The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the started to decelerate. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced, the filter needed to be changed…
2019 RAM 3500 electrical problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 15 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Ram 3500 electrical complaints cluster around three serious themes: water intrusion causing CAN bus failure, parasitic battery drain, and cascading module faults.
Water intrusion through clogged wiper cowl drains is the most documented failure. Owners report moisture entering the passenger side kick-panel and firewall, corroding BCM circuit boards repeatedly. One owner's dealership replaced the BCM twice (02/2022 and 10/2025) and eventually had to replace the airbag module and address ABS loss-of-communication, all stemming from prior water damage. Another owner lost gauges and safety systems during rain at 09/2025, creating a near-miss situation.
Battery and charging system failures appear across multiple narratives. One owner's brand-new replacement battery discharged fully within 24 hours; a second battery released smoke and melted plastic within 30 minutes. The dealership identified the ABS module as the parasitic draw source. Another owner reports the PCM overcharging battery after a fuel pump recall installation.
Related electrical faults include loose fuses throughout the panel, cruise control and driver-assist disengaging under rough terrain (though resetting the system restores function temporarily), and recurring sensor codes (P2609 grid heater relay, ABS codes, check engine lights) that dealers either cannot diagnose or repair permanently. One owner's tailgate latch, replaced once, still unlatches intermittently—a pattern dealers cannot replicate during shop visits.
Same RAM 3500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Water intrusion through firewall/wiper cowl causing CAN bus and module failures
Clogged wiper cowl drains allow water to enter passenger side kick-panel and firewall, causing corrosion on BCM circuit boards and disrupting CAN bus communication. Owners report repeated water damage enabling cascading failures of safety and comfort systems.
When: Multiple events 05/2022–10/2025; ongoing rain exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of instrument gauges while driving; Loss of vehicle communication (CAN bus); ABS and airbag module communication loss; HVAC module failure; Water visible in kick-panel connectors
Codes mentioned: CAN bus fault codes (dealer documented)
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replaced 02/2022 and again 10/2025; HVAC module replaced 10/2022; airbag module replacement recommended 10/2025; dealer invoices reference cowl drain cleaning and water removal from connectors
Parasitic battery drain from ABS module
ABS module draws continuous parasitic current, depleting battery even when vehicle is off. New batteries fail within 24 hours; electrical system becomes unstable with overcharging and smoke risk.
When: Progressive failure leading to complete discharge within 24 hours
Symptoms owners cite: Battery fully discharged within 24 hours despite minimal driving; Second replacement battery released smoke and overheated within 30 minutes of operation; Wires and plastics around battery melted; Parasitic draw present whether vehicle on or off; Recurring low battery power notices restricting functions post-repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified ABS module as source after multiple days of testing; ABS module and both batteries replaced; vehicle still produces low battery warnings requiring engine restart to reset
No-start condition (fuel pump failure at low mileage)
Vehicle fails to start at 15,000 miles. Dealer diagnosis indicates fuel pump failure requiring parts on 3-month backorder, leaving truck inoperable for extended period.
When: 15,000 miles; early life failure
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start in morning; Mechanic unable to diagnose before dealer assessment
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified fuel pump failure; parts unavailable (backorder until November as of August report date); vehicle sat in dealer shop 3+ months awaiting parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM roadside assistance declined coverage citing proximity to dealer; customer service issued multiple case IDs but no technician follow-up after initial contact
Poor throttle response following powertrain calibration update
After dealer installed recall calibration for powertrain, vehicle exhibits dangerously sluggish throttle response during lane changes and freeway merges, creating collision hazard. Condition did not exist before update.
When: After powertrain recall calibration installation
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely poor throttle response during lane changes; Very slow throttle response during freeway merge; Creates unsafe following distance and merge conditions; Reported repeatedly at service but unresolved
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service unable to resolve despite multiple service visits; owner reports issue correlates directly with recall calibration update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain recall calibration installed by dealer
Fire/severe thermal event while parked
Vehicle parked at facility caught fire and burned completely. Police and fire department responded; fire contained but vehicle total loss and adjacent vehicles damaged by heat. Facility was awaiting recall parts at time of incident.
When: 07/06/2022 at 4:15 PM (observed fully engulfed by 5:50 PM)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly fully engulfed in flames while parked; Extensive heat damage to other vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle and equipment total loss; severe thermal event
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Facility was awaiting recall parts at time of incident (backlog)
Cruise control malfunction with ESC system message
Cruise control unexpectedly disables during driving and remains inoperative. Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning message displayed. Failure recurs on multiple occasions.
When: 133,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control unintentionally disabled; Cruise control remains inoperative after disengagement; No warning light but ESC system message displayed; Failure occurs on multiple occasions at various speeds (approx. 45 MPH reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; dealer diagnosis result unknown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown recall identified by owner research; VIN not included in recall notice
Electronic trailer brake controller failure
Trailer brakes fail to respond when brake pedal is depressed, despite electronic trailer brake controller being present. Failure intermittent and not reproducible by independent mechanics but recurs on road.
When: Around 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes fail to respond when brake pedal depressed; No warning lights; Intermittent; unable to replicate at independent shops; Failure recurs during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed electronic trailer brake controller as requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case after being made aware
Check engine light with deceleration and sensor issues
Check engine warning illuminates at highway speed and vehicle begins to decelerate. Dealer unable to diagnose. Independent mechanic identifies battery, sensor, and filter issues.
When: Unknown mileage; highway speed 65 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle begins to decelerate; Failure continued after repair attempt
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic recommended battery replacement, weekly filter changes, and unknown sensor replacement; vehicle repaired but failure recurred
ABS warning and loss of driver assist/cruise control over rough terrain
When driving over road ridges or rough terrain with cruise control and driver assist active, ABS warning light activates and disables both cruise control and driver assist systems. System resets after vehicle is turned off and back on.
When: Under 10,000 miles; reported on three separate occasions
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light activates when running over road ridges/rough terrain; Cruise control disabled by system; Driver assist disabled by system; ABS message states mechanic required; System resets to normal operation after vehicle reset
Codes mentioned: ABS warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner reports resetting system restores function until next occurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states this is reportedly common among Dodge owners
ABS and check engine lights with undiagnosed sensor fault
Both ABS and check engine warning lights illuminate. Dealer repairs vehicle after identifying unknown sensor replacement need, but failure recurs.
When: Approximately 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Check engine warning light illuminated; Failure recurred after repair
Codes mentioned: ABS fault, Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown sensor replaced by dealer (Rhythm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat); failure recurred despite repair
P2609 grid heater relay fault (diesel intake air heater)
P2609 code indicates grid heater relay/intake air heater system voltage fault. Grid heater bolt failing and losing ability to conduct current. Recall exists for 2021–2023 models but 2019 owner affected at 50,972 miles.
When: 50,972 miles
Symptoms owners cite: P2609 diagnostic code
Codes mentioned: P2609
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner notes same issue has recall for 2021–2023 models only (NHTSA 23V060000)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V060000 exists for 2021–2023 models; 2019 model not included in campaign
Tailgate latch intermittent failure and unlatching
Tailgate repeatedly unlatches and drops both while parked and while vehicle is in motion. Latch was replaced once but failure persists. Dealer unable to replicate issue during shop visits.
When: Multiple occurrences; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate unlatches and drops intermittently; Occurs both parked and while driving; Issue cannot be replicated in dealer shop
Repairs/costs cited: Tailgate latch replaced once by Larson Ram Puyallup; failure recurred
PCM unable to clear fault codes and out-of-warranty EGR valve replacement
After EGR valve replacement at 55,000 miles, PCM found unable to clear service codes. Dealer claims PCM not under warranty. Customer reports all 9+ issues fell outside warranty by 3,000–4,000 miles.
When: 55,000 miles (EGR failure); PCM issue post-replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Service codes unable to be cleared; PCM failure
Codes mentioned: Multiple service codes unable to clear
Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve replaced at 55,000 miles; PCM found faulty and unable to clear codes; dealer declined warranty coverage for PCM
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM customer care made no effort to replace or repair PCM; owner reports 9+ issues falling outside warranty by 3,000–4,000 miles
Loose fuses and PCM overcharging battery after fuel pump recall
All fuses found loose in fuse panel. After dealer installed new high-pressure fuel pump under recall, pump whines and PCM overcharges battery.
When: Post-recall fuel pump installation
Symptoms owners cite: All fuses loose in panel; High-pressure fuel pump whining post-installation; PCM overcharging battery
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer installed new high-pressure fuel pump under recall; loose fuses noted post-installation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: High-pressure fuel pump replaced under recall
Rear running lights malfunction
Rear running lights stop working while turn and brake lights function normally. Fuses and wiring appear intact. Owner notes this is a known issue on older models.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear running lights inoperative; Turn lights functional; Brake lights functional; All fuses and wiring checked and appear normal
Repairs/costs cited: Owner checked fuses and wiring; no repair documented
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
After replacing the EGR valve at 55,000 miles dealer went to reset service codes. PCM was found to be at fault and unable to clear codes. Dealer claimed PCM was not under warranty. Ram customer care made no efforts to replace or repair PCM. Have had 9+ issues with the truck. All issues have fallen outside of warranty by 3 to 4 thousand miles.
Rear running lights stop working. Checked all fuses, wiring all seems fine. Turn and brake lights work just no rear running lights. Know issue on old model.
Poor throttle respond when doing lane change, really really poor throttle respond, especially when doing lane change the throttle supper slow respond can causing a rear end from the safe on incoming lane changed distance to unsafe distance after the lane changed, this seriously can causing the crash by the rear end from the vehicle on the back. It also happened when merge into freeway when…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 RAM 3500?
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 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 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 15 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 46,600 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/3500.
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.