Two launch years, two gambles: the Ram's is paperwork, the Chevy's is parts.

The loudest complaint on the 2019 truck: sudden, no-warning loss of steering assist, in some reports leading to loss of control. Three separate recalls address contributors — a loose battery-ground fastener (19V020), a contaminated EPS gear that can short (19V812), and a machined steering-column stub shaft that can break and let the wheel detach (19V201). Confirm all three are closed by VIN, and treat any intermittent steering heaviness on the test drive as a genuine defect.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Ram 1500 · NHTSA recall database and manufacturer communications (recalls 19V051, 19V142, 19V020/812/201; warranty extensions XL1, XG1)

Two of the more serious first-year recalls. Certain 2019 trucks with the 12-inch screen and base HVAC had no functioning windshield defrost/defog (an FMVSS 103 failure) — Chrysler's remedy was to repurchase the affected vehicles (19V051). Separately, a 48-volt auxiliary-battery terminal (on eTorque trucks) could overheat and cause a cabin fire even with the ignition off (19V142). Both are safety-critical; verify by VIN that the truck either wasn't affected or was remedied.

Sources: NHTSA recall database and manufacturer communications (recalls 19V051, 19V142, 19V020/812/201; warranty extensions XL1, XG1)

A signature early fifth-generation issue: water gets in through a cracked rear-window (backlite) frame or the center high-mounted stop lamp, wetting the headliner and the back of the cab. Chrysler issued two warranty extensions for it — XL1 for the back-glass leak and XG1 for the CHMSL leak — that reseal or replace the affected part. Check the rear headliner, the back of the cab, and behind the seats for staining and mustiness, and confirm whether the extensions were performed. (Verify the exact coverage window in the bulletin before relying on it.)

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Ram 1500 · NHTSA recall database and manufacturer communications (recalls 19V051, 19V142, 19V020/812/201; warranty extensions XL1, XG1)

2019 is the pivot from AFM to DFM, and it's a downgrade for durability. Where AFM deactivated four cylinders, DFM can deactivate any of all eight across 17 firing patterns — doubling the number of the problematic two-piece lifters and running deactivated more of the time. Mechanics say the result is lifter failure more often and at significantly lower mileage. Symptoms are a tick, misfire, power loss, sometimes a 'pop' and sudden shutdown at speed; repair is $3,000–$10,000. There's no blanket recall — a class action alleges the defect and GM repairs reactively, often denying out-of-warranty or repeat claims. A cold-start valvetrain tick is a walk-away; a DFM disabler or documented lifter history is the protection.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Silverado 1500 (incl. LD carryover) · Independent mechanic channel transcripts (T1XX Silverado; AFM/DFM lifter deep-dives)

GM ran a Customer Satisfaction Program for 2019 trucks (owners cite it as N212326940) covering engine oil-cooler (EOC) lines that leak and detach at the crimp joints — worse in cold weather. If a line detaches while driving, oil pressure drops immediately ('Oil Pressure Low, Turn Vehicle Off'), and continued driving can mean loss of propulsion and engine damage. The remedy replaces the lines, oil, and filter and refills coolant. The catch in the complaint file: some owners find their VIN isn't included and pay out of pocket. Confirm program eligibility and whether the work was done.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Silverado 1500 (incl. LD carryover) · NHTSA recall database and manufacturer communications (oil-cooler-line CSP; recall documents)

The 2019 trucks pair some engines with the 8-speed automatic, and it carries the same shudder, hard kick from first to second, and hesitation the third generation was known for — enough to feed a class action on the 2019–2020 models. GM's fix is repeated transmission-fluid flushes with a specific fluid; one owner in the file was told a torque converter at 76k would cost $5,000. The 10-speed (on other trims) is much better. On a test drive, feel for shudder and a hard 1–2 shift, and prefer a truck with the 10-speed or a documented fluid service.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Silverado 1500 (incl. LD carryover) · Independent mechanic channel transcripts (T1XX Silverado; AFM/DFM lifter deep-dives)