Vehicle Guide

2019 RAM 3500 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2019 RAM 3500, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2019 RAM 3500 is a heavy-duty full-size pickup built for serious towing, hauling, and commercial use, while still offering a comfortable, upscale cabin in higher trims. It’s ideal for contractors, RV and trailer owners, and anyone who needs maximum payload and tow capability without stepping up to a medium-duty truck. For 2019, the RAM HD lineup entered a new generation with a major redesign, bringing updated styling, improved tech, and stronger powertrain options. In the heavy-duty market, it competes directly with the Ford F-350 Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, standing out for ride quality and available diesel torque.

Key Features

1) ENGINE OPTIONS FOR WORK OR TOWING: The 2019 RAM 3500 offered a 6.4L HEMI V8 gasoline engine for straightforward, lower-complexity ownership, plus the available 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six for high-torque towing. A high-output Cummins option was also available on certain trims/configurations for buyers prioritizing maximum pulling power. 2) AVAILABLE AISIN HEAVY-DUTY AUTOMATIC: Diesel-equipped trucks could be paired with an available Aisin transmission (on certain configurations), a key selling point for owners who tow heavy and want confident gear holding and durability under load. 3) HEAVY-DUTY CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION UPGRADES: The 2019 redesign improved frame and suspension tuning for better stability with a trailer, while maintaining a controlled ride when unloaded compared with many rivals. 4) MODERN TECH AND SAFETY OPTIONS: Depending on trim, you could get a large infotainment touchscreen, smartphone integration, available 360-degree camera, front/rear parking sensors, and advanced driver-assist features that make a long-bed dually easier to live with. 5) TRIM AND CAB FLEXIBILITY: Multiple cab and bed configurations were available, including crew cab options for family or crew use, plus dually rear wheels on certain trims for added stability and payload.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers searching “2019 RAM 3500 reliability,” “2019 RAM 3500 problems,” and “2019 RAM 3500 common issues” usually want a realistic picture: the 2019 model can be a strong long-term truck when maintained, but it’s still a complex HD platform with some repeat complaints. 1) EXHAUST/EMISSIONS SYSTEM FAULTS (DIESEL): Some owners report check-engine lights, reduced-power/limp-mode events, or repeated warning messages tied to the emissions system (DEF/SCR sensors, NOx sensors, EGR-related issues). These can show up anywhere from early ownership through higher mileage, often in the 20,000–80,000 mile range depending on usage and driving conditions. 2) ELECTRICAL/INFOTAINMENT GLITCHES: Complaints can include intermittent camera operation, Uconnect freezing/rebooting, or warning lights triggered by software or sensor communication issues. These are often nuisance problems rather than mechanical failures, but they can impact daily usability. 3) STEERING/SUSPENSION WEAR UNDER HEAVY USE: With frequent towing or heavy payloads, wear items like steering components, front-end joints, and alignment-sensitive tires can become an issue sooner than expected. Some owners notice looseness, uneven tire wear, or vibration that may appear around 30,000–70,000 miles depending on roads, load, and tire choice. 4) TRANSMISSION/DRIVETRAIN CONCERNS (USAGE-DEPENDENT): While many trucks run trouble-free, some owners report harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or driveline clunks, especially if the truck is worked hard, tuned, or poorly maintained. Proper fluid service and avoiding overheating are key for longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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