2019 Ram 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2019 1500
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (379 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 379 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (337 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 337 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (228 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 228 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (205 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 205 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (132 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 132 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
121 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
30
Visibility Red flag
The lack of a functioning windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Electrical System Red flag
If the auxiliary battery system overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire within the cabin even if the ignition is off.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Structure Check
Contact with the fuel tank may cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Steering Red flag
A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
Steering Red flag
An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems and increase the risk of crash.
Steering Red flag
If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
If the sensor cannot identify that the seat is in the full-forward position and adjust the frontal air bag deployment accordingly, there would be an increased the risk of a injury in the event of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Tires Check
The driver, referencing the tire placard label, may incorrectly inflate the spare tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Tires Check
Without a warning indicator, the driver will be unaware if low tire pressure occurs, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Power Train Red flag
If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up.
Vehicle Speed Control Check
A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Diesel Check
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Air Bags Red flag
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Seat Belts Red flag
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2019 1500–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 30 recalls for the 2019 1500. The most serious involve Visibility (19V051000) and Electrical System (19V142000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2019 1500?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (379 complaints) and Steering (337 complaints), out of 1477 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 1500?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 379 complaints for this model-year.