The most commonly reported issue for the 2019 RAM 1500 centers on the transmission, with owners frequently noting rough shifting, hesitations, or occasional shudder in the eight-speed automatic paired with several engine options. In broader reliability discussions, this transmission concern consistently appears as the top recurring problem among owners and reviewers.
This article surveys what owners and reliability trackers have highlighted about the 2019 RAM 1500, how the problem manifests across different powertrains, and what buyers and current owners can do to verify and mitigate potential issues. We also outline practical steps for inspection and maintenance to help prospective buyers assess risk before purchase.
Most commonly reported problems by owners and reviewers
To give readers a clear picture, here are the issues most frequently cited by owners and reliability databases for the 2019 RAM 1500. Keep in mind that experiences can vary by trim, drivetrain, and mileage.
- Transmission shifting problems, including rough shifts, delayed engagement, and occasional shudder during acceleration or gear changes.
- Electrical and infotainment glitches, such as touchscreen freezes, intermittent Bluetooth connectivity issues, and warning lights related to Uconnect systems.
- Suspension and ride concerns on models with air suspension or heavy-duty suspension tuning, including sagging ride height or sensor faults.
- Engine-related complaints in some configurations (not universal), such as occasional misfires or rough idle reports, typically discussed more in owner forums than in formal recalls.
Concluding observations from the list above: while not every 2019 RAM 1500 will experience these problems, transmission behavior dominates the reliability discussions and tends to be the primary maintenance concern cited by owners and service technicians.
Powertrain notes and engine-by-engine considerations
The 2019 RAM 1500 offered several engines, with the eight-speed automatic transmission paired to all. Understanding how each engine interacts with the transmission helps frame potential concerns and maintenance needs. Below are the main powertrain options and general reliability notes associated with each.
3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque (mild-hybrid)
This engine uses a belt-driven starter/generator to improve efficiency. Some owners report transmission behavior variations tied to the hybrid assist system, particularly during cold starts or software updates. Routine maintenance and ensuring software updates from a dealer can help optimize shifting feel.
5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
These notes illustrate that while the underlying cause of shifting concerns may vary slightly by engine, the eight-speed automatic remains the focal point of most reliability discussions for the 2019 RAM 1500.
What to check when buying a used 2019 RAM 1500
Prospective buyers should approach a used RAM 1500 with attention to its transmission history, software updates, and overall maintenance. The checklist below helps separate units with robust service records from those that may need more attention.
- Review service and recall history, especially any transmission-related work or software updates for the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM).
- Test-drive with varied conditions to evaluate shifting behavior: smoothness in upshifts, avoidance of hesitations, and absence of shudder at steady highway speeds.
- Inspect the Uconnect infotainment system for stability, touchscreen responsiveness, and any error messages that recur during use.
- Check suspension components if the truck has air suspension or an optional heavy-duty setup for leaks, height sensor faults, or abnormal ride height readings.
- Assess overall engine health: look for misfire indicators, rough idle, or warning lights; confirm proper DEF/DPF maintenance if the EcoDiesel is present.
Concluding guidance: a well-documented maintenance history, recent software updates, and an in-person test drive that reveals no transmission or electrical issues can significantly reduce risk when buying a 2019 RAM 1500 used vehicle.
Reliability context and buyer guidance
Overall reliability for the 2019 RAM 1500 sits in the middle of its class, with high marks for capability and comfort but with a pattern of reported transmission and electronics concerns that buyers should assess carefully. Prospective buyers are encouraged to obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection, verify open recalls have been addressed, and consider warranty options that cover the powertrain and electronics for added peace of mind.
Summary: The 2019 RAM 1500 is praised for its towing capability, interior comfort, and modern features, but it has a history of transmission-related issues that appear most often in owner reports. By focusing on a complete service history, up-to-date software, and a careful test drive, buyers can better determine a vehicle that balances performance with reliability.
Summary: Transmission-related shifting issues are the most commonly reported problem for the 2019 RAM 1500, with electrical glitches and suspension concerns also appearing in owner reports. A careful pre-purchase check, verification of recalls and software updates, and a thorough test drive are recommended for prospective buyers. Overall, this model remains a strong workhorse with caveats typical of a modern full-size pickup.