The 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 is sold as a powerful truck built for work; however, it may not be the best option for consumers looking for vehicles with similar capabilities. In 2019, Consumer Reports named the 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 as the least reliable car you can buy. If you purchase a 2019 3500, you may be in for lengthy and expensive repairs. Multiple Ram drivers have filed formal complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where they have discussed notable problems with the engine, transmission, structure, and other components of their vehicles.
2019 RAM 3500 Engine
Engine trouble is one of the most common issues present in the 2019 Ram 3500. Customers have dealt with abnormal engine noises such as knocking or ticking sounds. Stalling, overheating, and engine failure can also occur. Some of the most disturbing results from these engine defects are vehicle fires.
In a formal complaint to NHTSA, one driver detailed how their 2019 3500 pickup caught on fire while their spouse was driving the vehicle, “the contact stated while his wife was driving at 55mph, she heard an abnormal noise before the vehicle stalled and smoke started to enter the cab through the vents… the contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and opened the hood to see fire exiting the engine.”
2019 RAM 3500 Structure
Structural and suspension-related concerns are common in the 2019 3500. Several drivers have reported that components of their car, such as the hood and liftgate can shake while driving at higher speeds. One driver discussed their experience with a major structural issue in their pickup, stating the hood of their vehicle begins to shake “at highway speeds between 65-80mph. It appears that the left and right sides of the hood are lifting in the wind. I’m afraid that the hood could blow open in severe winds.”
Drivers have also reported structural issues with the front end of their vehicles. Formal complaints about the vehicle have mentioned hearing audible clunking noises as if something was loose in the front of their pickups. Structure and suspension issues are particularly apparent when the truck is loaded.
2019 RAM 3500 Transmission
In addition to engine trouble, transmission issues are also frequently reported by Ram drivers. 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems can appear as hesitation, jerking, difficulty shifting gears, or total transmission failure. Some Ram customers have also reported their vehicles rolling away while in park, “the contact stated that the gear shift became stuck in park several times. On one occasion, while the vehicle was engaged in park and unoccupied, it rolled away and crashed into the contact’s trailer.”
2019 RAM 3500 Diesel/Cummins Engine
The 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel or Cummins model is particularly notorious for engine and powertrain problems. In August 2020, Chrysler recalled certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500 vehicles along with other Ram pickup models built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate protection while the engine warms up can result in damage and possible puncturing of the engine block.
In November 2021, Chrysler recalled over 200,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks and chassis cab vehicles equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engine. Apparently, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail prematurely, causing these vehicles to stall, overheat, or even catch on fire. Stalling and fuel pump failure are regularly reported in formal complaints by 3500 drivers to NHTSA. Other frequently reported symptoms include fuel leaks, strange engine noises, or complete engine failure.
Here’s what one customer experienced with their 2019 3500 equipped with a 6.7L Cummins engine: “I’ve noticed a severe lag when entering the highway from a stopped position. If I’m entering the highway either from a stop sign, especially on an incline, the transmission slips before the transmission catches and there is no acceleration until the turbo spools up enough. Same goes for passing or making an evasive action to avoid. Extreme lag in the throttle lasts for at least 2-3 seconds before the truck responds.”
Other RAM Truck Issues
Drivers have also reported issues with the electrical system and service brake systems in their 3500 pickup trucks. There are multiple Ram complaints that reference symptoms involving the display screen. In April 2020, FCA recalled over 300,000 vehicles, including certain Ram 3500 pickups for a software error that can cause the rear-view camera image to linger after the driver has placed their vehicle out of reverse, increasing the risk of accident.
Several Ram 3500 drivers have experienced hydraulic fluid leaks in the service brake systems of their vehicles, which can result in damage to the entire brake line. The brakes in affected pickup trucks may produce strange noises, work intermittently, or even fail entirely.
Learn More about the California Lemon Law Experts in Dodge RAM Lemon Law
Notice any of these issues with your RAM 3500 pickup? You may have leased or purchased a lemon. Luckily, the California Lemon Law can offer you protections and legal rights should that be the case. A variety of vehicle issues are covered including but not limited to:
- Warning lights
- Stalling
- Hesitation
- Transmission failure
- Engine failure
- Defective structure
- UConnect display failure
- Steering problems
- Suspension defects
- Structural defects
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you could be eligible for a refund, replacement truck, or cash compensation. A lemon law refund includes the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and any incidental expenses related to the lemon, including rental car and tow expenses. As the prevailing party, the RAM is responsible to pay for your attorneys’ fees.
Your case could qualify if you have taken your RAM in for repeat repairs during the warranty period. If you purchased or leased the RAM in California and you have had repeat repairs, contact the Lemon Law Experts today. We have helped thousands of consumers across California get compensation that they deserve for the lemons!
We can help you get started through a free, no-obligation case review to see if you qualify. One of our Lemon Law Experts will review your case and help you determine the next steps. Our help is just a phone call or click away. Don’t wait until it’s too late… contact us today!
