2020 RAM 1500 Electrical Problems

On XXX, I took my vehicle to Wallace Ram in Stuart, FL, for severe structural cracking on the exterior plastic rear window frame causing water to flood the cab. This failure perfectly matches Stellantis TSB 23-098-23. The dealer refused to help, and a Ram Senior Case Manager under Case #XXX denied coverage due to an arbitrary VIN exclusion list. The truck has 96,522 miles, is meticulously maintained, and has zero external impact damage. The frame fractured purely due to design failure. This unremedied defect poses severe safety hazards: 1. CHILD PASSENGER RISK: The water saturates the rear seat where two child safety seats are installed, compromising the structural environment and exposing young children to damp, unsafe seating. 2. MOLD HAZARD: Continuous saturation of foam seats and carpets has created an active mold/mildew biological hazard, posing an ongoing respiratory risk to my children. 3. ELECTRICAL STALLING RISK: Water runs down the cab wall, pooling over the Radio Frequency Hub (RF Hub). Water in this control module causes electrical shorts, leading to sudden engine stalling in traffic or complete vehicle lockout. They are leaving a family vehicle with an active hazard that causes property damage and threatens passenger safety. Stellantis has acknowledged this exact structural defect by extending the warranty to 8 years/150,000 miles for some vehicles under Warranty Bulletin U.S. D-23-17. However, by using a flawed and incomplete VIN population list, they are knowingly leaving my vehicle with a hazardous, active design defect that causes property damage and threatens passenger safety. I am seeking a full corporate remedy and a Goodwill Repair Authorization to permanently replace or structurally seal this defective assembly.

NHTSA ID

11776152

Incident

Nov 3, 2026

Truck burned down. Reported problems earlier to you with stellantis/ram having issues with the etorque and not helping to resolve, along with not producing parts. Etorque failed in beginning of 2026, replaced OEM for $5,000(5 times the price it should have been) with no help of ram/stellantis. Now, somewhere in the engine caught on fire and burned the whole truck. Insurance has done investigation and I have received the claim. Safety concern:my wife and [XXX] were in the vehicle, started it and it caught fire. Lucky to have gotten out safe. Total loss of vehicle. The ram rebel 2020 and specifically etorque and electrical all should be looked into and proper action be taken with ram/stellantis to its customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775549

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent starting failures. In addition, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated and the message "Please Put the Car in Park" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to a gas station, shut off, and refueled; however, the vehicle failed to start immediately and only restarted after approximately 30 minutes. The battery was replaced by AAA. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where the contact was informed that no failure was found and the failure could not be duplicated. Several messages and warning lights, including "Key Fob Not Detected", "Parking Brake Error", the ABS warning light, and the traction control warning light were illuminated during the failure. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, and the technicians advised the dealer to replace the key fob; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was undergoing further diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11774464

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

Mileage

98,000 mi

On August 11, 2026, following substantial rain, the engine unexpectedly stalled three times while the vehicle was being driven. The most serious occurrence happened at approximately 70 mph in heavy highway traffic. The engine stopped and gauges dropped to zero, while electrical accessories and infotainment remained powered. The vehicle restarted immediately but would stall again if shifted out of park. This occurred several times before staying on. No check engine light appeared at any point indicating an issue. Other stalls occurred at lower speeds. I subsequently discovered significant recurring water intrusion into the rear cab. Water visibly drips from both upper corners of the rear-window area during rain and has saturated the rear seat and reached the floor under the rear seats up to the front passenger footwell. My children’s car seats have been soaked. Moisture meter (pin based) readings confirm elevated moisture, visible mold has developed, and the interior has a strong odor. My VIN currently shows the manufacturer’s XG1 extended warranty related to CHMSL water intrusion. I am concerned that water intrusion may have affected the RF hub, wiring, connectors, or other electrical systems and may be related to the engine stalls. The cause of the stalls has not yet been confirmed as I’m waiting on the appointment.

NHTSA ID

11769572

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages “Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required”, “Service Air Suspension Immediately”, and “Blind Spot Unavailable” were displayed. The contact stated that after the messages were displayed, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission intermittently surged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken or towed to the dealer on several occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed with transaxle failure and steering column failures. The battery, transmission, and the radio were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,959.

NHTSA ID

11768931

Incident

Jul 2, 2024

Mileage

95,959 mi

"Factory rear window/brake light leak allowed water to flood the interior cabin, destroying the RF Hub module. This caused the vehicle to dynamically stall at 40 mph in traffic, creating a severe safety hazard."

NHTSA ID

11766583

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Ram 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 95,205, and at the time of reviewing the documents, it was discovered that the mileage was 95,911.

NHTSA ID

11764988

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

Mileage

95,911 mi

While traveling at 40mph, total los of steering. Vehicle veered off the road and was uncontrollable. Power steering service light illuminated seconds before steering was inoperable. Turned off vehicle and restarted. Issue was not present after restart. Vehicle was recovered, sent to dealership for diagnostic. Problem could not be replicated at dealership. The next day, vehicle had the same issue. This time in a school zone. Vehicle is now parked and not driven out of fear.

NHTSA ID

11764828

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Twice in the past two years, the eTorque system had failed will driving on the highest. When the unit fails, you lose all power asks if you're battery is low, you can pose the ability to even steer. The first time, I was on the i87 going north, and barely made it off the road. I was nearly hit by several semi trucks because this was on a blind turn with very little shoulder and I basically had to hide in the woods for safety. Just this past week, less than two years after the replacement, the same issue happened again. This incident was on route 11, which is very busy and I was unable to get my vehicle of the road. An officer came to shield me until the tow truck came, but it was very sketchy. This total cost is over 3000$, and no support from Ram as to why this is happening. This past time the bearings went and there was a lot of smoke coming from the engine area. The smell of burning electronics was choking in the cab; at that point I had to get out of the truck due to the toxic fumes. I did file a complaint with them. With this being such a safety concern, why is there no recall? I can't be the only person having had to deal with this. From what the dealership says, this is happening a lot and there is currently an 8 month wait for the part. Just thought you should be aware of this very serious issue.

NHTSA ID

11757290

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Loud whining sound coming from engine. The dealership confirmed a MGU Alternator failure.

NHTSA ID

11755142

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

MGU Failed, 48v code P0DAF had early signs of premature failure. when on the highway, vehicle shut off completely, no power what so ever. Couldn't steer correctly and vehicle was going highway speeds (approximately 70mph) dealer has confirmed the issue being there MGU gone bad, but I have records of water intrusion multiple times on the rear seats, headliner & back glass (XL1) and water intrusion can cause BPCM to go bad along with the MGU to go bad. they first appeared on or around December 2025, most likely way before that but just never noticed it. check engine light came on and showed a code for the BPCM going bad and then I had the CHMSL replaced 3 times under warranty & then the 4th visit they did they urethane warranty superseded the XL1 and even after that fix, there water leak still occurred and dealership wouldn't fix it they stated Stellantis denied the back glass replacement and further repairs because im out of warranty but the warranty expires 8 Years/150,000 miles and my vehicle is only 6 years old and sitting at 118,350 miles. but the entire problem with water intrusion most likely started anywhere from 60-70,000 miles ago. even when I purchased the vehicle at 39,801 miles I noticed the water stains on the headliner but was advised the CHMSL caused that so it was fixed so technically the CHMSL was replaced roughly 4 times along with the original making it a total of 5 CHSML. so my issue is that its highly possible that the water intrusion that was never fixed for thousands of miles and many months leaked into the rear seats near the 48V Battery pack and eventually started shorting and lead to the MGU going bad. so this all could've been avoided if dealership fixed the water leak many many visits ago. along with the MGU could've been replaced under the major emissions comp warranty way. before that ever expired when it showed signs of premature wear like DTC codes popping up at 100,000 miles and even many more visits prior to December.

NHTSA ID

11755103

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

The tail lights keep going out on both sides. The tail light harness does not fit the female adapter properly. You have to hold it pushed in to get the light to come on but when you let go it turns back off. I have already replaced the sockets with Mopar OEM parts and am still having the problem. After researching I found that this is a common issue with this vehicle. It is a safety concern because without tail lights keep other drivers may not be able to see my vehicle at night or when I am braking.

NHTSA ID

11751007

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the “Service Electronic Power Steering” dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.

NHTSA ID

11748558

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

The electronic gear selector on my 2020 Ram 1500 intermittently displays a "Shift to Park" warning while the vehicle is in motion, specifically during downshifting or braking. Each occurrence is accompanied by a physical jerk or lurch, consistent with the vehicle momentarily engaging an unintended gear. The warning clears without driver input. These events occur during active deceleration and represent a loss of predictable vehicle behavior, creating a serious risk of rear-end collision or loss of control. The problem has not been resolved. A dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended a Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update referencing TSB 21-019-24, to be performed at the owner's expense. No root-cause diagnosis was provided. The underlying hardware cause, most likely the gear selector position sensor or transmission range sensor, was not confirmed or ruled out. The dealer is insisting the owner pay for the software update without establishing whether the bulletin covers the reported symptom or whether the vehicle VIN falls within its scope. No warning lamps preceded the first occurrence. The symptom appeared without prior indication and has recurred across multiple drive cycles.

NHTSA ID

11747945

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

The radion frequency module has gone bad in my truck. I assume this is due to the rear window leak that is known on these trucks. My rear window was replaced earlier this year do to damage. However, as I search the internet this issue with the radion frequency module is greatly reported and I do not understand why FCA/Mopar have not issue a recall notice on this. Instead owners are having to come out of pocket over $1000 to repair something that everyone knows is an issue.

NHTSA ID

11745239

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Possible main body module, started with a false "bad tail light" notification.. then a "blind spot alert unavailable service required" then screen, ac, and most electrical controls/ actions gone ie (driver side door windows, running board, etc.)

NHTSA ID

11739066

Incident

May 20, 2026

Driving to work yesterday with the heated steering wheel turned and thought I got shocked so I turned the steering wheel heater off immediately. This morning I turned the steering wheel heater on while driving and burnt one of my finger tips on the steering wheel at approx the 9 O'clock position. Before I could hit the button to turn the steering wheel heater back off a small puff of smoke came from the exact spot on the wheel where my finger was burned earlier. I removed the fuse for the steering wheel heater so it could not come back on.

NHTSA ID

11735313

Incident

May 1, 2026

In april of 2024 the MGU on the etourqe system needed replacement. The vehicle went into the shop on April 26 2024 and was released to me on may 16 2024. On march 18 2026 the same vehicle was taken to the shop for the same issue. Today is april 8 2026 and the vehicle is still at the dealer with no time frame of repair. No loaner vehicles for me either time, backordered parts all the while I am forced to pay for a rental vehicle. How can there be a known issue but no resources to handle the demand for parts.

NHTSA ID

11729964

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

ABS light keeps coming on and off. The 4WD keeps going on and off and the cruise control and traction keeps working then not working. There is a recall for other year models for the ABS system that basically is exactly what’s happening with my truck. I am worried that it will go out and my truck will stop and cause and accident which almost happened today. This should be a recall alongside those other year models.

NHTSA ID

11728834

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

While driving my Ram Rebel 2020, the eTorque alternator failed, causing the vehicle to lose electrical power and forcing me to be towed. This posed a serious safety risk, including potential loss of power assist for steering and braking. The issue was addressed only by purchasing a replacement eTorque alternator part through eBay at approximately four times the normal price, because Ram is currently not producing the part. Ram Certified Dealer could not help. Stellantis / Ram customer service has been unhelpful and refused to provide a goodwill reimbursement or solution. I believe this represents a safety defect, as sudden alternator failure can cause stalling and reduce essential safety functions while driving. I am reporting this so that NHTSA can investigate the reliability of the eTorque alternator system and prevent future incidents.

NHTSA ID

11727324

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

When vehicle is subject to hot climates, the media hub will cease to work removing access to phone navigation programs. This can happen mid-drive and cause un-needed distraction. This issue has been ongoing and has been reported to the dealership. The media hub has been replaced also, but the issue continues to happen.

NHTSA ID

11722021

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

A crack developed in the plastic frame of the rear sliding backlite window, allowing water to enter the vehicle cabin from the rear glass area. Water intrusion has been observed on the rear seating surfaces and interior trim during rain and snow events. The condition has been reproduced multiple times during precipitation and car washes. A dealership inspected the vehicle and performed a sealant repair following manufacturer guidance; however, the water leak persists and the crack remains visible. Water entering the passenger compartment presents potential safety risks, including moisture exposure near electrical components, mold growth, and occupant health concerns. Water has entered the rear seating area where child passengers ride. No warning lights or electronic alerts appeared prior to the condition. The issue appears related to a structural failure of the rear backlite frame seal. The condition remains unresolved and may worsen over time if not properly repaired. The component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11721478

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

While entering highway- at highway speeds- truck completely lost power luckily we were able to get the burm. Only hazards worked. Truck was not able to be locked or restarted or anything. Truck was towed to dealer and diagnosis is Radio Frequency Hub.

NHTSA ID

11720572

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

While driving 55mph my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing traffic behind me to blow their horn, then pass me. Thank god the people behind me didnt crash into me. I drove straight to Mechanics. This happened in mid October 2025. I was told its the e torque generator that needed replaced. My mechanic has ordered it several times just for it to refund him due to being out of stock. I have been in contact with ram over this issue since October. One supervisor even said my part was being expedited to mechanic, just to be told by my mechanic no one has reached out to them. This is now February 2026 and I still have no eta on part. Supervisors are not taking my calls nor returning them. Ram needs held responsible. I am still making monthly payments on a vehicle that I can not drive. It almost seems like a fraud situation with over 3,000 people waiting on a single part with no etas.

NHTSA ID

11720301

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

My 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie was parked in my garage. I started it to let it warm up before driving. The garage started filling with smoke and the smell of fire. I backed the truck out of the garage and noticed flames on my backup camera. The 7 way plug was on fire. I quickly shut the truck off as soon as I got it out of the garage. I put water on the fire to get it out before it took over the back end of the truck. I had drove the truck the day before and filled it up with gas so my life and my son's life was as risk knowing there is a electrical issue. It also was parked in our garage when it started smoking and it could of burnt the whole garage and house down if I didn't get it out of there as fast as I did and noticed it burning. I had contacted 3 dealer ships and they all said sorry we can't help you. I decided to contact Ram directly to file a claim. Ram told me specifically not to take it to any dealer and they would look into it. 3 weeks later they sent out an investigator to my house. They took pictures of the truck and the damage. They plugged in a code reader and it didn't throw any codes. I asked the guy for the report and he said he couldn't give me one. I have since heard back from Stellantis and their email said things like this happen and they have declined any further assistance associated with this fire. They than said to contact the insurance. A fire is a safety issue and there is major concerns of safety. I don't feel safe when they said it was safe to drive after they did the investigation. I took it to a dealer ship to have it repaired and it started to smoke twice driving it to the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11719736

Incident

Jan 25, 2026