The contact owns a 2019 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal squealing sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an…
2019 RAM 3500 engine problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 18 engine complaints filed for the 2019 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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
Among the 11 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 RAM 3500 shows a pattern of serious engine and fuel system failures between 44,000 and 189,000 miles, including catastrophic rod bearing breaks, fuel pump failures that kill power at highway speed, and unexplained engine fires. Multiple owners report dealers cannot diagnose or fix recurring issues, and RAM's recalled campaign appears incomplete.
The 2019 RAM 3500 engine complaints center on three critical failure classes. First, fuel pump failures—specifically the CP4 high-pressure pump—cause sudden loss of all power at highway speeds, sometimes with a "Service Exhaust" warning appearing first instead of a check engine light. One owner faced a $20,000 fuel system replacement bill after metal shavings contaminated the fuel filter; the dealer said no permanent fix exists.
Second, connecting rod and engine bearing failures produce loud knocking or ticking from the block followed by complete stall and engine seizure—one owner's rods actually broke through the engine block. These failures occur across mileage ranges from 55,000 to 189,000 miles.
Third, two owners reported uncontrolled engine fires during normal driving with zero warning. One extinguished the fire himself; the other's truck was totaled.
Beyond these catastrophic failures, owners report persistent "Service Exhaust" warnings that dealers clear but don't fix—the code returns within 150 miles—leaving drivers in limp mode. Several owners took vehicles to dealers two or three times only to be told diagnostics were inconclusive and nothing could be done. One owner's truck stalled 34 times by 490 miles. RAM refused a warranty repair on a fuel system problem at 44,000 miles despite the owner's fuel samples showing no contamination.
Same RAM 3500 engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump (CP4) Failure
High-pressure fuel pump failure causing complete loss of engine power and vehicle shutdown. Owners report abrupt deceleration from highway speeds and metal shavings found in fuel filters. One case resulted in a $20,000 repair bill (partial insurance coverage).
When: 55,000 to 130,000+ miles; one case at 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Exhaust warning light; no engine light initially; Abrupt loss of power while accelerating or cruising; Vehicle deceleration from 65-75 mph down to 25-35 mph; Complete stall; vehicle will not restart; Metal shavings in fuel filter
Repairs/costs cited: Complete fuel system replacement ($20,000 estimate; $13,000 covered by insurance); fuel filter replacement; one mechanic stated no permanent fix available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall action taken; service advisor stated problem is common on new Rams but no manufacturer fix issued; owner claims VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 20V511000
Engine Rod/Bearing Failure
Cracked or fractured connecting rod in cylinder causing catastrophic engine damage. Owners report loud knocking or ticking sounds followed by complete engine seizure. Engine replacement required in all cases.
When: 55,000 to 189,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal loud knocking, ticking, or rattling sound from engine compartment; Abrupt deceleration or loss of power; Engine stalls and will not restart; Connecting rods break out of engine block, creating holes
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; one case unrepaired at time of report; one owner reported rods broke through engine block
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered; VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 20V511000
Engine Fire
Uncontrolled engine fire during normal driving with no prior warning. Two cases reported; one contained and extinguished by owner, one deemed total loss by insurance.
When: 130,000 and 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights before fire; Abnormal noise heard before stall and fire; Smoke entering cab through vents and exiting hood; Fire visible when hood opened; Complete stall
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle not yet diagnosed; second vehicle deemed total loss by insurance; fire chief unable to determine cause due to extensive damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V511000 referenced but VIN not included; one case manufacturer not contacted
Coolant Leak / EGR and Head Gasket Failure
Check coolant warning light activation followed by rapid coolant depletion. Diagnosis initially identified EGR and head gasket needing replacement; repair performed but issue recurred, requiring EGR fluid addition.
When: 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check coolant level warning message on display; Coolant reservoir empty after adding coolant and driving 5 miles; Check coolant warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: EGR and head gasket replaced; did not resolve issue; second service for EGR fluid required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Intermittent Stalling with Inconclusive Diagnosis
Vehicle stalls without warning during low-speed driving, recurring multiple times. Dealer unable to determine root cause despite two visits and testing.
When: 490 miles (very early in vehicle life)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls temporarily at 20 mph while driving or accelerating from stop; No warning lights initially; unknown warning light illuminated twice; Failure recurred approximately 34 times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic results inconclusive; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and advised follow-up with dealer; no action taken
Service Exhaust Warning with No Resolution
Persistent service exhaust warning and check engine light; codes repeatedly cleared by dealers without identifying or fixing underlying issue. Vehicle enters limp mode.
When: Multiple occurrences across various mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Service Exhaust System warning on dashboard; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle enters limp mode after certain mileage; Warning recurs within 150 miles of code clearing
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealers cleared diagnostic codes with no resolution; codes return within 150 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No diagnosis or permanent fix provided; dealers advised to bring vehicle back if problem recurs
Turbocharger/Variable Turbo Actuator Failure
Variable turbo actuator failure causing fuel leak and acceleration loss. Vehicle unable to exceed 5 mph.
When: 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel leaking when depressing accelerator pedal; Vehicle fails to accelerate; unable to exceed 5 mph; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Variable turbo actuator replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Fuel System Contamination and Injector Failure
DPF filter blockage leading to loss of power; replacement performed, but injector contamination failure occurred 60 miles later. Owner reports fuel samples showed no contamination.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving on busy road; Vehicle unable to exceed 5 mph; DPF filter blocked
Repairs/costs cited: DPF filter replaced; waited nearly one month for sensor; second failure occurred 60 miles later; dealer blamed injector contamination but owner had three fuel samples analyzed with no contamination found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM refused to repair under warranty despite low mileage
Limp Mode Activation with Turbocharger Failure
Vehicle enters limp mode and turbocharger becomes inoperable during driving. No warning lights prior to failure.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal ticking sound from vehicle; No warning lights illuminated; Vehicle enters LIMP Mode; Turbocharger inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired at time of report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2019 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 108,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 135,000. 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 $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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.