Used Ram 1500 Buyer's Guide (2019–2024)
Make sure it is not a 1500 Classic, then check the ABS software, tailgate, air bag and EcoDiesel fuel pump recalls.
Photo: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The fifth generation Ram 1500 came out for 2019. Car and Driver calls it the best driving and most comfortable pickup of its group, thanks to coil spring rear suspension, an optional air suspension and a nice cabin. Every engine uses an 8-speed automatic.
There is a catch when you shop. Ram kept building the older truck and sold it next to the new one as the Ram 1500 Classic through the 2024 model year. NHTSA lists it as a separate model. A Classic is a cheaper, older design with different parts and recalls, so check the model name on the VIN report before you compare prices.
The new truck has a lot of recalls, many of them software. NHTSA's lookup lists the most campaigns for 2019. The big ones cover ABS software that can turn off stability control, tailgates that may not latch, air bag controllers, and the high pressure fuel pump on the EcoDiesel.
- 3.6L V6 with eTorque mild hybrid
- 5.7L Hemi V8 (with or without eTorque)
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
- 6.2L supercharged V8 (TRX, 2021 to 2024)
Fifth generation (DT), sold as model years 2019–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 eTorque | 2019–2024 | 8-speed automatic | The base engine, helped by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | 2019–2024 | 8-speed automatic | Sold with or without eTorque. 2021 eTorque V8s are in a stall recall. |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 | 2020–2023 | 8-speed automatic | Car and Driver says it makes 480 lb-ft of torque. The high pressure fuel pump is recalled on 2020 to 2023 trucks. |
| 6.2L supercharged V8 | 2021–2024 | 8-speed automatic | Only in the TRX, which most press reviews separately. |
SOURCE Car and Driver 2019 Ram 1500 · Car and Driver 2021 Ram 1500 · Car and Driver 2023 Ram 1500
- Tradesman The basic work truck.
- Big Horn The volume trim with more comfort features.
- Laramie Leather and more tech.
- Rebel Off-road trim with its own suspension and styling.
- Longhorn Western themed luxury.
- Limited The top luxury trim.
- TRX The supercharged off-road model added for 2021.
- 2024 NHTSA's lookup lists the fewest recall campaigns for 2024 in this generation. Still check 24V-653 and 26V-495.
- 2023 Fewer campaigns than 2019 to 2022 in NHTSA's lookup. On diesels, check fuel pump recall 23V-263.
- 2019 First year. NHTSA's lookup lists the most campaigns for 2019, including steering, air bag controller and 48-volt battery recalls. Some 2019 listings also cover Classic trucks, so match each recall to the VIN.
- 2021 Air bag module, eTorque stall, camera and ABS software recalls. First year of the TRX.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
Ram sold the older generation next to this truck as the Ram 1500 Classic from 2019 through 2024. It is the design first launched for 2009 and costs less. NHTSA lists it as its own model, and it has its own recalls, including side curtain air bag inflators on some 2015 to 2020 Classics (21V-632) and 2019 Classics (25V-824).
WE CHECK We confirm the model on the VIN report, and if it is a Classic we check the Classic recalls instead of the ones in this guide.
SOURCE Guide Auto Web: Ram 1500 Classic stays for 2024 · NHTSA model list for 2021 RAM (shows 1500 and 1500 CLASSIC) · NHTSA recall 21V-632 · NHTSA recall 25V-824
Ram recalled 2019 and 2021 to 2024 Ram 1500s because a software problem in the ABS module can turn off electronic stability control (24V-653). NHTSA lists 1,025,432 trucks in the recall. Dealers update the software for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for 24V-653, scan the ABS module for codes, and watch for stability control warnings on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-653
2019 to 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups can have misaligned tailgate strikers, so the tailgate may not latch and can open while driving (22V-904). Dealers inspect and adjust the strikers.
WE CHECK We open and close the tailgate, including the split doors if equipped, check that it latches firmly, and check the VIN for 22V-904.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-904
On some 2019 and 2020 trucks the air bag controller's memory can become corrupted and turn off the air bags and belt pretensioners (19V-407). Some 2021 and 2022 trucks have a steering column control module that can keep the driver air bag from deploying (25V-765). A 2026 recall (26V-495) covers second row seat belt buckle anchors on some 2019 to 2026 trucks, with owner letters due in August 2026.
WE CHECK We check the air bag light at startup, scan the restraint module, pull on the second row belt buckles, and check the VIN for all three recalls.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 19V-407 · NHTSA recall 25V-765 · NHTSA recall 26V-495
The high pressure fuel pump on the 3.0L EcoDiesel can fail and stall the engine. Recall 22V-767 covers 2020 to 2022 trucks and 23V-263 covers 2022 and 2023 trucks. Dealers replace the pump and inspect other fuel parts, replacing them as needed.
WE CHECK On diesel trucks we check the VIN for both recalls, scan for fuel pressure codes, and road test for stalling or hard starts.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-767 · NHTSA recall 23V-263
On some 2019 trucks with the 48-volt battery behind the rear seat, a bad assembly repair could let the battery wire terminal overheat and start a cabin fire, even with the truck off (19V-142). Some 2021 5.7L eTorque trucks got engine software that could cause a stall (23V-265).
WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls, look at the area behind the rear seat, and scan the hybrid and engine modules.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 19V-142 · NHTSA recall 23V-265
Early 2019 trucks had several steering recalls. A loose battery ground can cause a loss of power steering (19V-020). Some steering column stub shafts were machined wrong and can break (19V-201). Some electric power steering gears were contaminated and can short out (19V-812).
WE CHECK We check the VIN for each recall, turn the wheel lock to lock, and feel for heavy or uneven steering on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 19V-020 · NHTSA recall 19V-201 · NHTSA recall 19V-812
Many recalls cover a camera image that may not show in reverse, often from the radio or the trailer reverse steering module. Examples are 21V-438, 21V-918 and 23V-059 for the trailer module, and 22V-638 and 23V-654 for radio software.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for camera recalls and confirm the backup camera shows every time we shift into reverse.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 21V-438 · NHTSA recall 21V-918 · NHTSA recall 23V-059 · NHTSA recall 22V-638 · NHTSA recall 23V-654
A lawsuit claims the valve train in Gen III 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines is defective, causing ticking, misfires and possible lifter and camshaft failure. It names 2014 to 2020 Ram 1500 trucks. CarComplaints reports a judge dismissed the nationwide class claims in September 2024 while other claims continued. There is no recall for it.
WE CHECK We listen for ticking at idle and when warm, scan for misfire codes, and read the records for any lifter or cam work.
- Confirm the truck is a fifth generation 1500 and not a 1500 Classic
- Run the VIN for open recalls and match them to dealer records
- Scan the ABS, air bag and engine modules for codes
- Check the tailgate latch and the second row seat belt buckles
- Listen for Hemi tick and check for misfires
- On diesels, look for fuel system codes and hard starts
- Test the backup camera and the air suspension if equipped
- Dealer records for ABS software recall 24V-653 and tailgate recall 22V-904
- Air bag controller work under 19V-407 or 25V-765
- On EcoDiesels, high pressure fuel pump replacement under 22V-767 or 23V-263
- Radio and camera software updates
- Regular oil changes; on a Hemi, records of any lifter or camshaft repairs
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Ram 1500 you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
What is the difference between the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic?
What is the Ram 1500 ABS recall?
Is the eTorque system reliable?
Does the EcoDiesel have problems?
Is there a Hemi tick recall?
Why does the tailgate matter on a used Ram?
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