Owners of 2019 Ram 2500 trucks are reporting tailgate latches that open on their own while driving, sometimes repeatedly. The tailgate opens without warning during highway driving, turns, and even stops—events that happen intermittently and vary from low speed (under 10 mph) to 65 mph. When it does open, it causes damage to the truck bed and whatever cargo or trailers are behind it. Several owners report the tailgate requires slamming to close securely, and in some cases it pops back open immediately after they manually shut it.
Owners have taken trucks to dealers multiple times, but technicians cannot replicate the failure during diagnostic visits, so no repairs are completed. Chrysler has issued recalls 22V904000 (Structure) and 21V880000 (Fuel System), but the tailgate issue persists even after previous repair attempts. One owner reports the electronic liftgate actuator was diagnosed as faulty and needing replacement, but the work was never completed.
Beyond tailgate problems, owners report a frame failure at 6,000 miles where the frame snapped and the drivetrain fell out during highway driving, body mounts failing and making noise even after replacement, hoods that vibrate and move at highway speeds despite being properly latched, water leaking from rear windows, and door handles breaking. The pattern suggests manufacturing and assembly issues rather than isolated defects.
Failure modes owners describe
Tailgate spontaneous opening while driving
The tailgate unlatches and swings open without driver action while the vehicle is in motion or at low speeds. This occurs intermittently and is not reliably reproducible at dealerships. Owners report it happens during highway driving, turns, and even stops. In some cases the tailgate pops back open immediately after being manually closed.
When: Occurs from early ownership (some within 6,000-10,000 miles) through 90,000+ miles; incidents reported from March 2020 onward in 2019 model-year vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens without driver input while driving; False dashboard warning that tailgate is open when it is actually closed; Tailgate requires slamming to close securely; Tailgate fails to open via handle, requires remote or in-cab button; Tailgate pops back open immediately after manual closure, requiring multiple closing attempts; Intermittent nature makes dealer diagnosis impossible
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced electronic liftgate actuators in at least one case. Multiple owners report dealers cannot replicate the failure during diagnostic visits and refuse repair. One owner was refused service because vehicle was not purchased from that dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V904000 (Structure) relates to tailgate failure. Campaign 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) also referenced but unrelated to tailgate. Chrysler advised one owner to contact corporate via letter; has not provided effective repair or replacement. Vehicle under manufacturer inspection in at least one case.
Tailgate misalignment causing closure failure
The tailgate is out of alignment with the bed frame, preventing secure closure and contributing to spontaneous opening. This appears to stem from bed geometry issues or improper manufacturing alignment.
When: Early in ownership; one case noted at 10,000 miles after previous recall repair under 22V904000
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate difficult or impossible to close securely; Tailgate requires excessive force (slamming) to latch; Out-of-alignment bed or cab relative to other body panels
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed out-of-alignment tailgate but refused to repair. Another owner reports dealer stated 'there is no fix' for tailgate support cable tension imbalance and out-of-square bed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective corrective action documented. Previous repair under 22V904000 (Structure) did not resolve issue in at least one case.
Frame failure / structural separation
One owner reported catastrophic frame failure where the frame snapped and drivetrain and axle separated from the vehicle while driving at highway speed (65 mph). Vehicle was towed and placed under manufacturer inspection.
When: At 6,000 miles on vehicle with low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Frame snaps while driving; Drivetrain and axle fall away from vehicle; Vehicle pulls to one side (veered left, hit guardrail)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; tow operator stated cause was manufacturer defect. Under manufacturer inspection. Owner provided photos.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle under inspection by manufacturer.
Door handle failure
Driver-side front interior door handle broke, with the plastic post piece used to bolt and secure the handle failing. Owner nearly fell to the ground as a result.
When: At 5,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side interior door handle breaks during normal use; Plastic post securing handle fails; Handle becomes inoperable
Body mount deterioration
Body mounts fail prematurely, causing noise and clunking. After replacement with updated mounts at 8,000 miles, the problem recurs at 9,000 miles.
When: Starting around 2,000 miles; recurs after replacement at 8,000–9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Faint noises at low mileage; Clunking and noise from body mounts; Problem returns after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced with 'all updated mounts' at 8,000 miles; noise returned by 9,000 miles.
Hood movement and vibration at highway speeds
Hood vibrates, shakes, or visibly moves around in turbulent air or at highway speeds. Movement occurs despite latches being properly engaged. Appears to be a fit or latch design issue.
When: Ongoing, occurs intermittently in specific driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Hood moves, vibrates, or shakes at highway speeds; Hood moves in turbulent air or when following semi-trucks; Hood moves in windy conditions; Latch is properly engaged despite visible movement
Rear window water leak
Rear window leaks water into the cab. Ram has a recall for this issue on certain models, but the affected vehicle does not fall under that recall. Owner reports class action lawsuit exists for leaking rear windows on Ram vehicles.
When: Owner timeframe not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Significant water leakage from rear window; Water accumulation in cab; Risk of electrical fire due to water in cab; Mold and odor development
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall exists for certain 2019 Ram 2500 models (Campaign not specified in narrative) but this vehicle does not fall under it. Class action lawsuit regarding rear window leaks exists.
Rambox lid delamination
Rambox lid appliques repeatedly delaminate from the bed. Dealer has applied new tape and adhesive promoter per a recall, but the foam tape fails to adhere due to the curve of the panel. This is a recurring issue even after repair attempts.
When: Multiple incidents; owner has been to dealer at least 4 times for this problem
Symptoms owners cite: Rambox lid appliques delaminate; Foam tape adhesion failure on curved panel; Problem recurs after adhesive repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer applied new tape and adhesive promoter per recall protocol, but adhesion failure persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall involved reapplication of foam tape with adhesive promoter, but this approach has proven ineffective for this owner.
Parking sensor malfunction
Front parking sensors are frequently disabled and display 'wipe sensors' message even after vehicle wash. Sensors do not function reliably.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Front parking sensors disabled repeatedly; Wipe sensors warning message displayed; Sensors disabled even after car wash; Sensors not functioning reliably
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.