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The 2019 Ram 1500 offers new truck looks at used truck prices. But as the first year of the fifth-generation Ram, this pickup was recalled for several reliability and safety issues. If you buy a used Ram 1500 pickup truck, you may have to take it back to the dealer to make it reliable.

Are Ram 1500s any good?

Modern pickup trucks must walk the line between capable work truck and comfortable highway cruiser. The fifth-generation Ram 1500 (2019-present) is widely recognized for striking the perfect balance.

Blue Ram 1500 truck parked in the middle of snowy woods.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition | Stellantis

The latest redesigned Ram 1500 won three consecutive MotorTrend Truck of the Year awards. Separate trim levels of the latest Ram 1500 earned Car and Driver’s #2 and #1 best pickup spots. The Ram 1500 is the only full-size 2022 truck Consumer Reports recommends.

Reviewers agree that the fifth-generation Ram’s pickup offers an incredibly smooth ride. During the truck’s fourth generation, Ram switched from rear leaf springs to coil springs. Then for the 2019 model, engineers shaved several hundred pounds off the Ram’s weight. Ram even offers its light-duty pickup truck with air suspension.

Unlike Toyota Tundra drivers, Ram drivers can still enjoy the rumble of a V8. The Ram 1500 is available with the legendary Dodge 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The 2019 Ram 1500’s maximum towing capacity is 12,750, in certain configurations.

Truck drivers seeking better fuel efficiency can opt for the base-model V6 or the V8 equipped with an eTorque mild-hybrid setup. This technology adds a couple of MPGs to the truck’s city rating. Ram offered the 2020 and later 1500s with its turbocharged EcoBoost diesel V6. This mighty powerplant wins an incredible highway rating of 33 MPGs.

Is the 2019 Ram 1500 a reliable used truck?

The 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck is no less reliable than its competitors. But with several recalls to consider, you might prefer a later model year.

Dark blue Ram pickup truck parked on a snowy road in front of a forest.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition | Stellantis

Consumer Reports awarded the 2019 Ram 1500 a 3/5 or “average” for predicted reliability. This score was based on the brand’s reliability history and is actually a pretty common score for the first model year of a new generation.

During the past three years, Consumer Reports has asked many consumers to rank their 2019 Ram 1500 ownership experience. The publication compiled all this data and identified 17 “trouble spots” that affect the truck.

In-car electronics received the highest number of owner complaints. Powertrain and body received comparatively few complaints. As a result, CR awarded the 2019 truck a 51/100. By the 2021 model year, this score rose to 59/100.

In cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ram has issued 22 recalls for the 2019 Ram 1500. This is not necessarily a bad thing: Ram issues recalls to fix problematic components free of charge. For example, several owners complained to CR about their truck’s parking brake and Ram issued a recall to repair every parking brake.

If you are considering a used 2019 Ram 1500, check its VIN number for open recalls not yet addressed. If the truck has outstanding issues, don’t worry. You can book an appointment with a Ram dealer who will complete the recall work for free.

Is the 2019 Ram 1500 worth buying?

The 2019 Ram 1500 shares both technology and styling with the brand-new 2022 Ram 1500. A gently used fifth-generation pickup truck may be a bargain.

Dark blue Ram pickup truck navigating a snow-covered trail in the woods.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition | Stellantis

The 2019 Ram 1500’s powertrain is very similar to the powertrain in the 2018 Ram 1500. But the 2019 Ram’s quality and the fit and finish of its interior are greatly improved. The 2019 model year pickup also looks just like a new truck.

The 2019 Ram 1500 suffered some setbacks as the first year of a new generation. But it looks like Ram took responsibility for these issues and is doing its best to make things right with numerous recalls.

If you want an EcoDiesel V6 in a fifth-generation Ram, you’ll have to shop other model years. And if you don’t want to worry about your in-car electronics, you might consider a newer Ram. Otherwise, the 2019 Ram 1500 could be a bargain.

Check out one owner’s review of his 100,000 mile 2019 Ram in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.