# Ram 1500 check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 521 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (144) - **Related recalls:** 17 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 521 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Ram 1500 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (144). There are **17 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Ram 1500 check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 144 | 1460 | 10% | | 2016 | 121 | 1554 | 8% | | 2017 | 55 | 884 | 6% | | 2018 | 29 | 667 | 4% | | 2019 | 84 | 1497 | 6% | | 2020 | 42 | 642 | 7% | | 2021 | 46 | 686 | 7% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ram 1500 recalls related to the check engine light **[24V413000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V413000)** (2023 models, reported 2024-06-06): A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. **[23V263000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V263000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2023-04-13): Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. **[23V265000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V265000)** (2021 models, reported 2023-04-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. **[22V767000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V767000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-10-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. **[22V406000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V406000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2022-06-09): Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024.... **[20V475000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V475000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2020-08-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. **[20V080000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V080000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-02-13): A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. **[19V757000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V757000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2019-10-24): Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. **[19V324000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V324000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2019-04-25): 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. **Remedy:** FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. **[18V556000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V556000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2018-08-23): If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. **[18V280000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V280000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. **[18V100000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V100000)** (2017-2018 models, reported 2018-02-08): Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. **[17V821000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V821000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2017-12-20): Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. **[17V434000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V434000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-07-07): In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. **[17V198000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V198000)** (2016-2017 models, reported 2017-03-23): A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. **[16V301000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V301000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-05-16): A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. **[15V661000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V661000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2015-10-15): If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ram 1500 owners report - "Was backing out of a parking spot truck shut off when restarted it was limited power and check engine light. 1920 miles." -- owner of a 2021 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2021 - "The.n when trying push start the battery light comes on with check engine and battery voltage low on information system." -- owner of a 2020 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2020 - "Battery went dead, display showed power steering failure and the check engine light was on. I had the code read and it was P1DF3" -- owner of a 2019 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2021 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ram 1500 check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 17 related recalls (24V413000, 23V263000, 23V265000, 22V767000, 22V406000, 20V475000, 20V080000, 19V757000, 19V324000, 18V556000, 18V280000, 18V100000, 17V821000, 17V434000, 17V198000, 16V301000, 15V661000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ram 1500 years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 1500 model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 144 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ram 1500 with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Ram 1500 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ram dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ram 1500 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ram-1500): 280 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ram-1500): 77 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ram-1500): 17 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ram-1500): 79 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ram-1500): 28 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ram-1500): 15 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Ram 1500 - [Ram 1500 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ram-1500) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ram-1500 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.