2019 Ram 3500 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 30 engine complaints for the 2019 Ram 3500, 22% of its 135 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 67,500 miles. Two related engine recalls (21V439000 and 20V511000) cover the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine's oil warning and connecting rod protection software.
- Engine complaints
- 30
- 22% of 135
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 67,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires while driving or parked, in some cases with smoke entering the cab through the vents before flames appeared under the hood.
- Several complaints describe the engine losing power or stalling completely at highway speeds, sometimes while towing a trailer, with the vehicle unable to restart afterward.
- Some drivers report a dashboard message to 'service exhaust system' just before the engine cut power and slowed the truck sharply on the interstate.
- Owners describe the truck stalling at low speeds, such as 20 mph, with no warning lights illuminated and dealers unable to pinpoint a cause after diagnostic testing.
- One complaint describes a clogged diesel particulate filter that caused repeated stalling and a return trip to the dealer after the truck lost power again on a busy road.
When 2019 Ram 3500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 10, 2019, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2019 Ram 3500
- NHTSA 21V439000Jun 10, 2021Engine32,002 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
Risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
- NHTSA 20V511000Aug 27, 2020Engine32,318 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.
Risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.
Engine complaints by 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2019 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA lists 30 engine complaints for the 2019 Ram 3500, which is 22% of the 135 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2019 Ram 3500 engine?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two engine recalls, 21V439000 and 20V511000, both covering the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine's calibration software related to oil warning and connecting rod protection during warmup.
- At what mileage do 2019 Ram 3500 engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2019 Ram 3500 is 67,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Do the 2019 Ram 3500 engine complaints involve fires?
- NHTSA records 3 fires and 1 crash among the engine complaints for the 2019 Ram 3500, with no reported injuries.