2019 Ram 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 205 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ram 1500, 14% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 12,000. Three related recalls cover the transfer case, rear driveshaft, and rear differential.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 205
- 14% of 1,477
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 12,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe shifting from park to drive and the truck failing to move, even after cycling through park and reverse.
- Several reports describe the transmission staying in park or neutral, then suddenly lunging or jerking forward hard once the gas pedal is pressed.
- One owner reported the transmission would not shift out of first gear during turns at stops, with the engine revving to 4,000-4,500 rpm.
- One complaint describes the gear shifting from park to drive on its own during cold-weather startup, leading to a crash.
- Some owners noted the truck moved unexpectedly in reverse when drive was selected, before eventually engaging drive.
When 2019 Ram 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 7, 2018, latest Aug 13, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Ram 1500
- NHTSA 20V080000Feb 13, 2020Transmission & Powertrain11 vehicles
Power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. A gear within the transfer case may not have been installed correctly, possibly causing the vehicle to become stuck in neutral. If this occurs while driving, there could be a sudden loss of power. Additionally, a loss of 'PARK' function may occur.
Risk: A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W06.
- NHTSA 19V324000Apr 25, 2019Transmission & Powertrain10,160 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
Risk: A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
- NHTSA 18V556000Aug 23, 2018Transmission & Powertrain4,171 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
Risk: If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2019 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 205 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ram 1500, which is 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2019 Ram 1500?
- Yes. Recall 20V080000 covers a transfer case gear that may be installed incorrectly on four-wheel-drive trucks, and recall 19V324000 covers a rear driveshaft weld issue on 2018-2019 trucks.
- At what mileage do 2019 Ram 1500 transmission problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 12,000 miles.
- Did the 2019 Ram 1500 transmission issue cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2019 Ram 1500 lists 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.
- What is the most common transmission complaint pattern for the 2019 Ram 1500?
- Many owners describe the truck failing to move when shifted from park to drive, then lunging forward abruptly once the gas pedal is pressed.