Manufacturers strive to produce safe, reliable products. However, even with their best efforts, things can go wrong. Some issues take a while to appear, not being noticed until vehicles are already on the road. In this case, the manufacturer issues a recall so owners can bring them in for service.
How many recalls did the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 have? 19 in total, a few of which include:
- Loose windshield wiper arms
- Overheating auxiliary battery system
- Contact between the rear control arms and the fuel tank in a collision
- Corrupted flash memory in the occupant restraint controller
In this article, we’ll cover in detail each one of the 19 recalls that were issued for the 2019 Ram 1500. You can then follow the steps provided to have a qualified professional repair your vehicle correctly.
Overheating of the Auxiliary Battery Wire Terminal Connection
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V142000
The auxiliary battery is needed to help supply power to some systems in specifically equipped trucks, even when the ignition is off.
Overheating of the auxiliary battery terminal connections can create a risk of fire, which can occur even when the vehicle is turned off and not being driven.
Dealers will repair the connection of the battery fasteners to correct the problem.
Rear Control Arms Contacting the Fuel Tank
NHTSA Recall ID: 19E059000
The rear control arms are generally not close enough to the fuel tank to cause harm in a crash, but the addition of a step kit may cause problems.
In an accident, the rear step kit on some 2019 Ram 1500s can cause the control arms to come into contact with the fuel tank. This can cause fuel leaks, fires, and explosions.
Dealers will replace the bed step to mitigate the problem.
Loosening of the Windshield Wiper Arms
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V208000
As standard equipment, windshield wipers should work when needed. They are a vital part of vehicle safety and reliability, and a requirement for inclement weather.
On some 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500s, the wiper arms can come loose. This results in improper wiper operation and reduced visibility, which can increase the chances of getting into an accident.
Repairs include tightening the wiper nuts to avoid loosening of the wiper arms and the potential risks involved.
Corrupted Flash Memory in the Occupant Restraint Controller
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V407000
The occupant restraint controller is in charge of operating the airbags and seat belt pretensioners, reducing the risk of occupants being harmed in an accident.
2019 Ram 1500 pickups that have a corrupted flash memory in their ORC may have pretensioners and airbags that are disabled. This could result in increased driver and passenger harm during a collision.
The ORC will be reprogrammed or replaced as necessary to correct the problem.
Insufficient Filling of the Rear Differential
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V556000
The rear axle is needed for the rear wheels to turn correctly and the vehicle to have drive power.
Some 2018 and 2019 Ram trucks don’t have enough oil in the differential, which can cause it to fail. If that occurs, there may be a loss of drive power. Additionally, the rear wheels may lock up, resulting in the potential for an accident.
Dealers will inspect the oil levels in the rear axle and replace the axle if they’re insufficient.
The Rearview Camera Image May Remain When Shifted Out of Reverse
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V191000
The rearview camera is designed to help drivers avoid backing into or over objects in their path, that they might not otherwise be able to see easily. It’s a vital part of reducing risk for vehicle occupants and others around them.
Chrysler is recalling 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500s (along with some other makes and models) to correct a software error that keeps the backup display showing when the vehicle is shifted out of reverse. This can distract drivers and increase the potential for an accident.
Dealers will update the radio display software. Alternatively, owners can choose to update their software remotely, using an over-the-air-option available as of May 1, 2020.
Failure of the Cruise Control to Disengage
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V332000
Cruise control not only makes it easier to maintain a constant speed while driving, but it reduces the risk of accidentally speeding due to inattention as well.
In some 2014-2019 Ram pickups, the cruise control does not disengage due to a short circuit in the wiring. This can result in an inability to slow the vehicle, which could increase the chances of an accident.
Dealers will inspect the software and perform a correction to the powertrain or engine control module, if necessary.
Cracking of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V757000
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler is designed to keep heated gases where they belong and stop them from combusting inside the manifold. This is needed for overall vehicle safety and to reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
Some 2014 through 2019 Ram 1500 pickups have an EGR cooler that may crack, allowing for combustion inside the intake manifold. When that happens, pre-heated and vaporized coolant can enter the EGR system and cause an explosion.
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler, and also inspect the intake manifold, replacing it if necessary.
Failure of the Instrument Cluster to Illuminate Driver Warnings
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V556000
Warning lights are required to help drivers stay aware of changing conditions in their vehicles, such as low fuel, low oil pressure, or engine problems.
Some 2019 Ram 1500s have a warning light failure, where the lights don’t come on when they’re supposed to. That can lead to the driver not being alerted about a problem that could result in vehicle damage or an accident.
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster to correct the problem.
The Steering Shaft May Break, Causing the Steering Wheel to Detach
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V201000
Steering is a necessary function of a vehicle and is required to move safely down the road.
In some 2019 Ram pickups, the steering shaft can break due to improperly machined stub shafts. That can cause the steering wheel to detach and increase the risk of an accident.
Dealers will inspect the steering column and replace it if necessary.
Lack of a Windshield Defrosting and Defogging System
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V051000
Defogging and defrosting the windshield is required in inclement weather for the driver to clearly see while operating the vehicle.
Some 2019 Ram 1500 pickups have a 12″ touchscreen and base-level HVAC that are incompatible. This can cause the defrosting and defogging systems to stop working, increasing the risk of an accident.
Dealers will repurchase the affected vehicles, removing them from the road.
Incorrect Tire Size and Inflation Pressure
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V448000
A correctly inflated spare tire is vital in a situation where the tire is damaged, and a spare is needed.
In some 2019 Ram 1500s, the spare tire placard information doesn’t match the spare tire in the vehicle. That can lead to improper usage and inflation, which can result in an accident.
The incorrect spare tire will be replaced with the correct one to eliminate the problem.
Short Circuit of the Contaminated Electric Power Steering Gear
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V812000
Power steering reduces the risk of an accident by making it easier to steer the vehicle. This is particularly important during low-speed driving.
The EPS gear in some 2019 Ram 1500 pickups may short-circuit due to contamination. This can result in power steering being intermittently disabled and could lead to an accident.
The EPS gear assembly will be replaced as a remedy for this problem.
Brake Pedal Separating From the Pedal Assembly
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V067000
Good braking is required for proper operation and safe handling of a vehicle.
Some 2019 Ram 1500s may be at risk of brake pedal separation if equipped with adjustable pedals. The pedal can move too far, separate, and cause a loss of braking ability that can lead to a crash.
The adjustable pedal assembly will be repaired to correct the problem.
Incorrectly Installed Gear in the Transfer Case
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V080000
The transfer case is what allows the vehicle to shift from one gear to another on 4×4 or AWD vehicles.
Some 2019 Ram 1500 pickups have an improperly installed gear that can cause the vehicle to become stuck in neutral. This can cause a sudden loss of power and may also result in the inability to shift the transmission into Park.
Chrysler is replacing the transfer case in vehicles affected by this recall.
Incorrect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V887000
Tire pressure monitoring systems are standard on models today. These systems can reduce the risk of operating the vehicle when there is tire damage, or a tire is dangerously low on pressure.
An incorrect Tire Pressure Monitoring System may have been installed on some 2019 Ram trucks. This meant the driver had no way of noticing if the tire pressure was too high or low. This can result in unsafe driving conditions and the potential for damage to the vehicle.
Dealers will replace the TPMS sensor to correct the problem.
Loss of Power Steering Due to Improperly Secured Battery Ground Fastener
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V020000
Power steering assist helps ensure that a driver can operate a vehicle safely and steer it easily to reduce accident risk.
An improperly secured battery ground fastener on some 2019 Ram vehicles can cause a loss of power steering. This can result in an increased chance of an accident.
Dealers will secure the ground fastener properly to eliminate the problem.
Driveshaft Fracture Due to Incomplete Weld Fusion
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V324000
The driveshaft is required to provide power to the wheels so that the vehicle continues moving down the road.
If the driveshaft is damaged, it can lead to a sudden loss of this power.
Some 2018 and 2019 Ram trucks have an incomplete weld on the driveshaft that could fracture. This could result in a loss of power. It could also cause the driveshaft to detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard.
The driveshaft will be replaced to correct the problem.
Loose Seat Track Position Sensor Incorrectly Detecting Seat Location
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V822000
The seat position is crucial for the airbags to properly deploy, which can help keep occupants safe in an accident.
A loose seat track position sensor can stop the vehicle from detecting whether the seat is fully forward. This increases the risk of incorrect airbag adjustment and a higher risk of harm in a collision.
Dealers will inspect the sensor bracket, and replace it if needed.
How Do You Handle a 2019 Ram 1500 Recall?
Not sure how to handle a recall on your 2019 Ram 1500? First, visit the NHTSA website and search using the VIN (or the year, make, and model) to see if any recalls are listed.
If a recall is listed for your Ram 1500, you should call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 to learn what the next steps are. They will explain where to take your truck and what to expect throughout the process.
Not every problem with a vehicle is easy to spot, so before you choose that 2019 Ram 1500 that seems like a great deal, check its Vehicle History for a little peace of mind.
