2020 RAM 1500 Body & structure Problems

Tailgate gets stuck and will not open.

NHTSA ID

11740467

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

Tailgate not operational as one of the 5 latch assemblies doesn't know if rear doors are open or closed. If truck has a bed cover it would be impossible to get rear doors open as access would be impossible without destroying the bed cover. I've owned a 2021 & 2020 with this problem covering many production years besides mine. Driving down the road the OPEN SWING GATE indicator starts flashing & buzzing constantly RAM needs to step up & accept responsibility for this design flaw.

NHTSA ID

11729948

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate unexpectedly opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 58,500.

NHTSA ID

11727210

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

Mileage

58,500 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. When the vehicle was purchased, the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (STRUCTURE); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to release as intended. The tailgate failed to open. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11720441

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

My 2020 Ram 1500 multifunction tailgate likely got stuck can’t open

NHTSA ID

11706234

Incident

Mar 3, 2021

My electronic tailgate latches failed while I was driving down the road, I was towing a trailer, the tailgate got pinned between the tongue of the trailer and the jack, below I will provide pictures of both my damaged tailgate and trailer, i know there was a recall on this problem, that problem has already been addressed prior to this incident by the dealer, I believe this is a very unsafe problem to have as it can cause harm to others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11698616

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

Replaced the RFH Hub twice in this vehicle do to water damage. 1st time under warranty, the 2nd out of pocket. Noticed the second time they replaced the Backlit light seal under an extended warranty (XL1 Warranty) where the water came in from. Both repair receipts enclosed and a picture of another vehicle they were replacing the seal while picking up my repaired vehicle. Investigation revealed, they use to fix the back siding window seal which cost $1300, but they replaced the Backlit at $25, now I'm on the hook for $1081.71 and change. $936.71, for the repair, $144.00 for the tow, the same spot it was towed from the first time it happen. Both times it had rained heavily. Filed a reimbursement case with FCA, Case#93175918, they have yet to get back to me.

NHTSA ID

11666153

Incident

May 28, 2025

The Back Window By Factory Default. The model with One Big back window with mini Slide window in middle.Its been Verified By Authorized Mechanic and Autobody Shop.Have Documents but need Mopar or NHTSA help to fix this Safety issue.I now have water seeping into Cab.Ruining my Interior.Please help me

NHTSA ID

11652991

Incident

Apr 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the trim on the rear glass detached and failed to prevent water from entering inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was water accumulating underneath the carpet, and there was mold on the carpet. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that recently the third brake light failed and allowed water inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the plastic trim had detached. The contact related the failure to TSB: 23-074-23. The repair was pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ID

11651034

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

Mileage

61,000 mi

Door Latch malfunctioning in cold weather. Will not open or stay shut until warmed up. Safety issue as door will not close and vehicle is not able to be driven.

NHTSA ID

11637591

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

When its cold (below 30 degrees) the back 2 doors when opened will not re-close. I have taken the vehicle to Dodge and they haven't fixed the issue as the can't "replicate" the problem. I have multiple videos of this happening Today, I had to strap the back doors together to make it work on time And, when I research this on RAM forums... tons of other people having this same issue I have a video... but cant post to this message

NHTSA ID

11633855

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

On July 5th 2024, I attempted to open /pull down the Tailgate. Was not able to pull the Tailgate down. I purchased the Vehicle on January 10, 2024. This is the first occurrence of the Tailgate being inoperable. No interior Lights, flashing signal to indicate Tailgate inoperable. I looked Online and entered my Truck Information. Several sites have Posted, Noted, Documented Reports of Faulty Tailgate pertaining 2019 - 2022 Dodge Ram's Tailgates that have been listed for recall

NHTSA ID

11599282

Incident

Jul 5, 2024

Steering Rack and Pinion - Began malfunctioning (noise, and vibration when turning) at less than 10,000 miles. I visited Ram Dealer several times between 10,000 - 34,000 miles and they stated they could not replicate the issue. I drove the vehicle with their technical and they agreed there was an issue. Finally they replaced the Steering System when it had about 34,000 miles. This is a potential safety issue. Drive Selector Switch - I have had 3 selector switches (move from Park to Drive, reverse, etc.) malfunction and require replace (started in side of standard warranty), they appear to be replacing faulty part with same part. Most recent repair in April 2024 only lasted about 150 miles before the device went bad again. This is a potential safety issue. Radio - My 12" radio has been replaced 3 times. At times it impacts the controls of the vehicle features, heating, air-conditioning, etc. Starting at less than 10,000 miles inside normal warranty. Water Leak - I have a rear cabin water leak...mold and mildew in car (39,000 miles). The dealer did an initial inspection and said it had a know issue...back window and/or brake light leaks and requires further evaluation. This is a health issue - due to mold and mildew.

NHTSA ID

11584349

Incident

Apr 21, 2024

The tailgate opens at all speeds and different times WHILE driving without warning or notification !!! Just this week alone it did it 7 times!!!!

NHTSA ID

11583423

Incident

Apr 16, 2024

Owner detected a foul odor inside vehicle. Upon investigation water was found in the rear floorboard and water stains across the headliner above the power rear sliding window. Further investigation online revealed that Fiat-Chrysler issued Technical Service Bulletin [XXX]\"Water Leaks At Sliding Backlite\" dated April 22, 2021 and [XXX] Rev B \"Water Leak Rear Of cab Rear Seat or Headliner\" dated June 2021. Owner called a local dealership and requested information regarding any recall related to RAM 1500 cab leaks, and was told that they were none. Dealership failed to advise owner that a know problem exists for these vehicles. \n\nOwner believes that a safety issue exists with water leaking into the 3rd brake light assembly resulting in failure of that safety component to operate correctly and cause a rearend collision. Further, owner believes that a safety issue exists with water leaking into the electrical system that operates the power sliding rear window resulting in a fire or electrical human contact electrical injury.\n\nThis issue has been confirmed by dealerships as they have attempted repairs for other owners. Additionally, Fiat-Chrysler's issuing Technical Service Bulletins for these problems indicates the manufacturer was aware of the issues.\n\nAt this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, dealership, police, or insurance representatives or others. However, owner will be initiating contact with one or all of these entities to confirm the problem.\n\nThere were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle was purchased new from a dealership in January of 2020 by owner. Symptoms were discovered by owner when a foul odor was noticed in the vehicle. Upon investigation water was found in the rear floorboard and water stains across the headliner above the power rear sliding window. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11563125

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

My truck has had two leaks in the rear window area. I have owned it for 3 years it has 30000 miles on it. The vehicle is in otherwise perfect condition with no damage and no accidents. The first time it required the rear window to be replaced. This time it is uncertain where the leak is coming from. This could cause damage to the electronics as well as the rear airbags. It appears like these leaks are common and Ram is aware of them, but the have not recalled the defective components and provided a new design that does not leak.

NHTSA ID

11549056

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

I am having issues with water coming in on the driver side. Every time it rains it drips right where my break pedal is and makes is really slippery and completely floods the floor where the driver seat is. This is a safety issue if I am trying to break and the break is so slippery because water is constantly on the break pedal.

NHTSA ID

11533094

Incident

May 1, 2023

The frame of the back window is cracking causing water to leak into the cab. After talking to the dealership they are saying this is happening with RAM Trucks that has not been recalled. He stated that the control module is located under the rear seat which is getting wet and causing problems to the trun signals, starting of the truck and lighting to malfunction which could cause an accident. There is also airbags located on the rear roof that could cause them not to go off. This repair is going to be between 2000 and 5000 bucks depending on the damage. I believe this should be a safety recall due to the chance of someone's life being lost.

NHTSA ID

11530500

Incident

Jun 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that he became aware that water had leaked into the interior of the vehicle through the rear windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a possible brake light or antenna failure. The rear window glass was replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred twice, and the rear window glass was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer for rear window replacement. The contact stated that the rear window glass had been replaced by two local dealers; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance other than replacing the glass. The failure mileage was approximately 16,800.

NHTSA ID

11529344

Incident

Jun 25, 2023

Mileage

16,800 mi

There is a problem with the way dodge/ram is doing recalls on the tailgate latches. They are only testing them out three times to see if they fail to attach. We have damage to the tailgate from a faulty latch and they said the latch passed the inspection and there is nothing wrong with it. Damage did occur while we was going down the road and the tailgate fell open but the striker is "fine" something happened!!! This is going to cause serious injuries and dodge/ram does not care. All they care about is the money not safety of the individuals. That check is useless as we all know sometimes things happen and it may no occur after the third but maybe the fourth or fifth. They will not even repair the damage the recall caused to my tailgate. But the tailgate is "fine"

NHTSA ID

11524422

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

Back in December and January when the weather was below 30 degrees the rear doors would not open on my truck. By the time I got to the dealer the doors warmed up enought to allow them to open, well In March we had another cold snap and my daughters left rear door did not latch all the way and opened when driving about 20 miles per hour. I have the truck at the shop today and they say they cannot find anything wrong with the truck. This only happends when the weather is cold enought to hard freeze. I am not the only one, https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/problem-with-rear-outside-door-handles.28572/

NHTSA ID

11519401

Incident

Jan 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while cleaning the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the truck bed of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the bed needed to be replaced due to improper welds. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11511854

Incident

Mar 14, 2021

Mileage

37,000 mi

Rear window and 3rd brake light leaking multiple times. Rear window replaced multiple times. rear window leaked this time causing an electrical short draining my battery and cause certain electronic parts of the truck not to work properly. Cracks it rear window are extremely prevalent on this vehicle and it is a known issue yet there hasn't been permanent adequate fix by the manufacturer and isn't covered once warranty runs out. the problem is a composite frame to the window that is going to crack no matter what due to temperature changes and flex in the body of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11507433

Incident

Jan 20, 2023

Water Leaking from rear window which will affect electronics and airbags. found cracks to window frame and wet interior. Contacted Ram 800 number and open case which was denied told would have to pay for myself. manufacture knows about faulty window's and continue to install which they want $1300.00. Buying a $60k truck you would think ram would step up and start fixing these. Just noticed after last rain.

NHTSA ID

11501677

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

My 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 has water intrusion due to a manufacturer defect in the back window area. There are 2 cracks on either side of the window and and water pours in soaking the carpet and back seats. The water has also effected the back curtain airbags.

NHTSA ID

11500940

Incident

Oct 12, 2022