NHTSA (USA)Critical
The 2019 RAM 4500 has 11 recalls, the most serious involving the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine, where a software flaw can damage connecting rod bearings during warm-up, causing the connecting rod to break, puncture the engine block, and spill oil onto hot components with a risk of fire.
Several recalls center on braking. Rear brake lines on certain vehicles with aftermarket suspension systems were routed too close to suspension components, wearing through and leaking fluid until the rear brakes partially or fully fail. On some cab chassis vehicles, the rear brake hose has an undersized interior diameter that can cause it to rupture outright, also resulting in brake loss.
The diesel fuel system has two separate concerns: fuel lines can leak into the engine compartment near ignition sources, and the high-pressure fuel pump can fail without warning and stall the engine.
Wheel studs are also at risk on certain vehicles, where incorrect torque guidance in the owner's manual can lead to over-tightened lug nuts that snap the stud and allow a wheel to separate. There is also a separate engine oil issue on High Output models where the calibration software may not alert the driver to low oil, allowing engine damage that can result in an oil leak or cracked block.
On lower-severity concerns, daytime running lights on certain halogen-equipped trucks may exceed brightness limits and cause glare for oncoming drivers, and windshield wiper arms can loosen and reduce visibility in wet conditions.
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At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake hose has an inside diameter that is too small, which can cause it to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper arms may loosen, causing the wipers to work improperly and reducing driver visibility in wet weather.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The High Pressure Fuel Pump may fail, causing the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the High Pressure Fuel Pump, update the engine control software, and inspect and replace other fuel system parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine calibration software may fail to alert you when the oil level drops too low.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine calibration software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible brake line to the rear brake caliper may be routed where it rubs against a suspension part, causing wear that could lead to loss of rear braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a kit at no cost to repair damage and prevent future wear to the brake line.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake caliper flexible line may contact a suspension component, causing excessive wear that could result in loss of rear braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a repair kit to each rear caliper, modify the flexible line mounting, and replace any worn lines at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the engine can damage connecting rod bearings during engine warm-up, potentially causing a connecting rod to break and engine failure. This may result in oil leaking onto hot engine components.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your engine calibration software to add enhanced protection during engine warm-up.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine's warm-up protection is insufficient, which can prevent proper oil film from forming on connecting rod bearings as the engine reaches operating temperature. This can cause engine damage and connecting rod failure, potentially puncturing the engine block.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine calibration software to improve warm-up protection. This service is free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel lines may develop leaks, allowing fuel to drip into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect fuel lines and replace them if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lights may be brighter than allowed by Canadian regulations on certain trucks with halogen headlights.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the central body controller software to correct the daytime running light brightness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
