Two different times while driving the vehicle stalled. Both times it was broken wires to the fuel pump. One had rubbed on something causing the break, not sure why the other one broke. I was on a highway both times. First time it happened was around 11/19/2020 the. Again on 12/11/2020
2019 RAM 2500 electrical problems
severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 23 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 RAM 2500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical fires are the most alarming issue. Multiple owners report their 2019 Ram 2500 caught fire in the engine compartment—one shortly after cold-weather startup, another right after a dealer completed a fuel pump recall service. Both vehicles were totaled. A third owner's wiring harness under the driver's seat ignited within a minute of driving. Owners found exposed and damaged wiring throughout the truck: frayed wires in the visor that recur even after replacement, nicked insulation in undercarriage bundles, and broken fuel pump wires that caused two highway stalls. A recall exists for the heater grid on 2021–2023 models, but owners state the 2019 shares identical parts and lacks protection.
Uncontrolled acceleration has struck multiple vehicles with as few as 300–400 miles on the odometer. One stalled on a highway ramp leaving the driver unable to accelerate above 40 mph; another accelerated despite the brake pedal being pressed and continued revving even in Park. The Uconnect infotainment system freezes or reboots while driving, disabling climate control, backup camera, phone calls, and even seat heating—problems no software reflash has permanently fixed. Trailer brake modules falsely report "trailer not connected" and kill brake lights, forcing owners to pull over and cycle the key, sometimes ineffectively. One nearly caused a crash at 70 mph on I-95 at midnight. Other electrical gremlins include battery saver mode cutting power in cold weather, complete system shutdowns at highway speed, and the push-button start allowing the truck to be driven without the key fob present.
Same RAM 2500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Engine compartment electrical fire
Multiple owners report electrical fires in the engine compartment, primarily centered on the driver-side fender where electrical systems reside. Owners report smoke pouring from ventilation vents, fire spreading from engine bay into cab. One fire occurred shortly after the vehicle was started in cold weather (below 40°F); another happened shortly after a CP4 fuel pump recall service was completed. Both vehicles were totaled. Owners suspect the heater grid as a potential cause.
When: Within minutes to hours of starting vehicle; cold-weather incidents noted (below 40°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical or plastic smell; Smoke from air vents or engine bay; Flames from engine compartment; Fire spreading into cab
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles totaled; fire department response required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2021-2023 model years but not extended to 2019; owner states 2019 shares same parts
Electrical wiring harness fire
Owner reports electrical wiring harness under the front driver's seat caught fire within one minute of driving the vehicle out of driveway. Owner extinguished fire with water before professional response.
When: Immediate; within one minute of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell; Smoke; Fire in wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Owner used water to extinguish; intended to have vehicle towed to dealer
Exposed and damaged wiring under vehicle
Two separate reports of unprotected wiring harnesses in undercarriage areas. One owner found frayed and severed wires in driver-side visor with sharp edges at exit port causing wire damage; second owner found unprotected wiring bundle behind left front wheel with nicked insulation exposing conductor. Both owners express concern about fire risk and short circuits.
When: Discovered during inspection; visor issue recurring (first occurrence at 32,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Frayed wires; Severed wires; Nicked insulation; Exposed conductors; Intermittent electrical function (vanity mirror light, homelink)
Repairs/costs cited: Visor replacement available for inspection; owner taped wiring in undercarriage to protect from further damage
Fuel pump wiring failure
Two highway stalls caused by broken wires to fuel pump. One wire rubbed against something causing the break; cause of second break unknown. Both incidents occurred on highways, creating safety hazard.
When: 11/19/2020 and 12/11/2020; both highway incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled while driving on highway; Complete loss of fuel pump power
Repairs/costs cited: Broken wires to fuel pump required replacement
Electronic throttle control (ETC) malfunction
Two separate incidents of uncontrolled acceleration with ETC light illumination. First owner experienced uncontrolled acceleration in 40-mph zone followed by power loss on highway ramp. Second owner experienced sudden acceleration despite depressing brake pedal, followed by continued engine revving even after vehicle was in Park, then stalling when restarted with all warning lights illuminated.
When: As early as 400 miles on first vehicle; second vehicle at approximately 300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled acceleration; ETC light illumination; Power loss; Engine revving without pedal input; Check engine light illumination; Ignition warning light illumination; Vehicle stalling
Codes mentioned: ETC light code (specific code not provided), Check engine code (specific code not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: First dealer (Crown Motors, Redding CA) diagnosed and replaced EGR valve; second incident on same vehicle (stalling uphill at 45 mph) produced no diagnostic codes and was not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case number 64570388 provided for second incident
Uconnect infotainment system freezing and malfunction
Multiple owners report Uconnect 4C Nav and 12-inch touchscreen systems freezing, rebooting, or malfunctioning without notice while driving. System freezes disable or prevent access to volume control, towing settings, seat heating, steering wheel heating, Bluetooth call management, navigation, climate control, backup camera, and 360-degree camera. One owner reports screen repeatedly flashing on and off creating visual distraction; another reports delaminating touchscreen causing random function activation and dialing.
When: While in motion on highways and city streets; instances noted with new and used vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Screen freeze or reboot; Inability to control stereo volume; Inability to manage towing settings; Inability to control seat heating or steering wheel heating; Bluetooth call management disruption; Navigation system disruption; Climate control inaccessibility; Screen flashing repeatedly; Screen delamination; Random phone calls or function activation
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives
Trailer brake module communication failure
Multiple owners report trailer brake light flickering or shutting off completely, with erroneous 'trailer not connected' warning message displayed while trailer is connected and in use. Occurs repeatedly while hauling, requiring multiple power cycles (engine off/restart) to temporarily restore function. Newer model years have recalls for this control brake module but not applied to 2019 model year.
When: While actively hauling trailers; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brake light flickering; Trailer brake light shutoff; Erroneous 'trailer not connected' warning message; Loss of trailer light and brake function; Vehicle lights and brakes shutting down
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: disconnect and reconnect trailer, shut off engine and restart; often ineffective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall applied to newer vehicles but not 2019; manufacturer provided no assistance per owner report
CAN bus network communication error (U0002, U0212 codes)
Owner reports intermittent ESC (electronic stability control) flashing on dash with codes U0002 and U0212 indicating CAN bus network communication failures. Issue causes abrupt cruise control disablement when ESC flashes. Problem recurred approximately one year after initial dealer reflash, confirming it was not resolved by reflash procedure. Owner documented concerns that issue would recur after warranty expiration.
When: Intermittently; first occurrence prior to complaint, recurrence approximately one year later
Symptoms owners cite: Service ESC flashing intermittently; Abrupt cruise control disablement; CAN bus network communication loss
Codes mentioned: U0002, U0212
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed ABS reflash as attempted repair; issue recurred
Engine stall with complete electrical system shutdown
Two separate complete system resets and shutdowns occurring while driving at highway speeds (over 70 mph). All computer-controlled systems indicated need for service; vehicle exhibited complete loss of power while in motion.
When: While driving at over 70 mph; happened twice on same date, one prior incident
Symptoms owners cite: Complete system reset and coding of all computer functions; Complete system shutdown while driving; All systems indicate service required; Loss of power while in motion
Battery saver mode activation in cold weather
In temperatures below 30°F, vehicle randomly activates battery saver mode warning and randomly shuts down individual systems. Radio is the most commonly affected system to shut down.
When: When ambient temperature drops below 30°F
Symptoms owners cite: 'Battery Saver ON' warning message; Random system shutdown; Radio shutdown; Reduced power notification
Push-button start security bypass
Vehicle allows driver to put transmission into gear and drive without key fob present when vehicle is manually started (as opposed to remote start feature, which properly disables the vehicle without fob). Owner drove on highway at 70 mph after realizing fob was dropped and vehicle remained operational despite lack of fob.
When: Immediately after manual start; continuous until owner realized fob was absent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle allows shifting into gear without key fob; Vehicle continues driving without fob present; Vehicle allows motion at highway speeds without fob
Windshield advisory message distraction
Wind advisor message appears on startup with no option to deactivate, forcing driver to look away from road to disable feature.
When: At vehicle startup; approximately 12 miles of operation
Symptoms owners cite: Wind advisor message display without deactivation option; Driver distraction requirement
Diesel exhaust system electrical control failure
Owner reports ongoing diesel exhaust system issues requiring repeated dealer visits since approximately 300 miles from purchase at 105,000 miles. Owner has spent approximately $20,000–$22,000 on repairs over two-year period. Dealer cannot effectively diagnose and repair the problem.
When: Ongoing for two years; in and out of shop since October (prior year)
Symptoms owners cite: Diesel exhaust system malfunction; Repeated failure requiring multiple repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Approximately $20,000–$22,000 in repair costs; multiple dealer visits; dealer unable to fix problem
Rear window water intrusion
Rear backlite window leaks water into cab through upper frame and headliner, dripping onto seats. Owner identifies this as known issue on 2019 and newer Ram trucks with same backlite design, caused by cracked upper frame and failed seal.
When: Unknown timing of failure onset
Symptoms owners cite: Water intrusion through rear window; Water dripping from headliner; Wet seats
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Vehicle has push button start. I start the vehicle and leave running in the morning to defrost. When I went back to the vehicle I unlocked it with the fob while I was walking thru the garage. Stopped in the garage to pick something up and accidentally dropped the fob. Got in the vehicle and drove off. Why does the vehicle allow me to put it in gear without the fob. If I had had remote start and…
While installing side steps found an unprotected wiring harness under the truck, just behind the left front wheel. After looking closer at the wires found a wire with nicked insulation, conductor was showing. Didn't cause a problem, yet, however having a bundle of unprotected wiring in this location creates the potential to disable the vehicle if tire kicked something up from road and severed…
The touch screen is delaminating. Due to the delaminating the truck randomly calls people, randomly turns functions on/off, it can be very distracting. The only way to solve the issue is to turn off the unit, however half the cars controls and controlled through the unit including some of the safety features so if the head unit is turned off I can’t use some of the safety features.
My rear back window is leaking into the cab. Water comes in around the rear headliner and down onto the seats. This is a known issue on 2019+ Ram trucks with the same backlite design — cracked upper frame and failed seal causing water intrusion.
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 RAM 2500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 RAM 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 23 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 16,429 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/RAM/2500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.