2020 RAM 1500 problems & reliability
618 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 RAM 1500, alongside 14 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
11 complaints report injuries (14 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2020 RAM 1500 vehicles were involved in 202 fatal crashes with 57 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 158 | 26% |
| Engine | 153 | 25% |
| Unknown OR Other | 110 | 18% |
| Power Train | 62 | 10% |
| Steering | 58 | 9% |
| Visibility/wiper | 52 | 8% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 44 | 7% |
| Structure | 43 | 7% |
| Service Brakes | 40 | 6% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 27 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 26,373 miles (middle 50% between 5,013 and 60,750 miles), based on 170 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“MGU Failed, 48v code P0DAF had early signs of premature failure. when on the highway, vehicle shut off completely, no power what so ever. Couldn't steer correctly and vehicle was going highway speeds (approximately 70mph) dealer has confirmed the issue being there MGU gone bad, but I have records of water intrusion…”
Power Train · filed Aug 5, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting…”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Jul 30, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking from the rear window of the vehicle. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 23-098-23, detailing a crack in the rear window near the third brake light that could allow water to enter the vehicle on the left and right sides…”
Visibility · filed Jul 24, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- High pressure fuel pump failure
Engineering Analysis EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · open · led to recall 24V957
Technical service bulletins
1,223 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2020 RAM 1500. The 10 most recent:
Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park
S2608000033 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2026
CORE – HEATER
113276 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
CORE – HEATER
113277 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
9100833 REV1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
SWITCH – HEADLAMP
113069 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 29, 2026
SWITCH – HEADLAMP
113070 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 29, 2026
Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2208000045 REV.D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 26, 2026
Outlet - air conditioning & heater
113066 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 2026
Outlet - air conditioning & heater
113065 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 2026
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
9100833 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2020 RAM 1500 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2020 RAM 1500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 26,373 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.