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.
Of the 2020 reports, 24 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 15 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: steering
61 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2025
As I was backing out of my drive way my power steering stopped working and has been hard to turn the wheel. I moved the steering wheel up and down and it started working again, and then the next day it went back to no longer working.
Steering, Oct 20, 2024
while driving from one town to another and back of approximately 160 miles roundtrip the electric steering became inoperable for approximately 3-8 seconds about every 5 miles.
Steering, Oct 6, 2024
Driving down highway and steering became inoperable or very hard to turn for approximately 2-5 seconds and this occurred about 5 times in the distance of 5 miles
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 29, 2024
Electronic stabilitac light is on and 4 wheel drive light is on as well. matches the recalls for 2019 and 2021-2024
Steering, Sep 29, 2024
While driving to restaurant, Power Steering Unavailable - Service required" message came on 3 or 4 times for about 2-5 seconds during trip.
Steering, Sep 29, 2024
Just driving on the highway doing about 45 miles per hour and the message "power steering unavailable - service required" came on several times for about 2-5 seconds at least 3 times during the short drive. The power steering was definitely inoperative during the times the message was displayed.
Steering, Sep 29, 2024
Just picked up vehicle Thursday, 26 Sept 2024 about Noon from Dealership after replacement of Rack and Pinion Gear, driving on straight road and "power steering Unavailable - Service required" information came on briefly for about 2 to 5 secs every 5-10 minutes during drive home.
Steering, Sep 21, 2024
Power steering failure. Dangerous to manage on the road
Steering, Sep 15, 2024
Driving on local road in Abilene Tx and got the message “Power Steering Unavailable Service Required” and the electric steering was inop for about 3-5 seconds. The message came on several times during their minute drive.
Steering, Sep 14, 2024
Just got on the local road and “power steering unavailable service required” message displayed twice for about 5 - 10 secs with the corresponding difficulty in turning steering wheel. Snapped a photo of message
Steering, Sep 14, 2024
On [XXX] while exiting [XXX] at [XXX] and [XXX] , The steering wheel on my 2020 RAM 1500 completely locked up. There were no prior warnings—no dashboard lights, unusual sounds, or other indications of a problem. It wasn’t until I had significantly slowed down that I was able to apply enough force to get the vehicle into a nearby shopping center. The dashboard warning light did not appear until my vehicle was almost stopped. The dashboard error messaged indicated there was a "Power Steering Failure." Following this incident, I took the vehicle to the nearest CDJR dealership. The vehicle intake was handled by the Service Advisor advised that it may be the steering rack. The following week, we were advised that the vehicle was ready for pick-up and the service technician diagnosed the issue as an internal fault in the instrument panel switch bank. The switch bank was replaced per service protocols, diagnostic codes were cleared, and the system was thoroughly tested. The technician confirmed that the problem had been resolved. However, on [XXX], after retrieving the vehicle from the dealership, I experienced another alarming failure. While traveling at approximately 65-70 MPH, my steering wheel suddenly locked AGAIN. At that moment, I was surrounded by traffic, including an 18-wheeler next to me. The situation was life-threatening, and I feared for my safety. My thoughts were immediately consumed with concern for my daughter and husband as I fought to maintain control of the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the experience was nothing short of terrifying. A week has passed, and I am still deeply shaken by the event and appears it may be the rack after all. Other owners have reported similar failures with the RAM 1500's power steering system and is not an isolated case. It poses a grave risk, and is not an isolated case. It poses a grave risk, not only to the driver but to all motorists on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Sep 12, 2024
Just pulled out of the garage, put it into drive, and some red words were displayed for about 5 to 15 seconds stating something to the effect that “your steering is inoperative, take to dealer or something like that,
Steering, Sep 9, 2024
Vehicle steering locked while driving at highway speed, dealer tested system and replaced a can bus switch. Upon driving home from dealership (after fixing) the steering once again failed. Luckily no one was injured. We did get a warning steering failed only after the steering locked and was immobile. This is the most critical part of a vehicle and should not fail in under 50,000 miles and fail to the point of uncontrollable. This is a horrible design, someone is going to get killed if this does not get addressed and Stellantis recalls these faulty components.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2024
While driving from Abilene, tx to Houston, tx on [XXX] my vehicle displayed intermittently several warning message. The first message said idle-stop was unavailable and lasted for about 30 minutes. The second message was displayed in red and stated the electric steering was inoperative and lasted for about 10-30 seconds and it was definitely harder to turn the steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jun 17, 2024
Update to Complaint 11594199 filed on June 13, 2024 While driving the vehicle to the Ram dealership the power steering went out again and stayed out until I arrived at the dealership. I received a call today from the service department advising that the entire power steering rack has to be replaced. There is a fault in the control unit. Estimated repair cost $3,500.00.
Steering, Jun 13, 2024
The electronic power steering has stopped working three times in the last couple of weeks. It stops working and will stay out for 15 to 30 seconds or until the truck is shut off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local RAM dealer, and they advised that could not find any failure codes in the history. When the power steering cuts out the dashboard displays a warning to service the power steering. The vehicle is extremely had to steer when the power steering cuts out. When I picked up the vehicle at the dealer, they completed an oil change and recall on the tailgate but there was no mention of the main reason I took the vehicle in for service which was the loss of power steering. The service writer stated he did not list that since they did not charge me for the power steering diagnosis. If he listed, it there would be an additional charge on my bill. The loss of power steering is a safety hazard since it makes the vehicle very hard to steer and makes any turns or sudden changes in direction to avoid potential hazards impossible.
Steering, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH around a curve, the vehicle failed to turn properly. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to veer the vehicle to the shoulder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Structure, Apr 21, 2024
Steering Rack and Pinion - Began malfunctioning (noise, and vibration when turning) at less than 10,000 miles. I visited Ram Dealer several times between 10,000 - 34,000 miles and they stated they could not replicate the issue. I drove the vehicle with their technical and they agreed there was an issue. Finally they replaced the Steering System when it had about 34,000 miles. This is a potential safety issue. Drive Selector Switch - I have had 3 selector switches (move from Park to Drive, reverse, etc.) malfunction and require replace (started in side of standard warranty), they appear to be replacing faulty part with same part. Most recent repair in April 2024 only lasted about 150 miles before the device went bad again. This is a potential safety issue. Radio - My 12" radio has been replaced 3 times. At times it impacts the controls of the vehicle features, heating, air-conditioning, etc. Starting at less than 10,000 miles inside normal warranty. Water Leak - I have a rear cabin water leak...mold and mildew in car (39,000 miles). The dealer did an initial inspection and said it had a know issue...back window and/or brake light leaks and requires further evaluation. This is a health issue - due to mold and mildew.
Steering, Apr 16, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service power steering soon warning light illuminated and the steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction. The contact almost struck a moose due to the failure of the power steering. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The following day when the vehicle was started, the power steering warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed power steering rack. The contact stated that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. The VIN was not available. I was involved in an accident The contact stated due to power steering going out he hit a moose and damaged the front end of the vehicle and now the vehicle has $6500.00+ worth of damages done to the front end of the vehicle.
Steering, Dec 14, 2023
Upon inspection the rack and pinion failed and needs replacing. At the time of the failure i was getting ready to make a left hand turn with traffic to my left and i had to forcibly turn the vehicle almost hitting the vehicle to my left. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and independent warranty inspector and determined the rack and pinion failed. There was a steering failure waring that appeared when the loss of power steering occurred.
Steering, Oct 18, 2023
Driving at highway speeds, power steering disengages. Drove for about one mile and it reengaged. This repeated itself multiple times and at multiple speeds. Was able to steer but vehicle had no power steering assist. This posed a high risk of accident with injury or death. Have not taken vehicle to the dealer as of yet. Power steering warning indicators displayed during incident.
Steering, Air bags, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and made a loud popping sound. The steering wheel became stiff, and the contact jerked the steering wheel to prevent a crash. The steering wheel then inadvertently spun, and the contact slammed on the brake pedal and applied the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The power steering assist, brakes, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column and clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
Vibration and noise when turning. We have taken it to the Dodge dealers 5 time and they said nothing found until last visit after truck was through warranty. They report a new steering pump is needed. This issue first appeared in 2021 and was dismissed by the dealer mechanics. The dear was able to feel and hear issue when driving the truck. This steering issue poses a safety issue every time we drive the truck.
Steering, Jul 26, 2023
While making a right turn from a stop, I lost all steering almost running into the car adjacent.
Steering, Suspension, May 11, 2023
When turn I hear a rubbing grinding sound and the right front wheel shudders and vibrates when driving