Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P0506-00
View on NHTSA →2019 RAM 3500 fuel system problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 28 fuel system complaints filed for the 2019 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 4 model years of RAM 3500 we track for fuel system problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 28.
Owners have filed 28 fuel system complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system 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.
Emission Recall VB6 Diesel Engine Calibration
View on NHTSA →Upgrading To A Larger Capacity Fuel Tanks
View on NHTSA →Suspected Internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Coolant Leak, Additional Diagnostics.
View on NHTSA →Diesel Fuel Pump Failure and System Contamination Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ?
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 RAM 3500 diesel has a fuel-system defect that causes stalling and loss of power at speeds ranging 40–70 mph. Owners report the engine simply quits without warning; some vehicles won't restart, others restart after a delay. Check engine and exhaust service warnings light up consistently. A few owners dealt with acceleration that either doesn't happen when the pedal is pressed or peaks at 55 mph, with fuel fumes entering the cab. Fuel filter warnings and water-in-fuel alerts have appeared intermittently.
Dealers and independent shops have struggled to nail down the cause. One mechanic found metal shavings in the rear fuel filter; others found nothing. A few shops stated the high-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail, filters, and injectors all need replacement. One case involved a fuel injection leak.
The underlying problem: RAM issued recall Campaign 21V880000 in 2021, but the parts to perform the repair have never materialized in the supply chain. Owners from coast to coast confirmed with dealers that parts are unavailable—some reported waiting over a year with no timeline for resolution. One owner was told repair parts could take years. RAM acknowledged the shortage but provided no remedy. Several owners experienced stalling while the recall sat incomplete, including one case where a disabled truck was rear-ended, injuring both drivers and destroying a trailer.
Same RAM 3500 fuel system reports on nearby years: 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and loss of motive power
Vehicle stalls suddenly at various speeds without warning, frequently coupled with illuminated check engine or exhaust service warnings. Owners report the vehicle either fails to restart or restarts after a delay. Several owners mention recurring episodes over extended periods.
When: Speeds ranging 40–70 mph; mileage ranging approximately 35,500 to 214,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Loss of motive power; Check engine light illuminated; Exhaust service warning illuminated; Vehicle fails to restart or restarts after delay; Recurring failures over time
Codes mentioned: P0000 (generic check engine), Exhaust system service code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed need for high-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail, fuel filters, DEF injectors, and internal tank pump replacement; parts not available for repair. One case reported fuel injection leaking. One case had metal shavings found in rear fuel filter by independent mechanic; dealer inspection found none.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) issued; recall parts unavailable for extended periods or never available to consumers filing complaints.
Acceleration failure and speed limitation
Engine does not respond to accelerator pedal input or truck fails to exceed a certain speed threshold. One owner reported fuel fumes in the cab and inability to accelerate beyond 55 mph. Another experienced shuddering and brief near-stall when attempting to change lanes.
When: Approximately 40 mph when attempting acceleration; mileage approximately 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Depressing accelerator pedal produces no acceleration response; Vehicle shudders when attempting to change lanes; Vehicle speed capped below normal (55 mph); Check engine light illuminated; Fuel fumes detectable in cab
Codes mentioned: Check engine (unspecified code)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: fuel injection diagnosed as leaking; repaired at dealer. One case: check fuel filter warning and possible water in fuel warning triggered; not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V880000 issued; one owner stated recall parts would take years to become available.
Intermittent fuel filter warnings and performance loss
Check fuel filter and water-in-fuel warning lights illuminate intermittently at various speeds. Vehicle performance degrades with reduced fuel mileage and loss of acceleration capability. Warnings may persist or resolve temporarily.
When: Approximately 20,000–41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check fuel filter light illuminated; Possible water in fuel warning light illuminated; Warning lights intermittent; Loss of acceleration; Decreased fuel economy; Fuel warning light flashing on and off
Codes mentioned: Check fuel filter code (unspecified), Water in fuel code (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner drained fuel filter and closed valve approximately five times; vehicle restarted but issue persisted. Dealer and independent mechanics unable to diagnose root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V880000 issued; dealers unable to provide diagnosis or repair due to unavailable parts.
Recall part shortage and delayed remedy
Owners received recall notices for Campaign 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) but could not obtain repair parts. Manufacturers, dealers, and NHTSA confirmed parts were unavailable for extended periods—in some cases over a year from recall notice. Multiple owners reported the issue as a parts distribution problem.
When: Recall issued in 2021; complaints filed 2021–2023 with parts still unavailable
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to schedule recall repair; Dealer confirms parts unavailable; Manufacturer unable to provide parts availability timeline; Owners informed repair could take years; VIN tool confirmed parts not available
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed due to parts unavailability. Some owners sought diagnosis at multiple dealers; all confirmed no parts in stock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); parts distribution disconnect documented across majority of complaints.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V88000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called three local dealers, who all confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The…
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power.…
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate. The fuel mileage had decreased. The fuel warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System,…
Had fuel system 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 fuel system problem on the 2019 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 36,500 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 97,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,500; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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 $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system 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.