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2020 Ram 3500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Ram 3500 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 11safety recalls
- 116owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 7fire reports
- 4injuries reported
116 complaints, against an average of 171 for the other 13 Ram 3500 model years.
Every Ram 3500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Ram 3500?
The components named most often in the 116 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Ram 3500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 116 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2020 Ram 3500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?21 owners · 18.1% · Recall 21V880000
- Why does my 2020 Ram 3500 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?6 owners · 5.2%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2020 Ram 3500?6 owners · 5.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ram 3500?5 owners · 4.3%
- Does the 2020 Ram 3500 have emissions system or DPF problems?5 owners · 4.3%
- Has the 2020 Ram 3500 had engine failures?4 owners · 3.4% · Recall 20V511000
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2020 Ram 3500?4 owners · 3.4%
- Why does my 2020 Ram 3500 smell of burning or smoke?4 owners · 3.4%
- Have any 2020 Ram 3500 vehicles caught fire?4 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2020 Ram 3500 been recalled?
11 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication 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.
Risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 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.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication 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.
Risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 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 3500 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 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
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
What do 2020 Ram 3500 owners report?
12 of the 116 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.
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
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.
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…
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.
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 [XXX] 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 incident, no injuries were reported following the collision. No air bags deployed. The…
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 the fuel system. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…
Abs module has failed twice since truck purchased.
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 occasional “Vehicle Not in Part” message on the dash display. Manufacturers…
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.
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 failed, and the fuel injectors and fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
As I was driving the vehicle caught fire and I lost brakes. The vehicle had to be put into a retention pond to stop it.
What braking towing a 36’ 5th wheel Rv steering wheel shakes extremely bad. No issues not towing. Ram dealer could not find anything wrong this has happened from the time I bought the vehicle January 2022 it had 17000 miles to current 35950 miles
2020 Ram 3500: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Ram 3500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 3500; the most common categories were fuel/propulsion system (33, 28.4%), engine (27, 23.3%), fuel system (24, 20.7%). There are 11 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 7 mention a fire, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 3500?
Across 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are fuel/propulsion system (28.4% of complaints), engine (23.3% of complaints), fuel system (20.7% of complaints), diesel (19.8% of complaints), power train (10.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2020 Ram 3500; the most recent (campaign 22V904000, 2022-12-08) concerns Structure: Body: Tailgate: Hinge And Attachments. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Ram 3500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
21 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (18.1%) 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: "I was driving on i-44 10 past miami oklahoma heading east bound and the truck lost all power the dodge 3500 2020 had 35,000 miles on it had it towed to the dodge dealer in miami ok they said the high pressure fuel pump exploded" (NHTSA complaint 11437273, October 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Ram 3500 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
6 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (5.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Hoses for washer fluid to the sprayers for the windshield come disconnected at the tee and 90 fittings preventing you from cleaning the windshield while driving. It happened once and I pushed them back in and they have come apart again." (NHTSA complaint 11512239, March 2023). 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 3500?
6 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (5.2%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "Sudden, catastrophic failure of Hydro Boost Pump Port Tube Assembly resulting in severe loss of steering and braking capability accompanied by high pressure release of flammable power steering fluid into and within engine compartment" (NHTSA complaint 11490107, October 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.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ram 3500?
5 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (4.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11559100, December 2023). 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 3500 have emissions system or DPF problems?
5 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (4.3%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11644228, February 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.
Has the 2020 Ram 3500 had engine failures?
4 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (3.4%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. A related recall exists: campaign 20V511000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The 2019 to 2020 model year ram 2500 heavy duty equipped with a 6.7l cummins diesel engine has a major safety issue that could cause a stall and increase the risk of a crash." (NHTSA complaint 11387099, January 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2020 Ram 3500?
4 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (3.4%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "ABS System Failure HCU/ABS Module need to be replaced. This does not only occur on 2017-2018 RAM trucks. Please expand the investigation to include at least 2020 as well. Parts have been discontinued and new ones are not available yet." (NHTSA complaint 11531055, July 2023). 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 3500 smell of burning or smoke?
4 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (3.4%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11762938, September 2026). 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.
Have any 2020 Ram 3500 vehicles caught fire?
4 of the 116 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ram 3500 (3.4%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11698464, November 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.
Check your own 3500
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.