vehicle signal
U.S. public vehicle records

2020 Ram 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

115 owner complaints analyzed

11 distinct recall campaigns

26,350 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 44 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 32 of 115 complaints (27.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns2420.9%
Braking behavior2118.3%
Engine operation1311.3%
Steering behavior1210.4%
Transmission and shifting76.1%
Electrical and battery issues65.2%

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
32
Engine
27
Fuel System, Diesel
21
Power Train
11
Electrical System
7
Service Brakes
7
Steering
7
Unknown Or Other
6
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Engine27
Fuel System, Diesel21
Power Train11
Electrical System7
Service Brakes7
Steering7
Unknown Or Other6

Fuel/Propulsion System: 32; Engine: 27; Fuel System, Diesel: 21; Power Train: 11; Electrical System: 7; Service Brakes: 7; Steering: 7; Unknown Or Other: 6

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
21
25,000 to 49,999
11
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
4
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00021
25,000 to 49,99911
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above4

Under 25,000: 21; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 4

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (21). 71 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.

2020
8
2021
37
2022
27
2023
21
2024
9
2025
6
2026
7
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20208
202137
202227
202321
20249
20256
20267

2020: 8; 2021: 37; 2022: 27; 2023: 21; 2024: 9; 2025: 6; 2026: 7

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 24 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 21 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 13 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 11351441 · 2020-08-26 (August 26, 2020)

NEW RAM SHUT DOWN & WONT RUN. DIAGNOSIS DONE BY DEALER TO CONCLUSION OF FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. DEALER SAID NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX TRUCK. 3RD TRUCK SINCE LATE JUNE. 2019 RAM 2500 WITH DIESEL ENGINE FAIL 30000MI 2020 RAM 3500 WITH SAME ENGINE 9600MI 2020 RAM 3500 4400MI WHICH TURN OUT TO HAVE CONSECUTIVE VIN# FIRST RAM FAILED PARKED SECOND RAM FAILED IN MOTION 3RD RAM FAILED PARKED

Owner-reported narrative. 4,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11351441 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11361596 · 2020-09-28 (September 28, 2020)

I PURCHASED A KNEW 20 RAM 3500 AND ALL THOUGH I HAVEN'T HAD THE ISSUE HAPPEN TO ME YET, I'M A NERVOUS WRECK THAT IT WILL AND MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE STRANDED. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FAIRLY NEW CP4 FUEL PUMP. WHEN THIS GOES, IT TAKES OUT THE WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM RESULTING IN $17,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT YOUR STRANDED ,WITH OUT A VEHICLE. DEALERSHIPS ARE ONLY DOING A LIMITED AMOUNT OF LOANERS BUT NOT A VEHICLE EQUAL TO WHAT YOU HAD. SOME HAVE WAITED FOR MO…

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11361596 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11366401 · 2020-10-26 (October 26, 2020)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND TOWING A GENERATOR UP A HILL, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE DIESEL EXHAUST AND ENGINE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE TOWED TO PLATINUM CHRYSLER DODGE RAM JEEP LOCATED AT 65 TX-557 SPUR, TERRELL, TX 75160, [phone removed], WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE FUEL PUMP TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,68…

Owner-reported narrative. 16,684 miles reported. Look up ODI 11366401 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11372337 · 2020-10-30 (October 30, 2020)

I WAS TOWING MY 5TH WHEEL TRAILER FROM RANCHO CUCAMONGA TO SAN DIEGO. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON I-15, ALMOST NEARBY EXIT 15. SUDDENLY THERE IS A ERROR ON THE SCREEN , SAID 'EXHAUST BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED , ASK ME GO TO DEALER'. THEN I FOUND THERE IS NO POWER ANYMORE . I TRIED TO PRESS THE PEDAL AGAIN , STILL NO POWER. THEN I ROLLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. WHEN THE SPEED CAME DOWN TO ABOUT 15MPH, THE ENGINE STOPPED. THEN I POOLED OVER , AND TRIED TO RESTART IT . NOTHING HAPPENED. I CAN HEAR IT TRYING TO START, BUT NO START ANYMORE. THEN I CAL…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11372337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11373253 · 2020-11-05 (November 5, 2020)

THE TPMS SYSTEM ON MY NEW 2020 RAM 3500 HAS SUFFERED REPEATED FAILURES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED ALL 6 SENSORS (DUALLY) IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THE ISSUE, NO NO SUCCESS. NOW, THE SERVICE WRITER SEEMS TO HAVE ACCEPTED THE PROBLEM AS UNSOLVABLE. QUICK RESEARCH ON SOCIAL MEDIA, AND STATEMENTS MADE TO ME BY MY LOCAL SERVICE WRITER LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. THE 2020 RAMS SEEM TO ALL SUFFER THIS COM LOSS TO SOME EXTENT. AS, THIS IS NOW A MANDATED SAFETY FEATURE UNDER THE TREAD ACT, I'M ASKING FOR YOUR…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11373253 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11374797 · 2020-11-16 (November 16, 2020)

I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 270 NB WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND LOST POWER. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE AND WAS TOWED TO THE EXIT BY THE HIGHWAY RESPONSE TEAM. TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. 29,986 miles reported. Look up ODI 11374797 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11375428 · 2020-11-19 (November 19, 2020)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH HAULING A HORSE TRAILER, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STEERED THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT FOR SIX MILES SINCE THERE WAS A TRUCK IN FRONT AND BEHIND HER. THE CONTACT WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OFF A STRAIGHT AWAY EXIT RAMP AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER - LARRY GREEN AUTO GROUP (350 S. BROADWAY, BLYTHE, CA 92225 [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11375428 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11378173 · 2020-12-06 (December 6, 2020)

I BOUGHT MY TRUCK IN TAMPA, FL IN AUGUST WITH 23K MILES TRUCK HAS 30K NOW I WAS DRIVING THANKSGIVING MORNING AFTER FILLING TANK OFF IN A TRUSTED GAS STATION THAT I FILL ALL MY 3 TRUCKS 2016, 2018, 2020 RAM 3500. I DROVE ABOUT 35 MILES AND TRUCK STARTED TO DECELERATE LOST POWER WITHIN 2 MILES AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND NEVER STARTED AGAIN I TOOK TO THE ARRIGO DODGE TAMARAC DEALER AND AFTER 6 DAYS THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL HAS REGULAR GAS IN IT BECAUSE THEY NEVER HAS SEEN THIS TO HAPPENED BEFORE. THEY SAID THE ONLY WAS FUEL PUMP EXPLODE IS …

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11378173 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

11 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

20V043000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2020-01-24 (January 24, 2020)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

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 ↗
20V207000 · Structure

Reported: 2020-04-09 (April 9, 2020)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.

Consequence: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V511000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2020-08-27 (August 27, 2020)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.

Consequence: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V398000 · Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

Reported: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V439000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication

Reported: 2021-06-10 (June 10, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.

Consequence: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V880000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2021-11-12 (November 12, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V035000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Linkages

Reported: 2022-01-27 (January 27, 2022)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V140000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 2022-03-10 (March 10, 2022)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V835000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2022-11-10 (November 10, 2022)

FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

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 ↗