Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2019 Ram 1500 pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2019 Ram 1500
Check another vehicle
2019 Ram 1500
Tradesman / Big Horn / Rebel / Laramie / Limited (DT platform, 2019-present)
Watchful

The DT Ram 1500 is the most refined half-ton truck on the market — but buyers must identify whether they have an eTorque mild-hybrid (BSG belt-starter-generator) and whether the 5.7L Hemi has MDS active fuel management. MDS cylinder deactivation lifters are the same failure vector as the GM AFM units — at 60k–120k miles on neglected oil. The eTorque system adds battery and generator service complexity. Coil-spring rear suspension (not leaf springs) is a major comfort upgrade but limits payload vs competitors.

Items to check
14
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
420
Top concern
Electrical / eTorque system

Powertrain

5.7L Hemi MDS lifter failure

High Attention
MDS (Multi-Displacement System) cylinder deactivation lifters fail at 60k–120k miles when oil changes were neglected or extended. Symptoms: ticking, misfire codes (P0301–P0308), oil consumption.
Cold-start the engine and listen for a tick that persists past 30 seconds. Scan for cylinder misfire codes. Check oil change interval records — beyond 7,500 miles increases MDS risk.
Est. cost: $3,000–$6,500 lifter replacement (all 16 + cam) Source: NHTSA complaints + Ram service campaigns

eTorque BSG system (eTorque models)

Monitor
The belt-starter-generator mild hybrid adds a 48V battery and BSG unit. Early 2019 software had drivability bugs — ask for dealer software-update records.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm every campaign is closed on eTorque VINs. Test engine auto-stop/restart — rough restart indicates BSG wear.
Est. cost: $1,200–$3,500 BSG replacement Source: NHTSA recall database

8HP75 transmission fluid and shift quality

Monitor
The ZF 8-speed is generally excellent but shudder at 25–45 mph indicates torque converter contamination from neglected fluid.
Test at highway on-ramp in sport mode. Shudder during light acceleration is torque converter shudder.
Est. cost: $350–$550 fluid flush / $2,800–$4,500 torque converter Source: ZF 8HP service pattern

Air Suspension (if equipped)

Air suspension compressor and airbag wear

High Attention
Active-level air suspension is a premium feature but airbags fail at 80k–120k miles. Compressor runs excessively when a bag is leaking.
Check truck ride height — it should be level side to side. Listen for compressor cycling at idle or after parking. Confirm Air Suspension module control in the infotainment.
Est. cost: $600–$1,200 per airbag / $800–$1,500 compressor Source: Common Ram air-susp failure pattern

Electrical

Uconnect infotainment freeze / reboot

Low Risk
Uconnect 8.4 and 12-inch systems on DT Ram have known freeze/reboot issues. Multiple OTA and dealer software updates issued.
Cycle through all infotainment functions including Apple CarPlay, backup camera, and radio. Verify latest software version installed.
Est. cost: $0 software update / $1,500–$2,500 head unit if hardware failed Source: Ram software campaigns

Suspension & Frame

Coil spring rear suspension squeak/wear

Low Risk
DT Ram's coil-spring rear is more comfortable than competitors but produces squeak over rough pavement when isolators wear.
Drive over rough pavement at low speed. Squeak or knock from rear is isolator wear.
Est. cost: $150–$400 isolator replacement Source: Common wear pattern

Documentation

Recall verification (open campaigns)

High Attention
Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before purchase. Require every open campaign closed before purchase.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Confirm all campaigns show "remedy available" and "owner notified" — or that dealer-completed records exist.
Est. cost: Walk away from unrepaired critical safety recalls Source: NHTSA recall database

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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