- The problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Vehicle safety record
2020 Ram 2500 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 162 complaints about the 2020 Ram 2500 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (70) and the engine & cooling (34). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in January 2025 for the inflator. For comparison, the 2019 has 194 and the 2021 has 109.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 2500 year, for its age
#46 most complained-about 2020 vehicle
- Complaints
- 162
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2020 Ram 2500 problems
Share of all 162 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2020 Ram 2500 recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Over-the-air fix
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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162 complaints about the 2020 Ram 2500
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank or inverted image. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the heater intake bolt was detached and entered into the number 6 cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact...
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stated that the failure was a known failure regarding the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,128.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while standing directly behind the tailgate, the contact heard an audible "click", and the tailgate independently unlatched and opened, striking the contact's chest, and the contact was forcefully knocked to the ground. Due to the severity of the impact and injury, the contact was immobilized on the ground for 45 minutes while calling out for emergency assistance. The contact sustained a broken femur. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:...
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22V904000 (Structure), in which the vehicle did not have the recall remedy performed to prevent the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer determined that no repair was needed and marked the recall as complete. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer for a reinspection, with a diagnostic fee included, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned being concerned for their safety when driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 35,272.
My 2020 Ram 2500 Mega Cab truck Dash Leather Covering is coming loose from it base and may interfere with the passenger Air Bag deployment that is under the loose material. My truck has only 36,000 miles on it and has been garaged kept since I purchased it new. *I found this information online. Ram 2500 trucks (2019-2023) frequently experience dashboard leather bubbling or delamination, particularly over the passenger airbag area. This bulging can compromise airbag deployment and is caused by adhesive...
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failure, often requiring a full dashboard replacement. I contacted my local Ram service center. They advised my to contact Ram corporate regarding this Safety Issue. Key Details Regarding the Issue: •Cause: The glue holding the leather/vinyl to the dash substrate fails, leading to bubbling and peeling, which can create a ridge over the passenger airbag deployment zone. •Safety Risk: A warped or bulging dashboard can interfere with the proper deployment of the passenger-side airbag.
Massive oil leak that everyone has issues with also has a grid heater bolt that fails and causes engine damage. The oil leaks are terrible for the environment and causing leaks all over every road
The reverse went out while driving
Hood liner repeatedly drops down out of its mounting points on the edge near the engine firewall. This is a manufacturing engineering deficiency that relies on shaped material to hold the liner in place. The dealer has replaced it three times, and the same thing continues to happen. Chrysler refuses to address the issue. My concern is what happens if the liner completely drops down on the engine while in operation.
While towing, my trailer brakes and lights come off and on randomly. I've had the wiring repaired on my trailer and it did not fix the issue. I've almost been in several accidents while towing, It is very unsafe.
Def pump failed twice with this vehicle and with that it does not allow the vehicle to run any faster than 5 mph after the countdown ends. Unknown how the exhaust being plugged and service was done to clean the exhaust ended up having the fuel pump and turbo charger needing replaced. Not sure if they went hand in hand and one causing the other. So far the vehicle only has almost 78,000 miles on it. Change oil and fuel filters at the vehicles scheduled computer system reports on the vehicle. I was having issues...
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from service center having trouble resetting the exhaust system, which they said the system was not sealing properly. Took them a couple of days to get part from dealership to get it to seal and reprocessed the test which they said passed exhaust reset. That would explain the poor fuel rating of only getting 9 miles per gallon. If there was a complete fuel pump failure, not sure if that would compare to this being a safety issue. Not sure how engine would react, due to it completely failing or if the turbo would cause the vehicle to be unsafe. The vehicle is currently at dealership and only 1 out of the 3 are even available to fix this problem. Def pump is available, but unknown when the others will arrive. Service shop said it could be 3 weeks or 8 months for parts to come in. Due to being a back ordered item. Spent $70k for this vehicle, just to have it spend over 2 months in the shop. I do my own oil and fuel filter changes, due to it being faster and cheaper than any dealer or shop.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, traffic started to slow down, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended while depressing the brake pedal. The contact depressed the brake pedal again, and the vehicle abruptly stopped and veered to the left. The contact was able regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the shoulder. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS, 4x4, and brakes warning lights were illuminated, and other unknown...
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warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, a metallic burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. When the tow truck driver lowered the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front driver's side wheel seemed bent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
2500 Truck randomly activates emergency braking for no reason. Occurs a couple times a month. Every occurrence has zero obstructions in front. I took it to the Tate Ram dealer (frederick MD) and they refused to update their software unless I pay them +$285.00. The Ram dealer is even aware of the software issue. I told them this is a life safety issue and not my fault. I requested the fix immediately but refused. I also have an active full MOPAR warranty, and they still said it's not covered. This is insane
As I was operating my vehicle on I95 northbound smoke began to pour out of my vents. I was able to pull over and was able to determine there was a fire behind the radio in my truck. I immediately grabbed the personal affects that I could grab and called 911. However within 5 minutes the cab of the truck.was engulfed im flames.
I pushed my breaks and the hydro booster started spraying fluid inside the cab I lost my breaks I was backing up down my sister's drive way hit a telephone pole with the back of the truck it made a little dent
Subject: Fuel System Failure Resulting in Engine Damage - 2020 RAM 2500 Pickup VIN: [[redacted]] Complaint Summary: I am submitting this complaint to formally report a dangerous and costly fuel system defect in my 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup (VIN: [[redacted]] ) that has resulted in catastrophic engine damage. Although Chrysler has issued a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in many 2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine, I was told that my vehicle was not included in the recall - even...
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though it exhibits all the classic symptoms of HPFP failure. This is a safety hazard and a potential emissions violation. Details of the Incident: In June 2025, I brought my truck to Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM after experiencing engine misfires, loss of power, and a knocking noise. The dealership diagnosed a P0303 cylinder misfire and noted a fuel smell in the engine oil, as documented in repair order #[[redacted]]. Despite extensive diagnostic work - including compression tests, leak-down, and injector swaps - the misfire remained unresolved, and a tapping noise persisted. The technician explicitly noted fuel contamination in the oil and suspected internal engine damage due to a fuel system issue. To further investigate, I submitted an oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories. The lab confirmed the engine oil was heavily diluted with diesel fuel - over 10% fuel contamination, which reduced the viscosity from 5W40 to the equivalent of 5W20. This is consistent with HPFP failure leaking fuel into the crankcase. The oil report also noted excessive steel wear and recommended immediate oil change and fuel system inspection. At no time was a check engine light present, nor was there a clear diagnostic code for HPFP failure. Chrysler continues to deny responsibility even though the evidence clearly points to a failed HPFP - a well-documented issue for this engine model and year. The cost of diagnosis and parts alone has exceeded $4,000, and the engine is likely destroy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The parking brake will not operate. Upon inspection the teeth on the gear are broken causing it to lock at top position. Dealership would not warranty safety part at 30,059 miles on vehicle so now I am left with no parking brake to protect vehicle from rolling on hill. Keep in mind vehicle is always used for towing 12,000 pounds or more.
Ram and it's parent company know there is an issue with the brake systems on their 3/4 ton pickup trucks. The 2500's. There is excessive travel in the brake petal and not enough pressure builds up in the system to activate the brakes correctly and adequately. It's all over the ram 2500 online forums. Many people are experiencing this issue with new trucks. Ram and its parent company Stellantis are unwilling to do anything about it.
Too much travel in brake pedal. Feels spongy. Weak brakes, hard to stop vehicle. Have to put pedal to the floor. Was told this was OK and normal at the dealership. Has been like this since I bought the vehicle new.
Vehicle randomly shuts off during normal operation. Same as if the Start / Stop button were activated. Vehicle coasts until it self applies the emergency brake at about 3mph causing a sudden, jerky complete stop. Switches itself to Park. Dash indicates "sterp on brake to restart". Vehicle restarts normally but may randomly shut down again. Safety risk is loss of steering, loss of power brake control, and total loss of power in traffic. Taking it to dealer today. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. No messages or warning lights display. This is a recent problem but recurring with increasing frequency.
Traction control kicks on while driving on dry pavement and the truck bogs down like there isn't any power. The truck slows down abruptly and will not speed back up without pulling to the side of the road and I have to shut it off and reset. The drive selector knob lights starts flashing and now they don't come on at all. This has happened on 4 occasions
Issue is that the on the Diesel intake heater core has a bolt that comes loose from inside the manifold and can fall down into the cylinder and can cause catastrophic failure.
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter had failed due to the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, which caused metal shavings to enter the fuel system. The dealer determined that the HPFP and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had offered to partially cover the repair cost...
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through goodwill assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the recall repair failed to fix the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, the manufacturer had failed to respond to the contact's follow-up emails and calls. The failure mileage was approximately 126,513.
I have a check engine light that came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a P0542 code for heating element relay. There is a technical service bulletin out for this known issue. I still have power train warranty left on my truck but they're claiming it isn't covered. I went as far as to add a bank ram air intake for over $1000 to help eliminate a complete engine failure. Any help would be appreciated
Throws code p2609 which is grid heater, this needs to be fixed at 38000 miles, I'm sure it'll cause a fire like the other model years that is being recalled for the same issue
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that engine grid heater had overheated, causing damages to the engine. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300,000.
Ram 2500: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 5 | A |
| 2023 | 0 | 8 | A |
| 2022 | 0 | 12 | A |
| 2021 | 109 | 8 | C |
| 2020 | 162 | 10 | C |
| 2019 | 194 | 12 | C |
| 2018 | 2,614 | 10 | F |
| 2017 | 699 | 12 | F |
| 2016 | 261 | 14 | C |
2020 Ram 2500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 2500 | 162 | 10 | C | |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | 116 | 11 | C | Compare |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 | 80 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2020 Nissan Titan XD | 0 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2020 Ford F-250 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2020 Ford F-350 | 0 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | 0 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | 0 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2020 Ram 1500 Classic | 646 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2020 Ram 2500
Does the 2020 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2020 Ram 2500: inflator (January 2025); hinge and attachments (December 2022); automatic transmission (November 2022); control unit / module (March 2022) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 2500?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (70), engine & cooling (34), transmission & drivetrain (20).
How many complaints has the 2020 Ram 2500 had?
162 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 3, 2020 and the latest on August 21, 2026. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2020 Ram 2500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 48 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Ram 2500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ram 2500 years have the most complaints?
2018 (2,614), 2017 (699), 2014 (345). See every Ram 2500 year compared.
What should I do if my 2020 Ram 2500 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
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