Know Your Truck

2019–2026 Ram 2500 / 3500 common problems and fixes

Certain 2019–2020 diesels had a fuel pump recall; transmission fluid leak recalls and intake heater relay fire recalls (park outside until repaired) are the other big items.

What owners should know

Covers 2019–2026 · 6.7L Cummins diesel and 6.4L Hemi V8 gas · Updated 2026-10-07

The current-generation Ram heavy duty launched for 2019. Engines are the 6.7L Cummins diesel (standard or high output) and the 6.4L Hemi gas V8.

We counted 1,445 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2019–2026 Ram 2500s and 3500s (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 1,171 from diesel trucks and 242 from Hemi trucks, identified by VIN; the rest (32) couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 28 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (Ram ProMaster vans). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

  • 2019–2020 diesels: high-pressure fuel pump (CP4) recall. The pump can fail and stall the engine.
  • Transmission fluid leaks from the dipstick tube were recalled for a fire risk.
  • Intake heater grid relay fire recalls on certain 2021–2023 diesels; park outside until the repair is done.
  • Electrical and screen problems are commonly reported.

2019–2020 diesel fuel pump (CP4)

Sources report that 6.7L Cummins engines built from late 2018 to late 2020 used the Bosch CP4 pump. When it fails, it can stall the engine without warning and send metal through the fuel system. Ram recalled certain 2019–2020 trucks to replace the pump, update the engine software and replace contaminated parts as needed (recall 21V880000). Sources report that Cummins went back to the more robust CP3 pump for 2021 and later.

When buying a 2019–2020 diesel: confirm this recall shows as completed.

Transmission

The transmission is one of the most common complaint topics on diesels: 162 mention it, 101 of them from 2022 trucks. Ram recalled certain 2019–2023 trucks because pressure and heat can push transmission fluid out of the dipstick tube onto hot engine parts (recalls 20V043000 and 22V835000). Owners also describe harsh shifts and other problems.

Fire-risk recalls on diesels

74 diesel complaints mention a fire or flames. Check these recalls:

  • Intake heater grid relay electrical short, which can cause a fire even with the truck off (recalls 21V163000, 21V798000 and 23V060000 for certain 2021–2023 trucks). Until repaired, park outside and away from buildings.
  • Diesel fuel lines leaking on certain 2019 trucks (recall 19V498000)

Other recalls and reports

  • ABS module software that can affect stability control on certain 2019–2022 trucks (recalls 22V140000 and 24V415000)
  • Tailgate may not latch on certain 2019–2022 trucks (recall 22V904000)
  • Side curtain airbag inflators on certain 2019–2020 trucks (recalls 25V010000 and 25V824000)
  • Owners frequently report electrical glitches, screen problems and warning lights: NHTSA files about 280 diesel complaints under the electrical system.

Before you buy

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 (17)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2019-2026 Ram 2500. 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.

  • 6.7L Cummins fuel pump (CP4) failure (2019–2020)

    Dealer job

    Signs: Sudden stall without warning, no-start, metal in the fuel system.

    Fix: Covered by Ram recall 21V880000 for certain 2019–2020 diesels: the dealer replaces the pump, updates the engine software and inspects and replaces other fuel system parts as needed. 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 21V880000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Transmission fluid leaking from the dipstick tube

    Dealer job

    Signs: Fluid on the engine or turbo, burning smell, smoke.

    Fix: Covered by Ram recalls: 20V043000 (certain 2019–2020 trucks with the 68RFE six-speed: valve body separator plate and software) and 22V835000 (certain 2020–2023 2500s and 2020–2022 3500s: new dipstick and transmission vent). 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 20V043000 / 22V835000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Intake heater grid relay fire risk (2021–2023)

    Dealer job

    Signs: Often no warning, even with the truck off.

    Fix: Covered by Ram recalls 21V163000, 21V798000 and 23V060000 on certain 2021–2023 diesels: the dealer inspects and replaces the relay. Until it's done, the recalls advise parking outside, away from buildings and other vehicles. 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 21V163000 / 21V798000 / 23V060000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Electrical and screen glitches

    Dealer job

    Signs: Warning lights, frozen or blank screens, camera problems.

    Fix: Ask a dealer for all open recalls and software updates, and have the codes read. Checking the batteries and their connections is an easy first step, since weak batteries cause many electrical gremlins; other faults need a dealer's diagnosis.

    Shop: truck battery▶ 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.

Ram 2500

Ram 3500

Factory maintenance schedules

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