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Campaign 19V051 Posted January 24, 2019 15 units

2019 Ram 1500 Recall 19V051: Windshield Defrost System

Recall 19V051 covers 15 2019 Ram 1500 trucks without functioning windshield defrosting or defogging. A franchised Ram dealer will repurchase included vehicles.

Ram is recalling 15 2019 1500 trucks equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen and base-level HVAC system because the windshield defrosting and defogging system does not work. Reduced windshield visibility increases crash risk, and Ram dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The affected 2019 Ram 1500 uses its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to move air through the cabin and across the windshield. The defroster and defogger are part of that system. Their job is to clear moisture, frost, and fog from the windshield when the driver selects the proper controls on the 12-inch touchscreen.

On these trucks, the 12-inch touchscreen display radio was paired with the base HVAC system, and that combination is incompatible. The controls provided in the vehicle do not operate the base HVAC system correctly. Because the system does not respond, the windshield defrosting and defogging function does not work as required.

Owners can notice the problem before relying on the defroster. The warning sign is a lack of response when using the HVAC controls in the 12-inch touchscreen interface.

Who's affected?

2019 Ram 1500 visibility component
Units affected15
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

Not every 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

Without working windshield defrosting and defogging, visibility drops and crash risk increases. If the HVAC controls on the touchscreen stop responding, treat that as a warning that the system is not clearing the windshield as designed. Drive cautiously in fog, rain, or cold weather and arrange the recall remedy. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Ram dealer to start the vehicle repurchase for the nonfunctioning windshield defrosting and defogging system.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one, and reference recall number 19V051 and Ram recall V12 when you call.
  4. Avoid driving when the windshield needs defrosting or defogging, because reduced visibility increases crash risk.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ram service desk handles this recall as a vehicle repurchase, not a parts replacement. The affected 1500 is bought back under the recall, and the recall process is available now. The repurchase is free to the owner. If you already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to this defrosting and defogging issue, the reimbursement plan asks owners to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for review and confirmation of the expense.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

January 24, 2019 NHTSA published the recall
March 7, 2019 Owner notification mailed
March 15, 2019 Dealer notification began
March 15, 2019 Dealer notification ended
March 15, 2019 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
March 15, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 19V051?

Recall 19V051 covers 15 2019 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display and base-level HVAC system. These trucks do not have a functioning windshield defrosting and defogging system, which can reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk. Ram dealers will repurchase the included vehicles.

What should I do if my 2019 Ram 1500 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V051. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall number 19V051 and Ram recall number V12. The dealer remedy is a repurchase, and FCA US customer service is available at 1-800-853-1403.

Does the recall remedy cost anything?

No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to provide the recall remedy at no cost to the owner. For recall 19V051, the remedy is dealer repurchase of the included 2019 Ram 1500 trucks, rather than a part replacement or software repair.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced driver visibility through the windshield. The included trucks lack a functioning defrosting and defogging system, which can make it harder for the driver to see clearly and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, contact a Ram dealer for the free recall remedy.

What if I bought my Ram 1500 used?

The recall still follows the truck, not the first owner. If you bought the 2019 Ram 1500 used and never received a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether recall 19V051 applies. If it does, a franchised Ram dealer handles the recall remedy.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V051000
Ram customer service1-800-853-1403
NHTSA recall #19V051
NHTSA recall # (full)19V051000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →