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Vehicle safety record

2020 Ram 3500 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2020 Ram 3500 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (57) and the engine & cooling (30). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 11 recalls, the latest in December 2022 for the hinge and attachments. For comparison, the 2019 has 138 and the 2021 has 63.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical 3500 year, for its age

#58 most complained-about 2020 vehicle

Complaints
116
Recalls
11
Crashes
6
Fires
7
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Most common 2020 Ram 3500 problems

Share of all 116 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2020 Ram 3500 recalls 11

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

Structure: hinge and attachments

22V9040001,224,078 vehicles affected

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.

Power train: automatic transmission

22V835000250,079 vehicles affected

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.

Service brakes: control unit / module

22V140000370,437 vehicles affected

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.

Visibility: linkages

22V035000171,789 vehicles affected

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.

Fuel system: fuel pump

21V880000222,410 vehicles affected

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.

Engine and engine cooling: oil / lubrication

21V43900032,002 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.

Wheels: lugs / nuts / bolts / studs

21V398000447,985 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.

Back over prevention: camera

20V191000319,610 vehicles affected

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.

Engine and engine cooling: oil / lubrication

20V51100032,318 vehicles affected

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

Structure

20V20700037,580 vehicles affected

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.

Power train: automatic transmission

20V04300087,431 vehicles affected

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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116 complaints about the 2020 Ram 3500

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.

Fuel system

High pressure fuel pump recall failed and put my life in danger ️ Terrible experience not only for me but it put in danger a Semi truck driver and others almost got killed

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11763273
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFire

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 under hood on passenger side of the hood. I stopped the truck/ camper. Three of us had extinguishers trying to put fire out. The entire engingine compartment burned and fire intruded into driver compartment.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11762938
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

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 contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) had likely failed. The exact cause of the failure had not yet been determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and was experiencing the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 300,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, diesel · EngineNHTSA 11759916
AirbagsCrash

I was in a single-vehicle accident on July 20th, 2026 and hit an oak tree head-on center and my airbags didn't deploy. I have a fractured neck and whiplash, not to mention other minor injuries. I am now able to type in order to report it. I have photographs.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11759508
Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact 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 contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed an upside-down or distorted image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11730803
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cooling fan module had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11720681
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the gear shifter shifted into drive independently, causing the vehicle to roll away. The vehicle stopped before crashing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11718941
Transmission & drivetrainCrash

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the gear shifter shifted into the drive position when the contact's minor [[redacted]] child entered the vehicle to retrieve an item using the steering wheel and gear shifter to enter, causing the vehicle to roll down a hill and collide with a tree. The impact resulted in significant damage to the passenger side door, bumper, and truck bed. Although a child was inside the vehicle at the time of the...

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incident, no injuries were reported following the collision. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it had notyet been inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11718937
Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11702494
Other & unknownFire

After normal operation, I shut off the vehicle, and within seconds it caught fire without any external cause. Our insurance company and Look Larson Dodge investigated the incident over approximately 3½ weeks but could not determine a definitive cause of the fire.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11698464
Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure, but the vehicle was not repaired at the time. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had imploded, causing damage to...

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the fuel system. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel), and the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact later became aware that the dealer had replaced the high-pressure fuel pump with the same part. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the high-pressure fuel pump installed on the vehicle was not the recall part, but the same defective part. The mechanic recorded the high-pressure fuel pump and part number, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the recall part had not been installed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the dealer delayed performing the recall repair free of charge, which required the contact to pay for the replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump with the correct part. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to complete the recall repair free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, dieselNHTSA 11686066
Wheels & tires

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front wheels became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to one side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the front wheel studs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11666152
Electrical systemBrakes

Abs module has failed twice since truck purchased.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11659464
Engine & coolingFuel system

Codes: P2002, P242F, P2463, P1451 Failures: DPF, Charge air cooler leak, PM sensors, EGR internally cracked, Catalytic Convertor, Pink tinged oil, strong diesel odor in oil - post failures. Erratic def gauge readings, unstable idling, clunking downshift when exhaust brake decelerates, warm up stumbling. Power reduced, see dealer (over and over and over and over). Limp Mode (5 MPH). Permanent ticks/taps from front left motor, front passenger wheel well, passenger side mid-truck. Extremely loose gear shifter plus an...

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occasional "Vehicle Not in Part" message on the dash display. Manufacturers Service Center (local and ONLY Ram dealership) has reproduced the issue. Independent Diesel Mechanic shop also reproduced. Service center and Independent shop both inspected. The safety issues of a 5 MPH limp mode and risk of sudden engine stalls while driving in traffic, especially on an interstate should be fairly self explanatory... As is a constant "Power Reduced See Dealer" problem, when your truck is used to do what it's designed to do... Tow large loads. As is an extremely loose gear shifter that doesn't always properly register as "in Park". The date listed below is simply the date of the very first occurrence. It's not a representation of every date after. The most recent date was just last week.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11644228
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that coolant was leaking underneath the vehicle. The EGR warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon adding coolant to the EGR valve, the contact noticed that coolant was still leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the EGR valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11627960
Wheels & tires

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500 equipped with Atturo Tires, Tire Line: Trail Blade A/T, Tire Size: 235/80/R17, DOT Number: KA0HD80R4223. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front passenger's side tire experienced a blowout. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the tire, the contact noticed that the tread had separated, causing the tire to blowout. The contact replaced the tire with the spare tire. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed...

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speed, the front end of the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the tire shop, where it was determined that the front driver's side tire tread had separated. The front driver's side tire was replaced under warranty. The tires were replacement tires. The tire manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11615174
Engine & cooling

Reoccurring messages regarding DEF, Exhaust Regeneration, and DPF, causing more and more frequent ReGen for longer and longer. Numerous trips to various Ram dealerships resulting in codes being cleared and then being told it was a software issue. After 2 years of this intermittently happening, we experienced an extended Regen that lasted hours and did not clear out the error code. Ram dealer in Utah charged $280 to do a stationary regeneration and once again clear out codes. Less than 6 months later with more...

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and more Regens, a failed regen sent truck into Low Power Mode (losing the ability to tow or excelerate quickly). We ended up having to take it to a Ram dealer over 2 hours away in S. Atlanta to have them take it apart and tell us that the factory installed wiring harness rubbed a hole in the charged air cooler boot which was then causing failed regeneration of the diesel particulates causing the filter to fill. Dealer clearly stated that had any other dealer done a visual inspection of the physical components they would have seen this occurring. We filed a claim and opened a case with Ram for the $4500 repair and waited 8 days with no response to 9 phone calls. The same day we authorized the work, we receive the coveted return call to start the process, but once the customer service rep found out we had already authorized the work we were advised that case would be closed and we would have to open another case for reimbursement. So we started the whole process again, submitted all of the documentation and paid receipts and have been denied. All attempts to contact a supervisor or manager go nowhere and Ram customer service is rude and unhelpful and went as far as to tell us that our mistake was having the vehicle repaired (as if we are just going to let an $80k vehicle sit indefinitely in an unusable state).

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11613771
Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Fuel system, dieselNHTSA 11611006
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train); 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 issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11589870
Wheels & tires

I live in northern California near San Francisco, and we were traveling from Cottonwood, AZ back to our home. Back in June of 2023 we were traveling near Kingman, AZ and had the front passenger tire explode, almost losing control of the truck and trailer. We were at 19524 miles on the truck. At the time I thought that maybe I had hit something. But two months later I took the trailer to Carson City, NV for work and just before I got into Reno the truck started to shake from side to side in the front and the next...

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day I took it to a tire shop and they told me that the driver's front tire was getting ready to come apart and I had only put about 800 miles on the truck since the first tire had exploded. This was when I realized the issue was the tires. I immediately had all 6 tires replaced. You can find a lot of bad comments about these tires on-line with comments like what happened to me. EXAMPLE [[redacted]] In response to your questions 1.I don't have the tires that died just pictures. 2.After the blowout steering was difficult. 3.No Dealer confirmation. 4.No inspections. 5.Before the first tire exploded for about 20 miles I noticed a vibration in the front end. But just thought it was just the road. Tire Size - LT235/80R17 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11579991
Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light later illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 21V398000 (Wheels), and 22V904000 (Structure) were performed. However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (7250 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017), where it was diagnosed that the fuel line had...

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failed, and the fuel injectors and fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, dieselNHTSA 11579254
Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Fuel system, dieselNHTSA 11576643
Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle will not go into park and shut off. I could not turn the engine off. Not having the ability to turn the motor off is a safety concern. This has progressed to where it says vehicle is not in park while vehicle is in drive and moving. The problem is intermittent and I have documented it with multiple pictures and videos and witness accounts but the dealer has not been able to reproduce the malfunction. The service representative has been helpful but has not been able to. The vehicle has not been...

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inspected by the police or other independent representatives. The vehicle does not have any codes associated with it. This same exact series of malfuctions occurred on my 2016 Ram 2500 and the valve pack on the transmission failed and the vehicle would not move and eventually the transmission failed. Then the emission software would not extinguish the check engine light even though there were no issues. The dealer reinstalled the software and after less than 25 miles the same issue happened. I traded in the vehicle because Ram would not honor the warranty and I could not pass smog with a check engine light on and nothing wrong with the sensors or the output. Now I am having problems with the 3500 progressively going in the exact same way as the 2500. I have had to take it to the dealer 6 or 7 times in as many months and less than 10,000 miles.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11565787
Electrical system

Check engine light turned on in my 2020 dodge ram 3500, I took the truck back to the dealership. According to them the Grid Heater Relay needs to be replaced & the truck could have caught on fire if we would have kept driving like that. I have done some research and saw that there has been a recall on that same part for the 2021-2023. Could it be possible the 2020 were defective also, this is a major safety concern and should be looked into. I also don't believe the customer should be responsible for paying for this issue to be fixed when it was my family's safety that was jeopardized.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11559100
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

On 12/4/23, at 6:37 am PST, we initiated remote start via the key fob. At 6:40 am pst, a flash and fire erupted from under the hood of the truck. We immediately worked to control the fire using extinguishers and garden hoses until the fire department arrived a few minutes later. They worked to put the fire out that engulfed the engine compartment and then worked to get the hood open to finish putting the fire out. The fire didn't fully go out until the battery cables were cut.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11558743

Ram 3500: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202446251Electrical systemC
202317500Engine & coolingA
20221911245Transmission & drivetrainF
202163904Electrical systemB
20201161167Fuel systemC
201913814125Fuel systemD
201881011162BrakesF
20173171391BrakesD
201613416125SteeringC
All 3500 years

2020 Ram 3500 vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2020 Ram 3500

Does the 2020 Ram 3500 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2020 Ram 3500: hinge and attachments (December 2022); automatic transmission (November 2022); control unit / module (March 2022); linkages (January 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 3500?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (57), engine & cooling (30), transmission & drivetrain (12).

How many complaints has the 2020 Ram 3500 had?

116 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 26, 2020 and the latest on September 10, 2026. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2020 Ram 3500 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Ram 3500 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 3500 years have the most complaints?

2018 (810), 2017 (317), 2014 (202). See every Ram 3500 year compared.

What should I do if my 2020 Ram 3500 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

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