2020 Ram 1500

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Electrical system is the leading concern among 631 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 631

Of the 2020 reports, 24 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 15 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernElectrical system162 reports · 26% of complaints
Owner complaints631Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system162
  2. Engine155
  3. Other or unspecified111
  4. Power train62
  5. Steering61
  6. Visibility/wiper52
  7. Fuel/propulsion system46
  8. Structure43

Recalls and investigations

  1. Seat belts, rear/other, anchorageJul 30, 2026

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

    An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.

    Campaign 26V495000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bagsMay 8, 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

    Campaign 25V298000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Visibility, rearview mirrors/devicesOct 10, 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.

    Campaign 24V754000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Structure, body, tailgate, hinge and attachmentsDec 8, 2022

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.

    An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

    Campaign 22V904000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpOct 13, 2022

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.

    An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

    Campaign 22V767000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Back over prevention, display functionAug 25, 2022

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

    Campaign 22V638000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorAug 12, 2021

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

    A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

    Campaign 21V632000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Visibility, rearview mirrors/devices, exteriorOct 8, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.

    Campaign 20V622000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Seat beltsSep 24, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

    In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

    Campaign 20V580000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 10, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

    The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

    Campaign 20V191000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalAug 27, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.

    A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.

    Campaign 20V513000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Air bagsJun 25, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.

    In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

    FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.

    Campaign 20V374000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, linkagesApr 9, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

    Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.

    Campaign 20V208000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Air bagsMay 31, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.

    Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are V61 and V71.

    Campaign 19V407000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine

165 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 11, 2025

    The 48V Belt Starter Generator failed on my 2020 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L eTorque system. It caused my truck to stall in the middle of a busy intersection at a red light. The battery drained fast, and I couldn’t move the truck out of the way. I was stuck in a dangerous spot cars were coming around a turn at 45–55 mph, and since my hazard lights started dying too, I had to get out in the rain and wave people away so they wouldn’t hit me. I was honestly afraid for my life. I ended up calling 911 and my insurance to get towed out of there. Before it happened, I saw a battery warning and something about the battery system. A mechanic and a dealer confirmed the issue was the 48V generator. I started calling around for the part, and every dealer I spoke with told me it’s on national backorder. One told me there were over 2,600 people already waiting for it, another said over 3,000 are on the list and no one has any idea when they’ll get them. There are a lot of people dealing with this, and it’s not just an inconvenience it’s dangerous. This part failing leaves people stranded in traffic, sometimes without power or lights. Something needs to be done. A recall would be the right thing.

  2. Engine, Apr 3, 2025

    The Alternator Generator (MGU) failed and I was driving on the road when it happened causing the electronics to start going dark one after the other then dark screen and lost power steering. Thank God I was close to the side of the road and rolled out of traffic's way. The truck was towed to the mechanic who confirmed it is the MGU. The problem is that this part is on back order with no ETA. So I have a 2020 RAM Laramie with 39,000 miles only sitting in the shop. If this happened on the highway, an accident would have been guaranteed. I was simply lucky.

  3. Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 3, 2025

    1. Safety Issue 1: Cracked Exhaust Manifold & Exhaust Leak Description: Loud knocking noise on startup, strong exhaust fumes entering cabin. Dealer Diagnosis: Both exhaust manifolds cracked, multiple broken bolts. Risk: Potential carbon monoxide poisoning, engine damage, and fire hazard. Dealer Response: Refused repair, quoted $3,500. No assistance from Chrysler. Pattern Failure: Online forums show many owners with identical issues—clearly a manufacturing defect. 2. Safety Issue 2: Dashboard Delamination & Toxic Fumes Description: Dashboard surface peeling, strong chemical odor in cabin. Risk: Toxic off-gassing causes headaches/nausea; peeling material obstructs visibility. Pattern Failure: Widespread reports for this model/year—faulty adhesive is to blame. Manufacturer Negligence: Chrysler and dealerships are aware but refuse responsibility, blaming "wear and tear." Exhaust leaks and toxic interiors are unacceptable safety hazards—yet no recall exists. Request to NHTSA: Investigate these defects for potential recall. Force Chrysler to acknowledge and repair affected vehicles. Urgency: Driving this vehicle is a health risk. NHTSA must act before more are harmed.

  4. Engine, Apr 2, 2025

    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, on several occasions the contact observed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

  5. Electrical system, Engine, Mar 21, 2025

    Around 86,000 miles, a metallic like noise that one would associate with a worn bearing began within what i determine to be the E-torque MGU. Subtle at first, but you could tell something wasn't the same with the sounds you hear within the engine. Between then and my current 88,800 miles, the metallic sounds has gotten more aggressive, which is logical to assume that might happen if a bearing part is wearing down. Just today, 3/21/2025, an uncomfortable rattle sound and visible vibration of the MGU unit appeared suddenly, making me uncomfortable to drive the vehicle any further without immediate repair for fear of risking un-necessary damage to other critical engine componenets.

  6. Engine, Mar 15, 2025

    Smoke, burning smell entering cabin area while driving and using heater. Look up issue, found many people had the same problem involving heater core leaking/failing early.

  7. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 13, 2025

    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light and power train warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or right, and while pulling off the roadway the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated while attempting to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the E-Torque Alternator had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to repair the vehicle was on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,553.

  8. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2025

    My 2020 Ram 1500 5.7L e-Torque started making a noise. I then received a "Battery" indicator Light, then received an "Engine" indicator light. I was losing voltage on my battery. The truck is now at the Dealership. The alternator has failed (87k miles). No one has the part. It's been on back order since November 2024. Online research indicates that over 3000 are on back order. I can't even place an order with Mopar (Genuine Ram Parts Supplier). I'm also told that the repair will be $2300 - seems like a lot for an alternator that you can't get that can be replace in about an hour.

  9. Electrical system, Engine, Mar 7, 2025

    I WAS DRIVING AND STARTED HEARING A NOISE, COME TO FIND OUT IT IS THE MGU. I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A RAISING PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

  10. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 28, 2025

    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after driving 35-45 MPH, the contact approached a stop sign, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after pushing the Push-to-Start button. The traction control warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the key fob not recognized message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the relay module and PCM and referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

  11. Engine, Feb 14, 2025

    MGU bearing failing, and no stock available, they suspect it may be months before the part is available

  12. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2025, fire

    I already sent one, and forgot the pictures, pictures included this time

  13. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2025, fire

    The DPF got so hot in a matter of a few miles (8 minutes driving) it blew a hole in it, and melted all the wiring under the truck, caused the engine to stop, automatically locking all the doors (thank God my child and husband had stopped and were out) before this happened.

  14. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 21, 2025

    Vehicle had a temporary shutoff when doing a rolling stop. The vehicle temporarily lost power when decelerating to the stop sign at 5-10 MPH, then starting again as I began to accelerate. Can not replicate problem again.

  15. Electrical system, Engine, Jan 21, 2025

    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie. The contact stated that the alternator was making an abnormal whining noise. The noise had increased and become louder over time. The alternator was making an abnormal grinding sound. While his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost voltage, stopped, and shut down. The flashers became inoperable. The essential power mode message was displayed. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact had replaced the battery three months prior. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

  16. Power train, Engine, Jan 19, 2025

    I noticed an oil leak under the truck a few weeks after getting the oil changed at the dealership. I took it back and had them investigate. They advised me I needed to replace the oil filter housing assembly, to the tune of $1,000. As I did research i found d this this is a widespread common problem and is known. Faulty design of a plastic part. For this to be such a common issue and poor design (that could cause catastrophic engone failure resulting in accidents or fires) and not to be recalled and or covered is insane. It's such a known issue that aftermarket parts makers have made a version that is all aluminum to prevent the issue. RAM should be paying for the repair, not me.

  17. Electrical system, Engine, Dec 31, 2024

    complete engine failure driving on hiway in 65mpr traffic.. it was a sudden total stop no power no control. after 30 sec. or so i pushed restart button stepped on gas, no error code was shown but restarted. we were almost rearended as busy traffic going that speed. this has happened twice before. after taken to a chrysler dealership on DEC.30 ,2024 and a diagnostic run they could find no issue so we were given no answer. they could not offer any other advice. this situation could be a lethal issue. we could have been in a horrible accident. we would appreciate anything you could do for us. we are affraid to drive this and only 50thousand miles on this truck,which we bought new. We are not mechanics and only can think this is a electrical failure.Please help us. we think another vehickle should be given us. This is a 2020 ECO diesel 30L engine 1500 Dodge Ram 4X4

  18. Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 30, 2024

    Push start button failed during highway driving and cause the engine shut down /lost power After dealer checked: they said: - the push button stuck - air damp cannot close - CV Axis loose (safety concern) The truck is less than 5 years and only 69K miles. The quality of the truck is not realiable.

  19. Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2024

    Power Distribution Center/Relay box failure. Contacts in box melted for ASD Relay. Incident occurred while driving on the highway at 65mph. Vehicle without warning had power loss in accelerator, and started downshifting gears. Dash immediately said “park and restart required.” Attempting to start engine, vehicle would crank/no start. After several attempts, vehicle restarted and resumed normal driving until “park and restart required” happened again. After vehicle shut down multiple times on highway, I was able to make it home and diagnose problem. I checked the fuses and relays on the PDC and found ASD relay intact with no burn or scorch marks on contacts. However, the socket is missing contacts within the pdc. I reproduced said problem by moving the ASD relay with vehicle running. There are no warning lamps, messages, or codes to show any kind of failure.

  20. Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2024

    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently, after which, the vehicle lost motive power. The engine stability warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 131,000.

  21. Engine, Nov 11, 2024

    The manifold bolts on the Ram 1500 pickups will break causing the manifolds to leak. This happens around 50-60k in mileage.

  22. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 11, 2024

    While driving at highway speed (~65-70 mph), the engine shut off unexpectedly (without any warning/bucking). There were no errors displayed on the dashboard. Center screen stated to place vehicle in park before starting. The multimedia console, AC, all other electronic systems in the cab were operating as normal. The truck did not start back up for some time (10-15 mins). The dealer states that there were no codes present in the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system (OBD) that indicate any issues or that the vehicle stalled. This has happened 3 times in less than a month. The truck has about 76,000 miles. It is a 2020 Ram 1500 with 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT eTorque Engine.

  23. Engine, Oct 30, 2024

    Both exhaust manifolds are cracked. There is a bulletin on some 5.7 Hemi but not mine. Both have to be replaced. The vehicle is at Central Florida Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Orlando. The engine was making a ticking noise. Not sure where it was coming from.

  24. Engine, Oct 22, 2024

    Manifold leaking which could affect the components around possibly causing the engine to completely shut down. Is the the dodge dealership now. Apparently there are no recalls at this time. We do have an extended warranty on the vehicle thank goodness. All maintenance is up to date on this vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealership now and parts will not be in until October 24. It is not driveable at this time.

  25. Engine, Oct 20, 2024

    Driver and passenger manifolds Have cracked now 3 times on the passenger side and 1 time in the drivers side. Inhale had the last passenger side replaced under warranty and now they will not honor the warranty on the replaced manifold.