2020 RAM 1500 Electrical Problems

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going bad and then I had the CHMSL replaced 3 times under warranty & then the 4th visit they did they urethane warranty superseded the XL1 and even after that fix, there water leak still occurred and dealership wouldn't fix it they stated Stellantis denied the back glass replacement and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

While driving the power plant generator for my engine failed without warning, causing my truck to stop working. There has to be a major issue with the part due to the fact that there is 6000 part back order that has been in going for over 2 years. Someone is going to get seriously injured if this part isn’t recalled and corrected. Having your car shut off at highway speeds is unacceptable. Part number 68623194AC. Ram knows there is a serious issue with this etorque power generator and is not doing anything to resolve the issues, nor making parts available to correct the issue. People trucks are now worthless lawn ornaments

NHTSA ID

11717629

Incident

Feb 7, 2026

While driving, the engine light turned on and the battery light. Truck started shaking and shut off. Lost complete power. Was right next to my driveway thankfully. Very unsafe situation as I have my wife, [XXX] and [XXX]. Had it towed via my insurance progressive. Mechanic confirmed it was the alternator which is a common problem for the etorque alternator ram rebel 2020. Order is back ordered by over 5,000 customers with no eta of getting the part. Very unsafe situation and now unfixable at this time. There should be accountability with Ram. No recalls have been issued, guidance, or reimbursement via Ram. Help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11715448

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) used in the eTorque system on my Ram 1500. The vehicle experienced an MGU failure that resulted in abnormal electrical behavior, warning messages, and impaired drivability. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ram dealership, which confirmed the MGU has failed and requires replacement. The MGU is currently on national backorder with no estimated availability date. As a result, the vehicle is inoperable or unsafe to operate and cannot be repaired in a reasonable timeframe. Why this is a safety concern: The MGU is critical to the vehicle’s starting, charging, and powertrain functions. Failure of this component presents safety risks including loss of propulsion, potential stalling or failure to restart, electrical system instability, and vehicle immobilization in traffic or unsafe locations. The extended inability to obtain replacement MGUs significantly increases these risks. Additional information: Based on dealer communications and publicly available owner reports, similar MGU failures and extended backorders appear to affect multiple Ram 1500 eTorque vehicles, indicating this may not be an isolated incident. Dealer/manufacturer actions: The dealer confirmed the failure and ordered the replacement MGU. No repair timeline or permanent remedy has been provided. Request: I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether MGU failures in Ram 1500 eTorque vehicles constitute a safety-related defect requiring investigation and potential recall action.

NHTSA ID

11713784

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

I own a 2020 Ram 1500 with approximately 61,000 miles. I started noticing a clicking/grinding around the motor area at around 59,000 miles. I brought the truck to a local mechanic, who diagnosed it as a possible alternator issue. He suggested bringing it to RAM service because it may be covered under warranty. I followed up by bringing it to RAM to diagnose the issue. After multiple visits, they could not pinpoint the issue, however recommended replacing the belts and adjusters. Over the course of the next month, the clicking/grinding got louder. I made another appointment with RAM, and while I was on my way over there the truck had catastrophic failure and seized all operations. Thankfully I wasn't going more then 20MPH or else something really bad could have happened. At that time, the truck was reading code U0594, which translates to "Invalid Data Received From Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module". I had to get the truck towed to RAM, where they have now had it for about one month. Originally they had said that I would need to buy a new alternator and associated belts/adjustors and battery because i was beyond any standard warranties on the truck, with estimates over what the vehicle is worth, however some personal research found that there is a federal emissions warranty that covers an issue like this. I was fortunate enough to get a loaner car from the dealer two weeks after my truck seized up. I have read online that this is becoming a more common issue with these trucks and feel the manufacturer should raise a warning to their consumers. Had I been on the highway when this happened, who knows where I could be.

NHTSA ID

11713185

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11712244

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this email to document a vehicle safety issue involving my 2020 Ram 1500 (5.7L eTorque). In November 2025, the vehicle experienced a failure of the eTorque motorized alternator / belt starter generator system, resulting in a loss of the electrical and charging system. As a result, the vehicle became non-drivable. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ram dealership on November 18, 2025, and has remained there continuously. The manufacturer (MOPAR / Stellantis) has confirmed the failure is warranty-covered, but has advised that the required part is on indefinite backorder with no firm ETA. As of the date of this email, the vehicle has been out of service for over 60 days and cannot be safely operated. This issue appears to be widely reported nationwide (I was told by Landers Dodge in Norman, OK that the part is on backorder, and that there are currently 4,678 on Back Order. They also said that they’ve had a RAM there since last Oct. 2025 (this was on 12/12/2025 at 12pm) among vehicles equipped with the eTorque system, indicating a potential systemic defect affecting vehicle operability and safety. I am submitting this email in addition to my formal NHTSA complaint to ensure the issue is fully documented. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [XXX] 2020 Ram 1500 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 79K INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11711141

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

RF hub has now failed 3 times in the last 10 months. The last time they replaced the third brake like and now I am having the same issue. Dealership is telling me it’s the back window and that they will not pay for the problem to be fixed. Safety at risk by vehicle breaking down with no transportation on the side of the road. Problem has been confirmed by dealership which led to first repair. No warning prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11708373

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

Sudden Loss of power steering after radiator fan shut off. Causing me to have to pull over and use all bodily force to turn the wheel

NHTSA ID

11707800

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

This is a 2020 Ram 1500 3.6L Big Horn. Blinker is constantly on for right turn when blinker arm is in neutral position. The only way to turn it off is to put the blinker arm down as if you are signaling a left turn. As such, I have no left turn signal. This could be dangerous for changing lanes especially on the highway. I have not brought this to a dealer yet and no one has looked at it yet except me. There was/is no warning signal. I have seen recall A2B/NHTSA 24E-082 which identifies two part numbers and also states that similar parts (SCCM) may be affected. I think I have a defective SCCM but there is no recall on my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11704144

Incident

Dec 3, 2025