2019–2025 DT (5th generation)
2019–2025 Ram 1500 Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2019–2025 Ram 1500, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2019–2025 Ram 1500 recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 19V-142 (V17); 23V-265; investigation PE24018 | eTorque stalling and 48V faults (recalls + investigation) | major |
| FCA ZB8 (NHTSA 22V-904 family, Dec 2022) | Tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall) | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
HEMI 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7L)
majorThe DT 5.7L carries the same MDS lifter/camshaft failure mode as earlier HEMIs: a tick that becomes a loud tap plus a single-cylinder misfire usually means a collapsed lifter roller and a wiped cam lobe. NHTSA complaint records and owner forums document failures at a wide mileage range, including under 100k. Repair is lifters and camshaft; catching it early limits collateral damage.
eTorque stalling and 48V faults (recalls + investigation)
majoreTorque trucks have three documented issues: a loose 48V battery ground fastener on early 2019s that can cause stall or fire risk (recall 19V-142/FCA V17), a PCM software flaw that can stall the engine at low speed (recall 23V-265, free reflash), and an NHTSA investigation (PE24018) into 2022 eTorque stalling. If an eTorque truck stalls or shows 'Service Charging System', check open recalls first, the fixes are free.
Tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall)
moderateRoughly 1.2–1.4 million 2019–2022 Ram trucks were recalled because tailgate strikers could be misaligned, letting the tailgate pop open over bumps and dump cargo. Dealers inspect and realign/replace the strikers free (FCA campaign ZB8). Multi-function 'split' tailgates had a separate, smaller latch recall.
Air suspension leaks and compressor failure
majorAs on the DS, DT trucks with optional air suspension eventually leak, sagging overnight, 'vehicle lowering' warnings, or a compressor running constantly until it burns out. Dealers commonly quote $1,700+ for a compressor and more per air spring; diagnosis matters because a single leaking spring will kill a good compressor.
Uconnect 12-inch screen delamination / ghost touch
minorThe big 12-inch touchscreen on 2019–2022 trucks can delaminate at the edges or register phantom touches, eventually making CarPlay and climate controls unusable. FCA replaced many under warranty; out of warranty it is an expensive assembly. Software updates fix freezes but not physical delamination.
EcoDiesel gen-3 turbo and injection teething issues
moderateGen-3 EcoDiesels (2020–2023) have scattered reports of turbocharger failures, EGR/DEF sensor faults, and long crank times, though far fewer systemic problems than the 2014–2016 engines. Most were fixed under the 5-year/100k diesel powertrain warranty. Buy on service history and check for open campaigns by VIN.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2019–2025 Ram 1500. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Ram 1500 model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Ram 1500 built from 2019 through 2025 — the DT (5th generation), full-size half-ton pickup (quad, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2019–2025 Ram 1500
- 2019DT launch: eTorque 48V mild hybrid on 3.6L (std) and 5.7L (opt); wheels change to 6x139.7. DS 'Classic' (5-lug) sold alongside through 2024
- 2020Gen-3 3.0L EcoDiesel (260 hp/480 lb-ft) added
- 2021TRX (702-hp supercharged 6.2L) added; Limited Longhorn and TRX-inspired styling packages expand
- 2023EcoDiesel discontinued (last trucks built January 2023)
- 2024Final year for TRX and for the 1500 Classic (DS)
- 2025Mid-cycle refresh: 5.7L HEMI dropped, 3.0L Hurricane SST I6 (SO 420 hp / HO 540 hp incl. RHO) replaces it; 3.6L eTorque continues as base; Tungsten flagship added. (HEMI returns for 2026 after customer backlash.)
2019–2025 Ram 1500 problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019–2025 Ram 1500?
- The recurring ones are: hemi 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l); etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation); tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall); air suspension leaks and compressor failure; uconnect 12-inch screen delamination / ghost touch. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2019–2025 Ram 1500 years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by hemi 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l) (2019–2024 (5.7L)) and etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation) (2019–2024 (eTorque-equipped)) and air suspension leaks and compressor failure (2019–2025 (equipped trucks, typically >70k mi)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2019–2025 Ram 1500?
- 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 19V-142 (V17); 23V-265; investigation PE24018 (etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation)), FCA ZB8 (NHTSA 22V-904 family, Dec 2022) (tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2019–2025 Ram 1500 repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: hemi 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l), $2,500–$5,000+; etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation), Free under recall (software/hardware); 48V battery pack out of warranty can exceed $2,000; tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall), Free under recall; air suspension leaks and compressor failure, $1,700–$4,000.
Sources
- FCA media, 2021 Ram 1500 TRX specifications
- NHTSA recall 22V-904, tailgate striker (Part 573 report, FCA ZB8)
- FCA Safety Recall V17 / NHTSA 19V-142, 48-volt ground cable fastener (oemdtc)
- Diesel Hub, 3.0L EcoDiesel oil change guide (gen-3: 8.5 qt, 68507598AA)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2022 Ram 1500 EPA ratings
- fueleconomy.gov, 2025 Ram 1500 EPA ratings (Hurricane SO/HO)
- SD Wheel, 5th-gen Ram 1500 fitment guide (6x139.7, 130 ft-lb)
- Mopar eStore, 68414387AA DT engine air filter
- Mopar eStore, 53011248AB TRX 6.2L air filter
- Mopar eStore, 68683357AA Hurricane HO oil filter (supersedes 68466307AB)
- Interstate Batteries, Ram 1500 H7/94R fitment
- Mopar owner info, oil life reset procedure (accelerator method)
- Blauparts, Ram 1500 TRX 0W-40 (MS-12633) oil change kit