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Vehicle safety record

2020 Ram 4500 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2020 Ram 4500 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (2) and the visibility & wipers (2). It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in October 2022 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 2019 has 6 and the 2021 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical 4500 year, for its age

#233 most complained-about 2020 vehicle

Complaints
4
Recalls
10
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2020 Ram 4500 problems

Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2020 Ram 4500 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

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

22V75900026,961 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The rear brake hose inside diameter may be too small, which could cause the hose to rupture. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 106, "Brake Hoses."
The risk
A brake hose rupture can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZA5.

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.

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

21V0230004 vehicles affected

The problem
Excellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.
The risk
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Excellance will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit to remedy any damage and to prevent any future damage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Excellance customer service at 1-800-882-9799.

Suspension: rear

21V0160006 vehicles affected

The problem
Custom Truck And Body Works is recalling certain 2020 Dodge 4500 and 5500 vehicles. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.
The risk
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage, which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Custom Truck And Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will repair the affected suspension systems, and rear brake caliper flexible line, free of charge. Owners may contact Custom Truck And Body Works customer service at 1-706-553-9178. Custom Truck And Body Works number for this recall is 20E-031.

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

21V00800023 vehicles affected

The problem
Braun Northwest (Braun Northwest) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAM 4500/5500 vehicles equipped with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.
The risk
A worn rear brake line may leak fluid, resulting in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Braun Northwest will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit to each rear caliper and modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting. Any worn rear brake caliper flexible lines will be replaced as needed, free of charge. The recall began June 8, 2020. Owners may contact Braun Northwest customer service at 1-360-748-0195.

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.

Suspension: rear

20E031000397 vehicles affected

The problem
LiquidSpring LLC (LiquidSpring) is recalling certain Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension Systems (C.L.A.S.S.), part numbers DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, DS135RS3-DM, sold for use with 2019-2020 RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes. As such, these parts fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
The risk
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
LiquidSpring has notified the purchasers, and the affected vehicle manufacturers will file recalls to have their dealers inspect the rear brake caliper flexible lines for wear and install a kit to modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting, and if necessary, a kit to replace worn brake lines, free of charge. The recall May 13, 2020. Owners may contact LiquidSpring customer service at 1-765-474-7816, extension 1.

What owners say

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4 complaints about the 2020 Ram 4500

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Other & unknown

We purchased this vehicle as a cab and chassis and took it to a professional outfitter to have a service Knapheide box added. The box was equipped with incorporated locks. We had an issue with a check engine light and took the vehicle to the dealership since it was still with in warranty. The dealer scanned the truck and stated that there is a P1400 code showing illegal tuning and would void the warranty. Come to find out this code was due to the outfitter installing the box and flashing the computer for the locks. This should not be an issue that voids a warranty when a professional outfitter installs the box directly from the dealer.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11763662
Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH during a rainstorm, the windshield wipers were activated; however, the windshield wipers failed to engage as needed. The contact attempted to activate the windshield wipers several times, but the windshield wipers stopped operating. The contact pulled over and waited out the rainstorm. The rain had not stopped, and the contact drove to a filling station, checked the electrical fuse for the windshield wipers, and then...

Read the full complaint

replaced the fuse. The contact stated that the wipers started to function, but only at the highest speed. The contact attempted to slow the windshield wipers, but when the wiper speed control was set to a slower speed, the wiper blades stopped working in the middle of the windshield. The contact drove to the residence with the windshield wipers functioning at high speed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer but had not yet received a diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V035000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11691170
Fuel systemVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 22V035000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Fuel system, diesel · VisibilityNHTSA 11466951
Fuel system

Truck turned off while driving and died. Would not turn back on. Was towing a 40ft gooseneck trailer with a load on it. Truck was stopped blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Truck and trailer had to be towed to nearest dealership where they found the CP4 fuel pump had failed and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11437842

Ram 4500: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20241210SteeringC
20230400-C
20223400Transmission & drivetrainC
20210500-C
202041000Fuel systemD
201961000Fuel systemD
20189700BrakesC
20175720BrakesC
20161700Body, doors & structureB
All 4500 years

2020 Ram 4500 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2020 Ram 45004100D
2020 Ram 1500 Classic646025CCompare
2020 Ram 15006461425CCompare
2020 Ram 2500162105CCompare
2020 Ram 3500116116CCompare
2020 Ram Promaster4353CCompare
2020 Ram 55008101DCompare

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 4500

Does the 2020 Ram 4500 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2020 Ram 4500: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (October 2022); linkages (January 2022); fuel pump (November 2021); oil / lubrication (June 2021) 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 4500?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (2), visibility & wipers (2).

How many complaints has the 2020 Ram 4500 had?

4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 22, 2021 and the latest on September 11, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2020 Ram 4500 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 33 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ram 4500 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 4500 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2020 Ram 4500 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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