2019 RAM 1500 Overview
On the surface, the redesigned 2019 Ram 1500 appears to be a great option for consumers looking for a reliable pickup truck. Common models of the top-selling vehicle include the Classic, EcoDiesel, and TRX. The pickup stands from a very competitive field with its excellent fuel economy, spacious cabin, and outstanding durability.
Unfortunately, customers quickly found major complications after driving their new pickup trucks in the first year of purchase. Despite being a newer model, there appears to be a long list of issues that affect the 2019 Ram 1500. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are currently 22 recalls that include the 2019 Ram 1500. They involve problems with braking axles, airbags, driveshafts, and other components.
A high number of owners of new Ram 1500s have experienced safety defects in their cars within months of purchase. 2019 Ram 1500 problems include symptoms involving the engine, electrical system, transmission, and steering systems.
Dodge RAM 1500 Engine Problems
Engine problems in the 2019 Ram pickup are common. Drivers routinely report hearing high-pitched squealing noises in the engine area of their cars right before the air conditioning begins to blow hot air. Acceleration can also be an issue. Some Ram drivers say their trucks randomly accelerate or decelerate while in motion. Strong fumes and ticking noises are also not uncommon.
One FCA customer describes extensive symptoms in their vehicle, “the other day I could smell a strong odor coming from the hood of my 2019 Ram. I started feeling a little woozy and light-headed from the amount of exhaust fumes coming from the engine. I later investigated the smell and found that the engine was also making a loud ticking noise as well.
I decided to tear down the vehicle and found that both exhaust manifolds were cracked in the same exact spot.” A high volume of complaints to NHTSA mention vehicles with cracked exhaust manifolds. This appears to be a common structural issue in the engines of affected pickups.
Additionally, the engines in affected vehicles may also stall, suddenly shut off, or fail to start. These problems are serious safety concerns for Ram drivers who encounter them while operating their vehicles.
Numerous models in FCA’s lineup have been recalled for engine troubles. This year in May, a group of Ram customers, including two 1500 Ram pickup drivers, filed a class action lawsuit against FCA, alleging that the automaker knowingly sold vehicles with defective components that can result in engine ticking noises or even engine failure. The following vehicles are included in the suit:
- 2014-2016 Chrysler 300
- 2014-2016 Dodge Challenger
- 2014-2016 Dodge Charger
- 2014-2021 Dodge Durango
- 2014-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2014-2020 Ram 1500
- 2014-2022 Ram 2500
- 2014-2022 Ram 3500
Dodge RAM 1500 Electrical System Defects
Ram 1500 drivers have encountered issues with nearly every electrical component in the cab of the truck. Lights malfunction, the dashboard displays can go blank, car batteries can drain, and power mirrors can refuse to move. Random recurring warning lights are also a problem. Electrical issues like these can make the vehicle impossible to start or disable important vehicle operating functions like the navigation system.
One Ram driver told NHTSA the following, “started my vehicle and the instrument panel was blank. I can’t get messages, warnings, cruise control information, or anything else that provides vehicle operating specifications (engine temperature, oil temperature, transmission temperature, etc.). Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate prevents me from receiving warnings about the vehicle’s systems and increases the risk of crash.”
Dodge RAM 1500 Transmission Problems
The transmission system in the 2019 1500 Ram does not appear to be durable or reliable. Rear axles routinely fail, which can cause the wheels to lock in place. 2019 Ram 1500 transmission problems can cause the following symptoms in affected pickups:
- Grinding during acceleration
- Whistling noises near the transmission
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Shaking
- Burning odor
- Transmission failure
These issues can be dangerous, one driver wrote about this experience in their formal complaint to NHTSA: ““While stopping at the red light and applying the brake, the truck experienced a sudden acceleration burst.
Even though the brake was fully applied, the engine was accelerating on its own and pushing the truck. At low speed (<5 mph) and with the brake fully applied, the truck hit a minivan in front of me and continued to push it towards the intersection in bursts as I was depressing the brake pedal.”
Dodge RAM 1500 Steering Problems
Steering issues frequently appear in the 2019 1500 Ram. Drivers report losing the ability to steer their pickup trucks. Steering can lock in place suddenly while the vehicle is in motion. Structurally, the 2019 model year Ram 1500 appears to be loose. Because of this, components do not seem to work well in unison with each other, causing both steering suspension problems. Several formal complaints filed with NHTSA mention hearing strange rattling noises in the steering suspension area.
In 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled about 160,000 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles due to steering issues. Defective battery ground circuit fasteners improperly installed during manufacturing can apparently result in loss of power steering in affected vehicles. The fastener can loosen enough to create an open circuit that eventually cuts power steering while driving. This can cause sudden understeering or oversteering in affected Ram pickups.
The California Lemon Law Experts in Dodge RAM Lemon Law
Experiencing similar troubles with your Ram car? Your pickup could be a lemon. Over 150,000 vehicles purchased every year in the State of California turn out to be lemons. Luckily, no matter the model, Ram Diesel Truck or Ram Diesel Classic, you have options should your car be among the thousands of lemons sold in California annually.
If you own a Ram lemon, you could be entitled to damages covered by the auto manufacturer if you have taken it in for several repairs under warranty or if the vehicle has been out of service due to repairs for an extended number of days. If you suspect that your Dodge RAM is a lemon, keep records of all repairs and consult with an experienced California lemon law attorney as soon as possible.
The California Lemon Law Experts have been successful in helping thousands of California consumers win their cases against large auto manufacturers like FCA. Getting our help is easy. Through a quick and free consultation, our Lemon Law Experts will be happy to assist you in determining if you have a valid claim. Do not wait until you are in an accident as a result of safety defects in your vehicle. To take that first step in getting rid of your Ram lemon, call us today!
