2019 RAM 1500 Complaints

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image on the screen. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V191000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The PCM has completely shut down, the truck has 50k miles, has been serviced regularly, and is in excellent condition. 2021 and newer models have been recalled due to the same issue but not 2019.

While changing the oil in my truck I noticed that the oil pan was severely corroded, I mean badly. I looked around under the rest of the truck and there really wasn't any corrosion anywhere else that I could see. I looked online and found out that this is a huge issue with these types of vehicles and the corrosion will get so bad that the vehicle will weep oil which puts the engine at risk but is also horrible for the environment. I took the truck to the dealership and the service manager explained to me that they are well aware of the problem but Ram refuses to do anything about it and claims it's caused by environmental factors. Funny how those environmental factors only affect the oil pan and nothing else on the truck. As I stated, this is a huge potential issue for the environment because Ram is well aware of this but refuses to address it.

The MGU has failed. The truck is undriveable. It was diagnosed by Ram dealership.

My 2019 RAM 1500 Big Horn/Longhorn 3.6L V6 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure without warning while driving. The vehicle shut off unexpectedly on the highway and would not restart. There were no prior dashboard warning lights, low oil pressure indicators, or error messages before the incident. A full diagnostic revealed severe mechanical failure in cylinder 1, including piston-to-valve contact and 40% leak-down with compression at 50 psi. This damage rendered the engine inoperable and required a complete replacement. Prior to the failure: The vehicle was regularly maintained using synthetic oil, following the manufacturer's recommended intervals (between 6,500–10,000 miles). The oil life indicator was followed, and the truck was never low on oil or pressure. A Customer Satisfaction Notification for PCM (Powertrain Control Module) reprogramming was never completed due to the dealer’s system being down on two separate service visits. Despite following proper maintenance and attempting to comply with the manufacturer’s recall-like notice, the engine failure occurred without any warning or indication. The dealership and warranty provider have attempted to deny responsibility, blaming maintenance intervals without proof that it caused the failure. This is a serious safety concern as the engine shut down at highway speed, placing me and others at risk. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this issue and whether PCM logic, a known defect, or improper diagnostics at the dealership contributed to the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Truck was stopped. Then as I started pressing on the gas pedal, there was a warning sound. The gear selector knob rotated on its own from D to P and the message on the screen said to start / stop the vehicle to put it back in gear D. This put myself and my family at risk of a car accident as we were merging onto an expressway. This happened while the truck was starting to accelerate. This is the second time this happens.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The issue involved the truck’s parking and collision avoidance systems, which suddenly shut off. A warning message appeared on the dashboard stating "Service Shifter." This issue may be related to the electronic shifter module or associated control systems. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -The sudden deactivation of both the parking and collision systems while the vehicle was in motion created a serious safety hazard. Without collision avoidance functionality and the ability to securely park the vehicle, there was increased risk of unintentional vehicle movement or inability to avoid obstacles, which could have led to a crash or injury. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Yes, the truck was taken to an authorized dealer for assessment, and the issue was confirmed. Diagnostic tests found trouble codes starting with "U", which typically indicate a communication or control module fault within the vehicle’s network. The codes provided from the dealer are U0159, U0140, U0100, U0137, U0102, U10121, and U0101. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership. There is no indication that police or insurance representatives have inspected it at this time, but the incident and diagnostics are recorded in the dealer’s service records. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -Yes, a warning message "Service Shifter" appeared on the dashboard. This message coincided with the shutdown of the parking and collision systems. These symptoms appeared suddenly and without prior warning during regular vehicle operation.

Driving 60mph in 8th gear while raining, 40 deg F, in Minnesota. The truck shut off (I did not press the Start/Stop button) and dash said "Vehicle Not in Park." Went to pull over, put on turn signals, but they didn't work (it acted like the vehicle was completely shut off but was still rolling at 50+ mph in 8th gear - there was no indication on the dash that showed green light indicating turn signal was working). I suspect brake lights also did not work at this time, but cannot confirm because I couldn't see them. I pulled over to shoulder, slowed to a stop, and put vehicle into Park manually. Pressed Stop/Start button and vehicle started. No codes were thrown. Drove another 2-3 miles and similar issue happened again. Display flashed on and off (then completely turned off) when coming to a stop this time. Vehicle stayed running but again said "Vehicle Not in Park" on dash. No other indication on dash (no warning lights). Drove vehicle back to dealership to get inspected. Similar issue occurred 4 more times on the 12 mile drive to dealership. When I got the vehicle into the service shop, I put it into Park, then pressed the Start/Stop button, but the truck would not shut off. I left the vehicle with the dealer and they are currently diagnosing the issue. 105,000 miles on vehicle. First time this issue has ever occurred on the Ram since I bought it used with 67,000 miles on it. Scared the heck out of me - I had cars swerve around me as I pulled off to the shoulder without any indication - no brake lights (I assume), no turn signals. Very scary. I am worried about driving my family (wife and 2 young children) in this vehicle. What has scared me even more is I looked up this issue online and I have found 100s of examples in the forums of similar (or exactly the same) issue happening to them! I have had all recalls completed on my truck and keep meticulous care of it. I am an engineer and understand technical details well - this electrical issue scares me. Not safe.

Detachment of the magnetic strip from the reluctor wheel/tone wheel, CKP sensor, or both. Information obtained with the scanner

as of 3/25/2025, Started having sudden intermittent power steering loss along with, 'service power steering' code. I haven't been able to use the truck due to being unsafe. I am on call all month and will have to tow it to dealership afterwards. I see that there was a recall way back in 2019. It's nice that you want to know if a dealership can confirm the problem. So far, when I tack this trjck or my last truck in they can't seem to figure it out until the warranty expires.