2019–2024 Ram 1500 Classic common problems and fixes

The older-style Ram sold alongside the new one, with the same electric power steering complaints as 2013–2018 Rams and a handful of recalls, mostly for air bags and 2019 EcoDiesels.

What owners should know

Covers 2019–2024 · 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.6L V6, 3.0L EcoDiesel (2019) · Updated 2026-10-06

From 2019 to 2024 Ram kept building the previous-generation truck as the Ram 1500 Classic, a cheaper option sold next to the new Ram 1500. It's mechanically the same as the 2013–2018 Ram 1500, with the 5.7L HEMI V8 or 3.6L V6 (and the 3.0L EcoDiesel for 2019).

NHTSA files Classic complaints together with the newer Ram 1500, so we used each complaint's VIN to find the Classics. We counted 380 owner complaints (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 193 from HEMI trucks, 134 from V6s and 51 from EcoDiesels, identified by VIN; the rest (2) couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 1 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (a Ram 3500). 2019 trucks have most of them (284). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

Electric power steering loss is a common complaint, as on 2013–2018 Rams.
Air bag recalls cover side curtain air bags on certain trucks from several years.
2019 EcoDiesels were recalled for EGR coolers that can crack and start a fire, plus a crankshaft sensor tone wheel and a high-pressure fuel pump.

Power steering

62 complaints mention power steering or describe losing steering assist or heavy steering, 48 of them from 2019 trucks. This is the same steering design as the 2013–2018 Ram 1500, which NHTSA investigated for sudden loss of assist.

Recalls to check

Side curtain air bag inflators that can rupture on certain 2019–2020 trucks (21V632000, 25V824000), and curtain air bags filled with the wrong amount of gas on certain 2021 trucks (21V925000)
EcoDiesel recalls for certain 2019 trucks: EGR cooler fire risk (19V757000), crankshaft sensor tone wheel stalling (23V411000) and the high-pressure fuel pump (22V406000)
Brake pedal push rod retaining clip missing on certain 2020–2021 SLT trucks (21V037000)
Heated tow mirror glass that can fall off on certain 2020–2023 trucks (24V754000)
Steering column control module on certain 2023 trucks, which can mix up the turn signals and high beams (23V799000)

Before you buy

Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN.
Turn the steering lock to lock several times and look for warnings.
See our notes on the 2013–2018 Ram 1500, which shares this truck's design.
Bring our used truck inspection checklist.

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (13)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

Electric power steering failure
Hard DIY
Signs: Steering suddenly gets heavy with a power steering warning, then often comes back after a restart.
Fix: Have it diagnosed before replacing parts: read the steering module codes and check the battery, grounds and connections. If diagnosis confirms the electric steering gear has failed, it's replaced as a unit.
Shop: Ram 1500 electric power steering rack ▶ How-to videos
EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracks (2019)
Dealer job
Signs: Losing coolant with no leak, white exhaust smoke, or a fire in the intake.
Fix: Covered by Ram recall 19V757000 for certain 2014–2019 EcoDiesels: the dealer replaces the EGR cooler and checks the intake manifold. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.
May be covered free by recall 19V757000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
HEMI exhaust manifold bolts break
Moderate DIY
Signs: A loud tick on a cold start that fades as the engine warms.
Fix: Confirm it first: look for broken bolt heads, a gap or soot at the manifold flange; a lifter tick can sound similar. Replace the broken bolts, and the manifold and gasket if it's warped or cracked.
Shop: 5.7 Hemi exhaust manifold bolts ▶ How-to videos

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →