failure; dealer unable to provide ETA on replacement part availability
Forward Collision Warning / Automatic Braking Malfunctions
Forward collision warning and automatic braking system triggers unexpectedly with nothing in the vehicle's path, causing sudden hard braking or violent deceleration. System activates when crossing bridges, overpasses, shadows, speed bumps, or during normal highway merging with no obstacles present. Warning continues to activate despite TSB attempts to address the issue.
When: Throughout ownership; reported as ongoing despite TSB service
Symptoms owners cite: Collision warning flashes and alarm sounds with no vehicle or obstacle in front; Automatic braking applies brakes hard and brings vehicle to complete stop on interstate with no hazard present; System activates when crossing bridges or shadowed areas; System triggers when crossing speed bumps; System activates during normal highway operations; Nearly resulted in rear-end collision when vehicle braked unexpectedly with traffic behind
Repairs/costs cited: TSBs issued to address issue; problem persists after service; dealership unable to find apparent cause despite 4+ days in shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs issued to address forward collision warning malfunctions; RAM opened case but has not resolved problem
Cruise Control Button / Switch Malfunction
Cruise control buttons on steering wheel become inactive or unresponsive, will not power on, or require multiple presses to register. In cold weather or on first startup, button becomes less responsive and requires repeated pressing. One instance of cruise control reverting to previously set higher speed and causing unintended acceleration.
When: Throughout ownership; issue more pronounced in cold weather or during initial startup
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control button will not turn on; Button requires multiple presses (up to 10+) to register; Switches become inactive without warning; Cruise control will not cancel and requires brake pedal tap to disengage; Cruise control unexpectedly reverted to previous higher speed and caused unintended acceleration; More frequent failure in cooler outside temperatures
Cruise Control Deactivation / Non-Engagement
Cruise control deactivates unexpectedly while driving at highway speed with no warning light, and cannot be re-engaged afterward. System fails without user input and without any illuminated warning indicator.
When: At 4,500 miles while driving 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control deactivates independently while engaged at 70 mph; Vehicle decelerates; No warning light illuminated prior to failure; Unable to re-engage cruise control after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic unable to duplicate failure; vehicle not repaired
Brake Squealing During Light Braking
Brakes squeal loudly when applying light pressure to slow down between 70 and 40 mph. Issue is documented in internal RAM memo but not being addressed publicly by dealerships. Occurs frequently but dealerships cannot reproduce the issue during service.
When: Throughout ownership during light braking at highway speeds (70–40 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud brake squealing during light braking; Squealing occurs consistently at highway speeds when slowing down; Issue cannot be reproduced by dealership mechanics; Continues after TSB attempts to address
Repairs/costs cited: Known internal memo exists; not being addressed publicly by dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Internal memo exists about issue; RAM has not addressed publicly or provided solution
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2019 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 3,515 and 20,000 miles, with the median around 5,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,515; a quarter make it past 20,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.