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moderate Owners of the 2019 RAM 1500 have filed 115 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 1500 | 242 |
| 2016 1500 | 230 |
| 2017 1500 | 136 |
| 2018 1500 | 106 |
| 2019 1500 (this page) | 115 |
| 2020 1500 | 70 |
| 2021 1500 | 101 |
Owners have filed 115 engine complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 115 complaints per campaign.
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
3-way valves are available in STAR Parts as two distinct components and must be selected correctly based on application. The High Temp 3-way valve (68309834AC) is located between the engine and the bulkhead at the rear of the engine compartment. The Low Temp 3-way valve (68448241AA) is located between the engine and the radiator at the front of the engine. When ordering or servicing, ensure the correct valve is identified and installed in the proper location, as incorrect part selection may lead to improper thermal system operation and repeat repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ID-25-14 Rev. A ALL Model Years 2019 - 2021 VF, DS, LA, LD and LX with a 3.6L Engine for Camshaft and/or Rocker Arm Replacements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2019 Ram 1500 engine complaints cluster describes a persistent and widespread pattern of mechanical failures. The most frequent complaint—exhaust manifold cracking and bolt shearing—appears in roughly one-quarter of narratives. Owners hear a ticking noise on cold start, smell exhaust fumes entering the cabin, and find one or both manifolds cracked at the center, often with bolts snapped. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 09-011-22, dated September 2022) acknowledges the defect for 5.7L models, but owners report replacement manifolds fail again within months, and OEM parts remain perpetually backordered. Exhaust entering the cabin raises carbon monoxide poisoning concerns.
Catastrophic engine failures—rod knock, timing chain snapping, valve damage, and lifter collapse—occur at relatively low mileage (40k–110k miles) without warning check-engine lights. Some owners report sudden power loss on highways. Metal shavings in the oil system, faulty camshaft intake sensors, and broken pushrods have required full engine replacement at costs exceeding $4,000–$22,000, often outside warranty. Owners cite TSB S1709000010 documenting metal debris requiring long-block replacement.
Secondary issues include failed head gaskets, cracked oil-filter housings on the 3.6L Pentastar, EGR cooler failures, and defective diesel fuel pumps with ongoing recalls. Several owners report multiple engine failures under warranty—one truck had its head replaced three times, then failed again. Parts shortages plague recall repairs; owners have waited months for parts to arrive, with some recalls remaining incomplete over a year after notification.
Same RAM 1500 engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Both driver and passenger side exhaust manifolds develop cracks and bolts shear, typically at the center of the manifold. Owners report cracks appearing in pairs on both sides. TSB 09-011-22 (dated Sept 2022) documents this for 5.7L models but provides no permanent fix; replacement manifolds crack again.
When: Typically 40k–110k miles; some as early as startup on new vehicles; one owner at 51k miles experienced second failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or metallic knocking on cold start; Ticking becomes quieter as engine warms but returns on next cold start; Smell of exhaust fumes in cabin during idle or stop-and-go traffic; Reduced fuel economy; Visible cracks in manifold material when inspected
Repairs/costs cited: OEM manifold replacement quoted at $833–$1,600 including labor; shorty headers offered as expensive alternative and also backordered. Owners report parts unavailable for 4–7 months; replacement manifolds fail again within months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 09-011-22 issued September 2022 for 2019–2021 Ram 5.7L; no recall issued despite widespread complaints
Engine develops loud metallic knocking, loses power, and seizes internally. Owners describe hearing distinct knocking that increases with RPM, followed by complete engine shutdown. Diagnosis reveals bent cylinders, damaged bearings, bent valves, and destroyed cylinder heads requiring full engine replacement.
When: 40k–110k miles with no warning lights beforehand
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic knocking from engine that increases with throttle pressure; Hesitation or stuttering during acceleration days before failure; Sudden power loss while driving at highway speeds; Engine shuts down and will not restart; No check-engine light warning prior to failure
Codes mentioned: P051B-00 (Crankcase Pressure Sensor Performance) — owner noted as precursor to stalling/fire risk in 3.0L EcoDiesel per Recall 19V-757, P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit — Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Repairs/costs cited: Full long-block replacement required, ranging $4,000–$22,000. One owner 100 miles after fuel pump recall replacement; another at 68k miles. One truck had engine replaced twice under warranty, then failed a third time and was deemed total loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage varies; several owners denied coverage when mileage exceeded 60k (3.0L diesel powertrain warranty); manufacturer representatives declined responsibility on at least two cases despite known design issues
Timing chain snaps during operation, tensioner disintegrates, chain guides are destroyed, engine overrotates, and valves bend. This is a catastrophic internal failure requiring complete engine replacement.
When: One reported case at unknown mileage under powertrain warranty; no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: No-start condition with fast crank but no engine rotation; Zero PSI compression; No movement in valvetrain when valve cover removed and engine cranked; Check-engine light showing camshaft position sensor fault
Codes mentioned: P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires long-block replacement. Dealership diagnostic cost and full engine replacement cost not stated by owner.
Lifter rollers seize due to poor lubrication from block geometry design flaw, cam lobes wear, metal debris circulates in oil system, and valve tappets fail. Sludge and metal shavings clog oil ports. TSB S1709000010 (Rev B) documents the issue and mandates long-block replacement.
When: 40k–80k miles typical; one reported at 51k miles with recurring ticking
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal engine ticking that increases when engine is warm; Metallic grinding noise from specific cylinders (commonly #4 and #6); Rough idle and loss of power; Misfires in one or more cylinders without clear check-engine codes; Metal shavings visible on variable valve timing (VVT) pulleys during inspection
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes (e.g., cylinder 4, 6 misfiring), P0505 (Idle Air Control System Malfunction) — implied by rough idle
Repairs/costs cited: TSB S1709000010 mandates long-block replacement due to oil system contamination. One owner charged $250 for diagnosis plus labor for engine removal; exact replacement cost not stated. Another dealership replaced entire long-block without itemized cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB S1709000010 (Rev B) issued; requires long-block replacement if metal debris found
Engine shuts down unexpectedly while driving at various speeds with no check-engine light or warning beforehand. Vehicle may lose all power including power steering. In one case at very low mileage (130 miles), in another at 5k miles, and others at 65k miles. Causes vary: fuel pump failure, tone wheel generator failure, electrical relay issues, or undiagnosed internal failures.
When: As early as 130 miles and under 5k miles; also at 65k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving at any speed; Complete loss of engine power and power steering; No warning lights illuminated before shutdown; Vehicle can sometimes be restarted; other times fails to restart; On highways, creates immediate safety hazard requiring emergency stop
Codes mentioned: P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) — in one case with timing chain failure
Repairs/costs cited: One case: fuel pump and tone wheel generator replaced at authorized dealer after 90+ days in shop. Another case: dealership could not duplicate issue at 17k miles, proposed engine replacement but manufacturer denied coverage. Cost of repairs where known ranges from $288 diagnostic to full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined coverage in at least two cases; one dealership blamed 'ghost error codes' from prior repair and refused to document 12+ check-engine service visits
Head gasket ruptures, causing coolant to leak into cylinders or onto ground. Brown or green fluid pooling under vehicle. Coolant contamination forces multiple component failures (radiator, engine, unknown others).
When: 50k–110k miles; one case at 60k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brown or greenish fluid leaking from under front of vehicle; Loss of coolant with no visible external leak; Coolant entering spark plug wells (causing failed spark plug codes); Check-engine light and black smoke from exhaust under acceleration; Overheating risks
Codes mentioned: Spark plug failure codes (owner noted as symptom of coolant intrusion)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner quotes $8,000–$10,000 repair cost; another dealership charges $4,000 just for diagnostic tear-down. Full head gasket replacement plus radiator and engine-related repairs documented in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: manufacturer denied coverage when vehicle was 4 months out of warranty; recommended diagnostic cost to determine root cause
EGR cooler cracks, leaks coolant onto exhaust manifold, and generates excessive smoke from engine bay. This occurs even after EGR cooler has been replaced under recall; second and third replacements documented. No service records exist for original recall completion despite dealer claiming work done.
When: Multiple replacements noted; original issue unresolved; one case involved driving with children when cooler failed and truck poured smoke
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive smoke pouring from behind and underneath truck; Strong smell of burning coolant; Possible ignition risk from heat on manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Two consecutive EGR cooler replacements documented; third failure required another replacement. Original recall (completion claimed as Dec 2019) had no parts available until March–May 2020 and no service records on file.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledges no service records or work orders for original recall; claims recall may have been done during 'stop sale' in-transit without documentation; denies responsibility for subsequent failures
Diesel Particulate Filter becomes defective and requires replacement. DPF regeneration cycle malfunctions (vehicle entered regeneration only once in owner's experience despite proper maintenance). Dealership quotes $4,600+ for replacement and denies warranty coverage despite 'bumper-to-bumper' extended warranty in place.
When: Within warranty period; one owner reports 18 claims ahead of theirs in queue at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Check-engine light illumination; DPF regeneration cycle not cycling properly or cycling only once
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quotes over $4,600 for DPF replacement; claims 'bumper-to-bumper' warranty does not cover emissions system. Owner notes long backlog (18 claims ahead) with no loaner vehicle provided during 2+ months in shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denies coverage under 'bumper-to-bumper' warranty; owner notes prior summary judgment against Ram for emission control defects on earlier models that allegedly were 'fixed' for 2019
Oil pan undergoes severe corrosion, primarily affecting the pan itself with minimal corrosion elsewhere on truck. Corrosion leads to oil weeping and engine oil loss, posing environmental and engine reliability risks. Dealership acknowledges widespread issue but RAM refuses to address it, claiming environmental factors.
When: Discovered during routine oil change; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Severe corrosion visible on underside of oil pan; Oil weeping from corroded pan; No other corrosion visible on truck frame or components
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealership service manager confirmed RAM is aware of issue and refuses to address
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM refuses to remedy, claiming corrosion is caused by 'environmental factors' despite selective corrosion affecting only oil pan
Fuel pump fails shortly after mandatory recall replacement service. Owners report metal shavings and connector rod-to-crankshaft overheating issues related to fuel pump design. One owner reports failure 100 miles post-recall; another had recurring issues requiring 90+ days in shop with multiple failed repair attempts.
When: 37.5k–65k miles; as early as 100 miles post-recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sounds and gas lag after fuel pump recall replacement; Jerky transmission shifting at different RPMs; Hesitation and jolting while driving from complete stop; Vehicle stalling on highway
Repairs/costs cited: One owner charged $288 diagnostic + $4,300 engine replacement cost (discounted from $22,000 manufacturer quote) when failure occurred 100 miles after recall. Another: fuel pump and tone wheel generator replacement after 90+ days at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership offered discount on engine replacement (from $22k to $4.3k) when failure occurred 2 months past warranty expiration, despite being 100 miles post-recall. Manufacturer denies fuel pump defect is cause of engine failure.
Transmission delays shifting, jerks between gears at different RPMs, or loses power entirely under acceleration. Vehicle hesitates and lurches. Occurs sometimes intermittently, sometimes consistently.
When: Various mileage; one case 37.5k miles post-fuel pump recall; others at 36k, 65k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks in and out of gears unpredictably; Hesitation and stuttering during acceleration from stops; Jolting and loss of power response during highway acceleration; Delayed or sluggish gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented; one owner blamed fuel pump recall service as cause; others remain undiagnosed despite dealer visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Vehicle catches fire spontaneously, either while parked in driveway or during driving. Two cases reported: one parked vehicle engulfed flames with no known cause, another ignited after crash. Both deemed total loss.
When: Unknown mileage; one while parked, one after crash
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle engulfed in flames without warning; Smoke and flames visible
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles declared total loss by insurance; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case, manufacturer started investigation but no outcome documented; in another, no recall found for VIN and no manufacturer response noted
Check-engine light and throttle sensor warning lights illuminate repeatedly. After throttle sensor replacement, vehicle still fails to start or restart. Valve cover gasket inspection yields no findings. Warranty company demands entire engine tear-down for coverage decision.
When: Approximately 52,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check-engine warning light illuminates; Throttle sensor warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls while driving at 45–50 MPH; Vehicle fails to restart after stalling; Lights reset at dealer but failure recurs
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle sensor replaced at dealership; valve cover gasket removed for inspection at independent shop with no root cause found. Warranty company requires full engine tear-down for repair coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to Dodge dealer for diagnostic; Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram provided no assistance
Owners report a distinctive ticking or vibration noise that dealers sometimes dismiss as normal 'Hemi tick.' Upon investigation, owners find the issue is caused by faulty lifters, camshaft problems, or manifold bolt shearing. One owner reports this at 51k miles; another notes it increases when engine is warm.
When: Early in ownership through 103k miles; one at 51k miles reported second ticking issue
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or vibration noise from engine; Noise increases when engine is warm (opposite of cold-start manifold tick); Rough idle quality; Dealers initially dismiss as normal operation; Upon investigation, manifold bolts or lifters found to be faulty
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes (when lifter/cam issue diagnosed)
Repairs/costs cited: Manifold replacement quoted $833–$1,600; lifter/camshaft issues require long-block replacement. One owner reports manifold bolt shearing twice by 51k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service representatives initially claim noise is normal 'Hemi tick' and dismiss it as design characteristic, delaying diagnosis of actual failure
Heater core fails, causing windshield to fog with steam and coolant smell to enter cabin. Multiple owners report heater core failures; dealerships confirm over 3,400 heater cores on backorder with no release date.
When: 60k miles documented; one case; widespread backorder issue
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield fills with steam while driving, obscuring vision; Sweet smell of antifreeze in cabin; Haze or mist visible inside cabin
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealership confirmed 3,400+ heater cores on backorder with no ETA; dealership waiting on 7 heater core replacements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented; parts supply chain failure
Multiple owners cite open NHTSA recalls 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) with parts unavailable. Several owners report exceeding reasonable repair timeframes (one year or more) with no ETA for parts. One owner reports engine 'blew up' (hole in engine block) and axles broke while driving on freeway during recall delay.
When: At and beyond 36k–65k miles; one case at unknown mileage during recall delay
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitation and jolting under recalls 22V406000 and 23V411000; Engine failure during recall delays; Stalling and loss of motive power on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners confirm parts not available via VIN tool. One owner: engine blew hole in block and axles broke on freeway; dealer refused warranty coverage despite open recall status.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledges parts not available; several owners report exceeding reasonable timeframe for recall repair (over one year with no ETA); one dealership called recall 'unrepairable' and refused vehicle trade-in
The Mopar 48-volt motor-generator unit (MGU), part of the eTorque hybrid assist system, fails and battery cannot be recharged. Over 4,800 units backordered with no clear ETA. Owner reports battery died while towing trailer; had no ability to restart truck without MGU.
When: Unknown mileage; backorder of 4,800+ units documented
Symptoms owners cite: Battery depletes rapidly while driving; MGU fails to charge battery during operation; Vehicle cannot start without MGU charging battery
Repairs/costs cited: MGU replacement required; over 4,800 units on backorder with months-long wait
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite safety risk; parts severely backordered
PCM unable to read O2 sensors; vehicle throws check-engine light with black smoke from exhaust during acceleration. One case involved post-head-gasket-failure diagnostics with unknown root cause.
When: Approximately 60k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check-engine light illuminates; Black smoke from exhaust during hard acceleration; Vehicle not running properly after major repair
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs pending at independent shop; root cause undetermined at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated VIN not under recall
Synthesized from 115 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 115 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 36,000 and 94,500 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 94,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.