Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Two snap rings in transmission came loose and caused a catastrophic fail while I was driving . No warning or sounds before it happened. Almost caused a multi vehicle pileup on the interstate. This is an issue that has been happening to all these trucks.
In August 2020, while I was driving my vehicle at approximately 15 mph, with approximately 13,500 miles on the odometer, I noticed that the vehicle's transmission gauge was about 230-240 degrees. I pulled over and smelled smoke. Luckily, my passengers and I were able to get out of the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed. I have video showing flames coming out of the passenger side engine compartment. I had previously taken my vehicle in for repair for recall W03 to have the transmission valve body replaced so the transmission wouldn't cause an engine fire. FCA had an expert inspect the vehicle and he found that "fire progression appears to be from engine compartment thru entire vehicle terminating at rear truck bed," that "possible source of ignition is hot surface of turbocharger/exhaust components. …
The contact owns a 2019 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that vehicle had started losing reverse functionality. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle would receive a software update to correct the failure. However, after the software update was completed, the vehicle continued to experience the failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The contact was offered a loaner vehicle but stated that the vehicle provided failed to meet the requirements needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. …
The transmission failed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had an undiagnosed fluid leak believed to be coming from transmission-related hoses/lines. These hoses were replaced; however, the issue persisted and ultimately resulted in transmission failure. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in operation, which caused a sudden loss of power/drive capability. This created a hazardous situation, especially in traffic, as the vehicle was unable to accelerate or maintain speed, increasing the risk of a collision. The fluid leak and subsequent transmission failure were inspected by a service center. The leaking hoses were identified and replaced; however, this repair did not resolve the underlying issue, and the transmission ultimately failed. No indication of symptoms of failure prior.
When driving down the road, intermittently my truck will lose throttle input. I get a check engine light and the electronic throttle control light. this is extremely dangerous when pulling out into traffic or even pulling out onto a higher speed road because the truck will not let me accelerate. It will just sputter and I have to fight it to about 35mph when I can activate cruise control then am forced to drive only using cruise control no matter what the road or traffic is like which is also not very safe. So far, I am at 3 service appointments over the span of about a month and a half, over $500 invested and the dealer cannot find the culprit or issue causing this. I know that fault code P2121 is set off but it does not lead to much.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V881000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The dealer was notified about the recall and informed her that parts were not yet available. The contact also received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V043000(Power Train); however, she was informed that by the dealer that the recall could not be serviced until the parts for the initial recall were available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The sway bar keeps disconnecting or becomes unoperatable during extreme cold days. It's like it becomes frozen. You have to wait until the temperature warms up and it will go away. How is one supposed to use this on the Power Wagon in places where we get cold weather, and need to travel off road and utilize the sway bar disconnect normally if it keeps not being available to disconnect in cold weather. It has been in dealership several times for this and repaired twice by replacement. The dealership cant figure out why it happens so they just replaced the parts and send you on your way after waiting weeks to get fixed.
While attempting to pass traffic the truck did not want to shift above or down from 4th gear. This has happened twice now and both times I had to pull over and restart the truck. My safety was put at risk due to lack of propulsion, high rpm of the truck to maintain speed before pulling over. Check engine light came on both times. Although there appears to be a lack of NHTSA reports, I have been sharing this story with others and looking at Facebook groups and it seems the 68RFE transmission is rife with issues and commonly fails while driving, regardless of towing or not.
As I was pulling out of the parking to to merge with traffic, the truck lost all lost all response to the accelerator pedal midway into merging with on coming traffic. I was able to get the truck into the turn lane to avid being hit by traffic. as the truck costed to a stop the dash indicated that the to see dealer for exhaust system service.
Premature lifter and cam failures on the 6.7 engines. Yes it can be inspected. Yes it was heard and confirmed by multiple dealers and sources. It can be an issue if the engine locks up when driving
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020.
Transmission complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2019 Ram 2500, 15% of the model year's 193 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2019 Ram 2500 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-043 (automatic transmission, Jan 24, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2019 Ram 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.