YearToAvoid

2019 Ram 3500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ram 3500, 13% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 13,150 miles. One related recall, campaign 20V043000, covers the 68RFE transmission valve body issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
18
13% of 135
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
13,150 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Gear shifter appears to be in park but the vehicle rolls away unexpectedly, in some cases causing a crash.
  • Transmission hesitates or lurches at certain speeds, particularly in the 35-40 mph range.
  • Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into limp mode at highway speed with no warning light illuminated.
  • Transmission fails to shift into the higher gears, with RPMs climbing to 2,500-3000 before an abrupt or delayed shift.
  • Engine surges under load or during acceleration, which owners say can cause loss of control in slippery conditions.
  • Front differential locks up without warning at highway speed, in one case breaking the front driveshaft.

When 2019 Ram 3500 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 12, 2019, latest May 14, 2026.

2019 Ram 3500 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2019Aug 2020May 2021Sep 2022Jul 2024Feb 2026
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2019 to May 2026; peak Sep 2020 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Ram 3500

  1. NHTSA 20V043000Jan 24, 2020Transmission & Powertrain87,431 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

    Risk: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20070 (0%)
  2. 20080 (0%)
  3. 20091 (33%)
  4. 201311 (10%)
  5. 201439 (19%)
  6. 201532 (24%)
  7. 201619 (14%)
  8. 201727 (9%)
  9. 201823 (3%)
  10. 201918 (13%)
  11. 202012 (10%)
  12. 202111 (18%)
  13. 2022114 (60%)
  14. 20231 (6%)
  15. 20246 (14%)
  16. 20257 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2019 Ram 3500 have?
NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ram 3500, which is 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2019 Ram 3500?
Yes. Recall campaign 20V043000 covers 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3,500 trucks with the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission, where pressure and heat buildup inside the transmission can cause a failure. The remedy involves replacing the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogramming the powertrain control module.
At what mileage do 2019 Ram 3500 transmission problems usually appear?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 13,150 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
Were there any crashes linked to these problems?
NHTSA records 3 crashes among the 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ram 3500, with no fires or injuries reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.