2020 Ram 1500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 2020 Ram 1500 problems
The 2020 Ram 1500 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners, including issues with the touchscreen, engine lagging on acceleration, and the key fob dying quickly. The touchscreen freezing is the most widespread complaint, affecting many owners in the first 5,000 miles. The engine lagging on acceleration is often caused by excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs, which can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the spark plugs. The key fob dying quickly is due to the small coin-style battery used in the key fob, which can be replaced at home for around $3.
In addition to these common problems, there are also 11 recalls on the 2020 Ram 1500, which is more than other full-size trucks from the same year. The most serious recall covers a high-pressure fuel pump failure, which can cause the engine to stall. Dodge will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls include airbags, the windshield wipers, and the tailgate opening while driving.
Furthermore, there have been complaints about the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) in Ram trucks, which can impact several other critical systems when it's defective. Some of the most common Ram truck problems with the TIPM include stalling, power window failure, fuel pump issues, doors locking/unlocking randomly, cooling fan failure, and more.
Some owners have also reported water leaks in the cabin of the 2020 Ram 1500, which can cause damage to the interior and potentially lead to electrical system problems. In some cases, the water leak may be due to a faulty seal or gasket, while in other cases, it may be caused by a more serious issue with the vehicle's design or construction.
Overall, while the 2020 Ram 1500 is a powerful and capable vehicle, it is not without its issues. Owners should be aware of these common problems and take steps to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicle.
2020 Ram 1500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Ram 1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2020 Ram 1500
The NHTSA has received 376 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Ram 1500. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2020 Ram 1500 vehicles.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 1C6SRFLT3LN
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The drivers side sun visor has failed multiple times. As I am driving it falls out of its housing on the vehicle ceiling and obstructs my vision. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the visor. However, it has failed again and almost caused an accident. I spoke with an individual that works for Ram and was told that this is a repair and complaint that they hear quite often. I believe without a manufacturer recall and replacement that this could cause a severe accident.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Manifold leaking which could affect the components around possibly causing the engine to completely shut down. Is the the dodge dealership now. Apparently there are no recalls at this time. We do have an extended warranty on the vehicle thank goodness. All maintenance is up to date on this vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealership now and parts will not be in until October 24. It is not driveable at this time.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: while driving from one town to another and back of approximately 160 miles roundtrip the electric steering became inoperable for approximately 3-8 seconds about every 5 miles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT3LN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Driver and passenger manifolds Have cracked now 3 times on the passenger side and 1 time in the drivers side. Inhale had the last passenger side replaced under warranty and now they will not honor the warranty on the replaced manifold.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-28
- VIN: 1C6RREFT1LN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: It has been 2 years since this recall came out and still I get the run around at the dealer that a solution is not available. What I'm I supposed to do still not drive the vehicle or drive as little as possible. this is rediculous and I need this recall resolved emmidiately.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT8LN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Left turn signal does not self cancel at times. This is an intermittent problem.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-06
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Driving down highway and steering became inoperable or very hard to turn for approximately 2-5 seconds and this occurred about 5 times in the distance of 5 miles
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Just picked up vehicle Thursday, 26 Sept 2024 about Noon from Dealership after replacement of Rack and Pinion Gear, driving on straight road and "power steering Unavailable - Service required" information came on briefly for about 2 to 5 secs every 5-10 minutes during drive home.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-27
- VIN: 1C6SRFDTXLN
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Electronic stabilitac light is on and 4 wheel drive light is on as well. matches the recalls for 2019 and 2021-2024
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-28
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Just driving on the highway doing about 45 miles per hour and the message "power steering unavailable - service required" came on several times for about 2-5 seconds at least 3 times during the short drive. The power steering was definitely inoperative during the times the message was displayed.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: While driving to restaurant, Power Steering Unavailable - Service required" message came on 3 or 4 times for about 2-5 seconds during trip.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT7LN
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The Windsor shade flaps have both failed the drivers side pushed back into the slot has fallen out of the slot and has obscured driving needing to pull off of road way push back into slot this has also stopped the garage door opener to function
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT4LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45-50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud sound coming from the exhaust. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- VIN: 1C6SRFJT0LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormally loud exhaust sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold was cracked. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-21
- VIN: 1C6SRFHT9LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering failure. Dangerous to manage on the road
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT9LN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Vehicle was involved in a front end collision and was determined to be a total loss . None of the air bags deployed
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Driving on local road in Abilene Tx and got the message “Power Steering Unavailable Service Required” and the electric steering was inop for about 3-5 seconds. The message came on several times during their minute drive.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 1C6RREFT5LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: On [XXX] while exiting [XXX] at [XXX] and [XXX] , The steering wheel on my 2020 RAM 1500 completely locked up. There were no prior warnings—no dashboard lights, unusual sounds, or other indications of a problem. It wasn’t until I had significantly slowed down that I was able to apply enough force to get the vehicle into a nearby shopping center. The dashboard warning light did not appear until my vehicle was almost stopped. The dashboard error messaged indicated there was a "Power Steering Failure." Following this incident, I took the vehicle to the nearest CDJR dealership. The vehicle intake was handled by the Service Advisor advised that it may be the steering rack. The following week, we were advised that the vehicle was ready for pick-up and the service technician diagnosed the issue as an internal fault in the instrument panel switch bank. The switch bank was replaced per service protocols, diagnostic codes were cleared, and the system was thoroughly tested. The technician confirmed that the problem had been resolved. However, on [XXX], after retrieving the vehicle from the dealership, I experienced another alarming failure. While traveling at approximately 65-70 MPH, my steering wheel suddenly locked AGAIN. At that moment, I was surrounded by traffic, including an 18-wheeler next to me. The situation was life-threatening, and I feared for my safety. My thoughts were immediately consumed with concern for my daughter and husband as I fought to maintain control of the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the experience was nothing short of terrifying. A week has passed, and I am still deeply shaken by the event and appears it may be the rack after all. Other owners have reported similar failures with the RAM 1500's power steering system and is not an isolated case. It poses a grave risk, and is not an isolated case. It poses a grave risk, not only to the driver but to all motorists on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Just got on the local road and “power steering unavailable service required” message displayed twice for about 5 - 10 secs with the corresponding difficulty in turning steering wheel. Snapped a photo of message
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT5LN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Vehicle randomly says "shift to park" after making soft turns like going in a uturn under a bypass . Once the speed drops under 5mph, the truck then puts vehicle in park, and turns off. Dealership could not find the problem. Mechanics are unsure. Ongoing for 3 years. Very unsafe.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Just pulled out of the garage, put it into drive, and some red words were displayed for about 5 to 15 seconds stating something to the effect that “your steering is inoperative, take to dealer or something like that,
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 1C6RREFT5LN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Vehicle steering locked while driving at highway speed, dealer tested system and replaced a can bus switch. Upon driving home from dealership (after fixing) the steering once again failed. Luckily no one was injured. We did get a warning steering failed only after the steering locked and was immobile. This is the most critical part of a vehicle and should not fail in under 50,000 miles and fail to the point of uncontrollable. This is a horrible design, someone is going to get killed if this does not get addressed and Stellantis recalls these faulty components.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- VIN: 1C6SRFHT8LN
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Dashboard leather shrinking and bubbling up that may affect air bag performance
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT1LN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: UNKNOWN GOT IN THE TRUCK, started it and it idled for about one minute, then every single light or electronic started flashing, with the pace of the hazard lights, which the hazard lights stayed on, no matter how many times I pushed the hazard buttons, and the horn was blowing lightly also, about 2 minutes of this , I turned the truck off, came out the next day and it was completely dead, no electricity at all! Charged battery( which is new by the way) and it fired right up! But now it’s extremely sluggish, missing and jerking, the electronics in these are garbage! Looks great but who wants something that is advertised Wi-Fi available!! Ha not on the 2020 models!!! I’ve got the big screen! Call att, they say there’s an issue with ram, so I’m not happy! And this the only vehicle I have to transport my family
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT2LN
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: While driving from Abilene, tx to Houston, tx on [XXX] my vehicle displayed intermittently several warning message. The first message said idle-stop was unavailable and lasted for about 30 minutes. The second message was displayed in red and stated the electric steering was inoperative and lasted for about 10-30 seconds and it was definitely harder to turn the steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2020 Ram 1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the 2020 Ram 1500.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
- Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- Consequence: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.
- Consequence: A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
- Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are V61 and V71.
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