2020 Ram 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
622 owner complaints analyzed
14 distinct recall campaigns
22,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 180 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 155 of 622 complaints (24.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 87 | 14.0% |
| Steering behavior | 80 | 12.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 73 | 11.7% |
| Engine operation | 46 | 7.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 28 | 4.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 25 | 4.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 155 |
| Engine | 154 |
| Unknown Or Other | 111 |
| Steering | 59 |
| Power Train | 58 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 52 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 44 |
| Service Brakes | 40 |
Electrical System: 155; Engine: 154; Unknown Or Other: 111; Steering: 59; Power Train: 58; Visibility/Wiper: 52; Fuel/Propulsion System: 44; Service Brakes: 40
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 92 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 33 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 29 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 14 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 12 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 92; 25,000 to 49,999: 33; 50,000 to 74,999: 29; 75,000 to 99,999: 14; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (92). 442 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 49 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 63 |
| 2023 | 114 |
| 2024 | 115 |
| 2025 | 145 |
| 2026 | 78 |
2019: 4; 2020: 49; 2021: 54; 2022: 63; 2023: 114; 2024: 115; 2025: 145; 2026: 78
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 87 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 80 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 73 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11283032 · 2019-11-30 (November 30, 2019)
ON NOVEMBER 13, 2019 AT 6:00PM PST WHILE TRAVELING 70MPH WESTBOUND ON INTERSTATE 90 AT THE SR18 INTERCHANGE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECTS AND MAJOR SYSTEMS FAILURES DUE TO LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. LIGHT CONDITIONS WERE NIGHTTIME, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT, WEATHER WAS CLEAR. ELECTRONIC FAILURE MESSAGES BEGAN TO APPEAR ON INSTRUMENTATION PANEL APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE: NAVIGATION, STOP/START, CLIMATE CONTROL, UCONNECT, SIRIUS RADIO, ADAPTIVE CRUISE ALL CEASED FUNCTION WITH NO DRIVER ABILI…
Owner-reported narrative. 737 miles reported. Look up ODI 11283032 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11289055 · 2019-12-14 (December 14, 2019)
MY BRAND NEW 2020 RAM 1500 LARAMIE SPORT IS EQUIPPED WITH TILTING DOWN DRIVER/PASSENGER SIDE MIRRORS WHEN IN REVERSE. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN THEY TILT DOWN, THEY TILT DOWN SO FAR THAT IT IS OUT MY VIEW. I UTILIZE THIS FEATURE FOR BACKING INTO MY GARAGE, ON SIDE ON MY BOAT, WHERE SPACE IS VERY LIMITED. I ACTUALLY HAVE INCHES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK. AFTER SPENDING BIG MONEY ON MY NEW RAM 1500 2020 LARAMIE SPORT, I EXPECT ALL OF IT'S FEATURES TO PERFORM AS DESCRIBED, AND EXPECTED. AFTER TALKING WITH THE SALESMAN WHO SOLD ME THE TRUCK, HE EXPLAINE…
Owner-reported narrative. 80 miles reported. Look up ODI 11289055 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11290157 · 2019-12-19 (December 19, 2019)
THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN DRIVING THE RAM, WITH THE GEAR IN DRIVE AND IN 2 WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR DRIVING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE DODGE RAM AND SHOULD BE FIXED OR RECALLED. SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE 2019 DODGE RAM: HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T77803_DS971922
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11290157 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11292056 · 2019-12-30 (December 30, 2019)
VEHICLE THROTTLE MAXIMIZED WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP. AFTER IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THE THROTTLE WENT BACK TO THE IDLE POSITION. I WAS MERGING IN TRAFFIC ONTO ANOTHER STREET. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WAS STOPPED FOR THE MERGER. *LN CASE NUMBER XXXXXXXX ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 3,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11292056 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11302965 · 2020-01-30 (January 30, 2020)
DRIVING OFF A EXIT, AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH WENT UNDER A BRIDGE AND THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM APPLIED THE BRAKE AND STOPPED THE CAR SHORT(NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME), ALMOST HAVING THE CAR BEHIND ME HIT ME. ALSO GOING INTO A PARKING GARAGE IT ALSO STOPPED SHORT 2 TIMES DURING ONE VISIT, NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS !!!
Owner-reported narrative. 3,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11302965 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11315415 · 2020-03-01 (March 1, 2020)
MY TAILGATE KEEPS OPENING
Owner-reported narrative. 5,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11315415 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11315754 · 2020-03-03 (March 3, 2020)
AFTER TAKING THE TRUCK THROUGH A CAR WASH AND BRINGING HOME TO VACUUM, I NOTICED WATER IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR. I NOTICED CONDENSATION UNDER THE FLOOR MAT TOO. AFTER PULLING OUT THE KICK PANEL AND ROLLING THE CARPET BACK, THE METAL FLOOR WAS WET AND THE PAD WAS SATURATED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS REPORTED BACK TO ME THAT THERE WERE SEAMS IN THE BODY THAT WERE NOT FILLED.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,770 miles reported. Look up ODI 11315754 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11316534 · 2020-03-06 (March 6, 2020)
3.0L GEN 3 ECODIESEL ENGINE HAS EXCESSIVE LAG AND DELAY IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHILE TRAVELING AT STEADY SPEED IN LOWER GEARS 3RD, 4TH, OR 5TH AND THEN DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO INCREASE SPEED, ENGINE WILL NOT RESPOND UNTIL THREE TO FOUR SECONDS HAVE ELAPSED. THIS CREATES A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC OR CROSS TRAFFIC DURING A LEFT TURN. PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH MULTIPLE GASOLINE AND DIESEL TURBO-CHARGED VEHICLES HAS NOT PRESENTED THIS ISSUE TO ME. THE 2020 RAM 1500 ECODIESEL HAS A MAGNITUDE OF TURBO LAG AND UNRES…
Owner-reported narrative. 510 miles reported. Look up ODI 11316534 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
14 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
19V407000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module | Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags
Reported: 2019-05-31 (May 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.
Consequence: Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V191000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2020-09-10 (September 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."
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V208000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Linkages
Reported: 2020-04-09 (April 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.
Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V374000 · Air Bags
Reported: 2020-06-25 (June 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V513000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
Reported: 2020-08-27 (August 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.
Consequence: A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V580000 · Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | Seat Belts
Reported: 2020-09-24 (September 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V622000 · Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior
Reported: 2020-10-08 (October 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."
Consequence: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V632000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator | Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain
Reported: 2021-08-12 (August 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V638000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function
Reported: 2022-08-25 (August 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."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V767000 · Engine | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2022-10-13 (October 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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V904000 · Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And Attachments
Reported: 2022-12-08 (December 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V754000 · Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Reported: 2024-10-10 (October 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."
Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V298000 · Air Bags | Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2025-05-08 (May 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."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V495000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage
Reported: 2026-07-30 (July 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."
Consequence: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗