2020 RAM 3500 engine problems
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 RAM 3500 — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“We were pulling camper to Nashville TN. We pulled off I24 toward I65 North. I noticed the engine was raving and it felt like I was missing gears on the transmission. I was roughly 4 miles from my destination when I noticed smoke coming from under the hood on passenger side and flames coming from…”
filed Sep 8, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced speed and hesitation, and there was a rattling noise coming from the engine as the RPMs increased above 1,500. The vehicle was driven slowly to a local dealer, where the…”
filed Aug 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volumeCampaign 21V439000 · Jun 10, 2021
- Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod…Campaign 20V511000 · Aug 27, 2020
Related service bulletins
Radiator - engine cooling
114254 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2026Radiator - engine cooling
114255 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2026Sensor - turbocharger speed
113742 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2026
Engine problems in other 3500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 2 | 8% |
| 2025 3500 | 3 | 7% |
| 2024 3500 | 5 | 12% |
| 2022 3500 | 23 | 12% |
| 2021 3500 | 10 | 16% |
| 2019 3500 | 21 | 16% |
| 2018 3500 | 15 | 2% |
| 2017 3500 | 28 | 9% |
| 2016 3500 | 21 | 16% |
| 2015 3500 | 27 | 20% |
| 2014 3500 | 29 | 14% |
| 2013 3500 | 27 | 24% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 RAM 3500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.