# Ram 1500 2019–present Pre-Purchase Checklist | CarCaseFile

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019–present Ram 1500: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · RAM-1500-2019-2024 · Field document

# Ram 1500 2019–present · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

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Check 01

Cold-start any 5.7L HEMI and listen. A tick that fades as it warms is often exhaust-manifold bolts (annoying, fixable). A tick that stays or gets louder, especially with a misfire code or shudder, points to lifters/cam. Walk away or price it in.

Check 02

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup. The 2019 alone had 29 recalls; on 2020–2022 EcoDiesels, specifically confirm recall 22V-406 (high-pressure fuel pump); on 2025–2026 trucks, confirm the trailer-tow module (26V-059) and instrument-cluster (25V-826 / 26V-225) recalls show completed.

Check 03

On eTorque trucks (all V6, many V8), watch for 'Stop/Start Unavailable' or 'Service eTorque' messages and confirm the truck restarts smoothly from auto stop-start. A failing 48V battery or belt starter-generator announces itself here.

Check 04

On air-suspension trucks, cycle through all ride heights and listen for a compressor that runs long or a corner that sags. Come back after the truck sits overnight if you can. Leaks show as a lean.

Check 05

Inspect the 12-inch Uconnect screen edges for bubbling/delamination and watch for ghost touches or spontaneous reboots during the test drive.

Check 06

Highway-drive at 60–75 mph and listen for rear axle whine or hum that changes on and off throttle. Differential bearing and ring-gear complaints are documented on early trucks.

Check 07

Note steering feel: wander or vagueness on-center was a common early complaint; some cases were alignment/track-bar, some needed a steering rack.

Check 08

Pull oil-change records. The HEMI lifter issue is worsened by long idle time and stretched intervals. A fleet truck that idled its life is higher risk.

Check 09

On a 2025+ Hurricane truck, watch for hesitation or misfire behavior on the test drive and ask for proof the ISCM/PCM software updates (TSBs 08-031-25 / 08-055-25) were applied to an early-build truck. Make sure the digital instrument cluster never blanks or reboots during the drive.

Walk-away signals

2019 (first-year electrical/steering complaints; 29 recalls; highest CarComplaints volume of the generation) · 2020–2022 EcoDiesel with the CP4 recall not yet performed · 2025 (first year of the Hurricane engine and new electronics: six recalls in ~18 months, blank instrument clusters, a trailer-tow module that can kill trailer brakes, and misfire TSBs, only with every recall closed)

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