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Engine & cooling

2020 Ram 1500 Engine problems

Owners have filed 166 complaints about the 2020 Ram 1500's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 26% of all its complaints, most recently on November 4, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
166
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Truck burned down. Reported problems earlier to you with stellantis/ram having issues with the etorque and not helping to resolve, along with not producing parts. Etorque failed in beginning of 2026, replaced OEM for $5,000(5 times the price it should have been) with no help of ram/stellantis. Now, somewhere in the engine caught on fire and burned the whole truck. Insurance has done investigation and I have received the claim. Safety concern:my wife and [[redacted]] were in the vehicle, started it and it caught...

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fire. Lucky to have gotten out safe. Total loss of vehicle. The ram rebel 2020 and specifically etorque and electrical all should be looked into and proper action be taken with ram/stellantis to its customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11775549
Engine & cooling

I bought this used truck with 60K miles on it in 2024. It is a 2020 truck. At 136K the engine failed.........with the infamous [[redacted]]. I have an excel summary spread sheet on all maintenance I had done since I owned this truck and I did not pull or haul anything. I heard a tick for about 10 days before I took it to my dealer whom I bought it from and they stated after "scoping" that the # 8 cylinder misfired and cylinder wall scored and the lifter pin bearing failed thus cam shaft damaged and exhaust...

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manifold cracked. They had to replace the engine with a remanufactured engine from [[redacted]] and replaced intake and exhaust Manifold at a cost of $ 15,021 out of my pocket. I was stuck with no options logically. I do not have a problem with the Dealership - [[redacted]]. I have a problem with Ram Engineering, Stalantis design. To me there is no excuse to have a big cast iron block v-8 fail at 136K miles. There are many more ram owners who have this same problem I just stated that I had. If I knew then what I know now i would have never bought this truck with this 5.7L engine. There were no warnings, messages or anything displayed to alert there was a problem. I expect that there was not enough oil flow to # 8 cylinder ( which is all the way back to the left rear ( passenger side) of the engine ) looking from the front of the truck as I read many Ram forums on line. I changed to oil every 5K miles with Mobil 1 full synthetic oil along with the filter - either Mobil 1 or WIX filters. some of the best on the market. I do not know what I can do now but this is rediculous. I won't get burned again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11764777
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Twice in the past two years, the eTorque system had failed will driving on the highest. When the unit fails, you lose all power asks if you're battery is low, you can pose the ability to even steer. The first time, I was on the i87 going north, and barely made it off the road. I was nearly hit by several semi trucks because this was on a blind turn with very little shoulder and I basically had to hide in the woods for safety. Just this past week, less than two years after the replacement, the same issue happened...

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again. This incident was on route 11, which is very busy and I was unable to get my vehicle of the road. An officer came to shield me until the tow truck came, but it was very sketchy. This total cost is over 3000$, and no support from Ram as to why this is happening. This past time the bearings went and there was a lot of smoke coming from the engine area. The smell of burning electronics was choking in the cab; at that point I had to get out of the truck due to the toxic fumes. I did file a complaint with them. With this being such a safety concern, why is there no recall? I can't be the only person having had to deal with this. From what the dealership says, this is happening a lot and there is currently an 8 month wait for the part. Just thought you should be aware of this very serious issue.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11757290
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced an unknown part, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11751506
Engine & cooling

I am having DEF related issues with my 2020 Ram 1500 ecodiesel that will ultimately cause the vehicle to no longer operate. Ram has an extended warranty for my exact problem but I am being told that my vehicle doesn't meet the requirements. My vehicle is under the required year and mileage but I'm being told that it doesn't apply.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11749914
SteeringElectrical systemEngine & cooling

While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the "Service Electronic Power Steering" dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11748558
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I PCSd from Springfield, MO to Fort Bliss Texas. I bought the truck [[redacted]]. I make it to TX. Driving the first Saturday in TX on [[redacted]] it just shuts down and put me in a very scary situation. I was stuck in the middle of the high way. It does not drive. The Etorque/generator is bad and is now on order from my local Dodge dealership. It literally shut down my truck and will not start, run, nothing. It's been in the shop for 40 days with a no ETA on the part ordered. This should definitely be a safety recall as it just stalled me on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11746568
Engine & cooling

TIMELINE: 3/2/26: Check engine light and remote start error appeared; no immediate symptoms, planned to have it inspected later. 3/3/26: Truck failed to start after work, leaving me stranded. 3/4/26: Checked for obvious issues (battery, fuses); none found. 3/5/26: Diagnosed and replaced a failed starter; truck started and drove normally. 3/6/26: Vehicle operated normally all day with multiple successful starts. 3/7/26: Truck would not start again. 3/23/26: Vehicle towed to local RAM dealership for inspection....

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3/30/26: Dealership determined engine is completely seized and requires replacement. My complaint is that the engine seized abruptly with no warning signs of impending failure. This posed a serious safety risk, as it could have occurred on the highway and caused an accident, injury, or death. The vehicle has approximately 106,000 miles, and all oil changes were performed properly and on schedule. The dealership has refused to inspect the engine to determine the cause unless I pay for their services, and RAM corporate has stated they have no one available to evaluate the issue. This may be due to a defective part that could endanger others and should be investigated to help prevent future incidents. Also during the process of calling RAM corporate, they informed me I had a opem recall for a power train control module, which I had never received any notice of.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11733103
Engine & coolingFuel system

Driving and tried to pass a truck loss of power (dash lit up and no top-end) went to limp mode, Hard start upon starting and limp mode continues, code P0336 (crank sensor/reluctor wheel), on dash codes = service electric throttle control & service electronic stability control. Mileage = 110,000, Required service and maintenance completed at recommended intervals, regarding current codes cleaned all related sensors and throttle body, filters and no changes. symptoms are identical to 2019 model complaints. calling...

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dealer regarding fuel system recall and this problem. (this is an estimated $2500 + repair by certified repair mechanic who states repair may fix for a year or less, but it is a continued issue once it starts)

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11728436
Engine & cooling

Engine went out before life of loan was up. Truck has always been serviced at dealer it was purchased from and has 140k highway miles on it. No warning or indicator lights prior to valve breaking and engine going out. Was in for oil change a month prior.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11721484
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

While driving 55mph my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing traffic behind me to blow their horn, then pass me. Thank god the people behind me didnt crash into me. I drove straight to Mechanics. This happened in mid October 2025. I was told its the e torque generator that needed replaced. My mechanic has ordered it several times just for it to refund him due to being out of stock. I have been in contact with ram over this issue since October. One supervisor even said my part was being expedited to mechanic, just...

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to be told by my mechanic no one has reached out to them. This is now February 2026 and I still have no eta on part. Supervisors are not taking my calls nor returning them. Ram needs held responsible. I am still making monthly payments on a vehicle that I can not drive. It almost seems like a fraud situation with over 3,000 people waiting on a single part with no etas.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11720301
Engine & cooling

My 2020 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system has experienced repeated failures of the charging system due to the belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt hybrid system. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly while driving in traffic, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and loss of power steering assist. This created a dangerous situation where I had limited ability to control the vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road. The truck has also stalled at low speeds and intersections,...

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requiring a restart while in traffic. When the failure occurs, warning messages related to the charging system or hybrid system may appear, and the vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver due to loss of steering assist. The underlying cause has been identified as failure of the eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) and/or associated 48-volt system components. The vehicle's 12-volt battery is no longer properly charged, leading to repeated dead battery conditions. I am currently forced to recharge the battery daily to keep the vehicle operational. Replacement parts for this system (Mopar part number 68623194AC or superseding versions) are on national backorder with no estimated availability. My vehicle has been affected for approximately five months, leaving it unreliable and unsafe to operate. This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose propulsion and steering assist without warning while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. I am reporting this issue so that NHTSA can investigate potential safety defects in the eTorque hybrid system used in Ram 1500 vehicles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11719217
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was riding very rough and unexpectedly idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,462.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11718756
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

While driving the power plant generator for my engine failed without warning, causing my truck to stop working. There has to be a major issue with the part due to the fact that there is 6000 part back order that has been in going for over 2 years. Someone is going to get seriously injured if this part isn't recalled and corrected. Having your car shut off at highway speeds is unacceptable. Part number 68623194AC. Ram knows there is a serious issue with this etorque power generator and is not doing anything to resolve the issues, nor making parts available to correct the issue. People trucks are now worthless lawn ornaments

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11717629
Engine & cooling

The generator bearings are making a wining noise. It was confirmed by an experienced independent mechanic that the E-torque generator needs replacement. The dealer said the generator is not in stock. Further research showed the part is on back order for months, with thousands of others waiting and in the same boat of no parts available.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11713261
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & cooling

On [[redacted]] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [[redacted]] at approximately [[redacted]] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted...

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Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11712244
Engine & coolingCrash

This engine has failed by the head gaskets, literally all 4, cracking/breaking. This caused coolant to leak into the engine, mix with the oil, depleating the coolant, thereby causing the truck to overheat and break down. With repairs this continues to happen. 3 times to be exact! This cannot be normal for this engine especially when this happened with less than 90K miles on the engine.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11712101
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this email to document a vehicle safety issue involving my 2020 Ram 1500 (5.7L eTorque). In November 2025, the vehicle experienced a failure of the eTorque motorized alternator / belt starter generator system, resulting in a loss of the electrical and charging system. As a result, the vehicle became non-drivable. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ram dealership on November 18, 2025, and has remained there continuously. The manufacturer (MOPAR / Stellantis) has...

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confirmed the failure is warranty-covered, but has advised that the required part is on indefinite backorder with no firm ETA. As of the date of this email, the vehicle has been out of service for over 60 days and cannot be safely operated. This issue appears to be widely reported nationwide (I was told by Landers Dodge in Norman, OK that the part is on backorder, and that there are currently 4,678 on Back Order. They also said that they've had a RAM there since last Oct. 2025 (this was on 12/12/2025 at 12pm) among vehicles equipped with the eTorque system, indicating a potential systemic defect affecting vehicle operability and safety. I am submitting this email in addition to my formal NHTSA complaint to ensure the issue is fully documented. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [[redacted]] 2020 Ram 1500 VIN: [[redacted]] Mileage: 79K INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11711141
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

My 2020 Ram 1500 exhaust manifold leak often causes a loud ticking noise, especially on startup, due to broken bolts or a cracked manifold.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11706238
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving, the contact smelled an abnormal exhaust odor, and there was a rattling sound coming from the exhaust manifolds. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 56,900.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11705852
Engine & cooling

Smoke leaks into cabin when heat is on. Possibly coolant/heating core. I saw many complaints for the same issue on the internet and figured i would make an official complaint

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11703076
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

After hearing a grinding noise coming from the engine, I took the vehicle (2020 RAM 1500 w/5.7L eTorque) to the dealer. It's been waiting for a replacement MGU (Motor Generator Unit) for over 3 weeks but I'm told it might take months to get a replacement part. Fortunately, I discovered this before having a breakdown on a busy highway or up in the mountains. Had that occured, I most certainly would have lost the ability to steer the truck and braking would have been diminished. I'm hoping this manufacturing defect is elevated to safety recall status in the hope of preventing future loss of life.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11700857
Engine & cooling

The e-Torque motor generator unit is failing, rendering the truck unsafe to drive. Catastrophic failure of this unit while in operation would likely cause loss of control. Signs of failure primarily have been increasing noise in the unit common to bearing failure. The component was inspected by an independent service center and confirmed to need immediate replacement. The part is currently unavailable from any source, and the manufacturer reports a back order with no known date of availability.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11698750
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The etorque generator stopped working, I can't find the part in any dealership since it's back ordered with no release date on more than 10,000 parts according to all the dealerships

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11698019
Engine & cooling

I leased this vehicle, brand new. I bought out the lease just over a year ago. The truck has under 113,000 miles. I drove the vehicle to New York for a trip. The motor started, knocking, ticking real bad so I pulled into the shop (Monroe) they looked at the engine and said it's blown. They was no waring/check engine light never came on. Gauges were fine (digital). It cost me 16 grand to put a new motor in and dodge will not cover it. The mechanic also stated, he sees these engine blown (V6) all the time in my RAM and in the Durango's.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11696364

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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