Problem Lookup › Ram › 2500 › 2020
Car problem report
2020 Ram 2500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Ram 2500 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 10safety recalls
- 162owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 4injuries reported
162 complaints, against an average of 376 for the other 14 Ram 2500 model years.
Every Ram 2500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Ram 2500?
The components named most often in the 162 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Ram 2500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 162 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2020 Ram 2500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?22 owners · 13.6% · Recall 21V880000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ram 2500?10 owners · 6.2%
- Why does my 2020 Ram 2500 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?7 owners · 4.3%
- Has the 2020 Ram 2500 had engine failures?6 owners · 3.7%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2020 Ram 2500?6 owners · 3.7%
- Why won't my 2020 Ram 2500 start?5 owners · 3.1%
- Does the 2020 Ram 2500 have emissions system or DPF problems?5 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2020 Ram 2500 been recalled?
10 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
Structure: Body: Tailgate: Hinge And Attachments 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.
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.
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 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.
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
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, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module 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."
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
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: Windshield Wiper/Washer: Linkages 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.
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
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, Diesel: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Visibility: Rearview Mirrors/Devices: Exterior 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."
Risk: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: CameraOver-the-air fix 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."
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Structure 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.
Risk: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
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 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.
Risk: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Is the 2020 Ram 2500 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSARear view camera visibility
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been built with an incompatible rear view camera system and radio combination that may prevent the rear-view image from displaying during a reversing event under certain conditions.
Fix: Update of the radio software.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles equipped with a Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) the rear-view image may not be displayed under certain…On certain vehicles equipped with a Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) the rear-view image may not be displayed under certain conditions. An Electronic Throttle Control warning indicator may also be illuminated in the instrument panel cluster.
Risk: On certain vehicles equipped with a Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) the rear-view image may not be displayed under certain conditions. An Electronic Throttle Control warning indicator may also be illuminated in the instrument panel cluster.
Fix: Update to the Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) software.
UK DVSAThe tailgate may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned.
Risk: The tailgate may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned. Misaligned tailgate strikers may cause a failure to properly latch the tailgate. An improperly latched tailgate may result in an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.
Fix: Check tailgate function and adjust the tailgate strikers as needed.
UK DVSAThe electronic stability control warning lamp may not display properly under certain conditions
Risk: The Antilock Brake System control module may have software which prevents the Electronic Stability Control tell-tale (warning) lamp from displaying properly.
Fix: Update the AMS control module software.
UK DVSASide air bag inflatable curtain inflator might rupture
Risk: On a number of vehicles the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) inflator may rupture.
Fix: Check and replace one or both of the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain's
UK DVSAThe front seat belt retractor may have been built with an improperly formed wave disc
Risk: The front seat belt retractor may have been built with an improperly formed wave disc.
Fix: Replace the front seat belt retractor.
EU Safety GateThe defective semiconductor relay of the air intake grid may cause a short circuit.This could cause the engine compartment to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe tailgate (tailboard) may not lock properly and can open unintentionally.This poses a risk to following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe side airbag inflatable curtain inflator may break due to internal corrosion and may deploy spontaneously in the absence of an accident…The side airbag inflatable curtain inflator may break due to internal corrosion and may deploy spontaneously in the absence of an accident or commanded deployment. As a result, the metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat-belt retractors could be defective.As a result, their restraining effect in the event of an accident cannot be guaranteed, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2020 Ram 2500 owners report?
12 of the 162 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 stated that the failure was a known failure regarding the vehicle. The…
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 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: 22V904000 (Structure), in which the vehicle did not have the recall remedy…
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 from service center having trouble resetting the exhaust system, which they said the…
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 warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, a metallic burning odor was coming…
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
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: [XXX] 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: [XXX] ) 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 though it exhibits all the classic symptoms of HPFP failure. This is a safety hazard and a potential…
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 through goodwill assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle experienced reduced power and sputtering before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a faulty fuel injector. The fuel injector was replaced but the failure eventually recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who discovered metal shavings in the fuel pump and advised that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and towing a 2,500-pound trailer loaded with a 9,000-pound vehicle in hot weather, the MIL warning light illuminated and the message "Service DEF System - See Dealer" was displayed intermittently. Several unknown dealers were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in Manufacturer Campaign Number: ZD4. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance since the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to perform NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2020 Ram 2500: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Ram 2500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 2500; the most common categories were fuel/propulsion system (40, 24.7%), engine (33, 20.4%), diesel (30, 18.5%). There are 10 safety recalls. 5 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 2500?
Across 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are fuel/propulsion system (24.7% of complaints), engine (20.4% of complaints), diesel (18.5% of complaints), fuel system (18.5% of complaints), electrical system (12.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2020 Ram 2500; the most recent (campaign 25V010000, 2025-01-16) concerns Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Ram 2500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
22 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (13.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 21V880000 (fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump). 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. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11658917, May 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ram 2500?
10 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (6.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11639327, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Ram 2500 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
7 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (4.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Wanted to explain what happened to the truck. Left the house as normal, pulled out of the driveway. Normal acceleration around 45mph, truck started to spit and sputter making loud knocking noises in the engine. Lost complete power. Truck shut off by itself." (NHTSA complaint 11462000, April 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2020 Ram 2500 had engine failures?
6 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (3.7%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11639327, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2020 Ram 2500?
6 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (3.7%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11658917, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2020 Ram 2500 start?
5 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (3.1%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "I was pulling a 10k lb trailer from California to Arkansas. While passing a semi truck my vehicle lost engine power and left me without power steering or brakes. I was luckily able to make it to the right shoulder, vehicle would not start." (NHTSA complaint 11438006, October 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2020 Ram 2500 have emissions system or DPF problems?
5 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 2500 (3.1%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "Windshield broke . nothing hit it. i turned the defrost on and it just started cracking. transmission is slipping def pump went out hub caps keep flying off" (NHTSA complaint 11399726, March 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 2500
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.