2020 RAM 1500 Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced an unknown part, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ID

11751506

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Mileage

104,000 mi

I am having DEF related issues with my 2020 Ram 1500 ecodiesel that will ultimately cause the vehicle to no longer operate. Ram has an extended warranty for my exact problem but I am being told that my vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements. My vehicle is under the required year and mileage but I’m being told that it doesn’t apply.

NHTSA ID

11749914

Incident

Jul 11, 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

I PCSd from Springfield, MO to Fort Bliss Texas. I bought the truck [XXX]. I make it to TX. Driving the first Saturday in TX on [XXX] it just shuts down and put me in a very scary situation. I was stuck in the middle of the high way. It does not drive. The Etorque/generator is bad and is now on order from my local Dodge dealership. It literally shut down my truck and will not start, run, nothing. It’s been in the shop for 40 days with a no ETA on the part ordered. This should definitely be a safety recall as it just stalled me on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746568

Incident

May 16, 2026

TIMELINE: 3/2/26: Check engine light and remote start error appeared; no immediate symptoms, planned to have it inspected later. 3/3/26: Truck failed to start after work, leaving me stranded. 3/4/26: Checked for obvious issues (battery, fuses); none found. 3/5/26: Diagnosed and replaced a failed starter; truck started and drove normally. 3/6/26: Vehicle operated normally all day with multiple successful starts. 3/7/26: Truck would not start again. 3/23/26: Vehicle towed to local RAM dealership for inspection. 3/30/26: Dealership determined engine is completely seized and requires replacement. My complaint is that the engine seized abruptly with no warning signs of impending failure. This posed a serious safety risk, as it could have occurred on the highway and caused an accident, injury, or death. The vehicle has approximately 106,000 miles, and all oil changes were performed properly and on schedule. The dealership has refused to inspect the engine to determine the cause unless I pay for their services, and RAM corporate has stated they have no one available to evaluate the issue. This may be due to a defective part that could endanger others and should be investigated to help prevent future incidents. Also during the process of calling RAM corporate, they informed me I had a opem recall for a power train control module, which I had never received any notice of.

NHTSA ID

11733103

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Driving and tried to pass a truck loss of power (dash lit up and no top-end) went to limp mode, Hard start upon starting and limp mode continues, code P0336 (crank sensor/reluctor wheel), on dash codes = service electric throttle control & service electronic stability control. Mileage = 110,000, Required service and maintenance completed at recommended intervals, regarding current codes cleaned all related sensors and throttle body, filters and no changes. symptoms are identical to 2019 model complaints. calling dealer regarding fuel system recall and this problem. (this is an estimated $2500 + repair by certified repair mechanic who states repair may fix for a year or less, but it is a continued issue once it starts)

NHTSA ID

11728436

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

Engine went out before life of loan was up. Truck has always been serviced at dealer it was purchased from and has 140k highway miles on it. No warning or indicator lights prior to valve breaking and engine going out. Was in for oil change a month prior.

NHTSA ID

11721484

Incident

Jan 22, 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 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system has experienced repeated failures of the charging system due to the belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt hybrid system. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly while driving in traffic, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and loss of power steering assist. This created a dangerous situation where I had limited ability to control the vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road. The truck has also stalled at low speeds and intersections, requiring a restart while in traffic. When the failure occurs, warning messages related to the charging system or hybrid system may appear, and the vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver due to loss of steering assist. The underlying cause has been identified as failure of the eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) and/or associated 48-volt system components. The vehicle’s 12-volt battery is no longer properly charged, leading to repeated dead battery conditions. I am currently forced to recharge the battery daily to keep the vehicle operational. Replacement parts for this system (Mopar part number 68623194AC or superseding versions) are on national backorder with no estimated availability. My vehicle has been affected for approximately five months, leaving it unreliable and unsafe to operate. This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose propulsion and steering assist without warning while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. I am reporting this issue so that NHTSA can investigate potential safety defects in the eTorque hybrid system used in Ram 1500 vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11719217

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was riding very rough and unexpectedly idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,462.

NHTSA ID

11718756

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

Mileage

64,462 mi

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

The generator bearings are making a wining noise. It was confirmed by an experienced independent mechanic that the E-torque generator needs replacement. The dealer said the generator is not in stock. Further research showed the part is on back order for months, with thousands of others waiting and in the same boat of no parts available.

NHTSA ID

11713261

Incident

Jan 5, 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

This engine has failed by the head gaskets, literally all 4, cracking/breaking. This caused coolant to leak into the engine, mix with the oil, depleating the coolant, thereby causing the truck to overheat and break down. With repairs this continues to happen. 3 times to be exact! This cannot be normal for this engine especially when this happened with less than 90K miles on the engine.

NHTSA ID

11712101

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

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

My 2020 Ram 1500 exhaust manifold leak often causes a loud ticking noise, especially on startup, due to broken bolts or a cracked manifold.

NHTSA ID

11706238

Incident

Sep 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving, the contact smelled an abnormal exhaust odor, and there was a rattling sound coming from the exhaust manifolds. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 56,900.

NHTSA ID

11705852

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

Mileage

56,900 mi

Smoke leaks into cabin when heat is on. Possibly coolant/heating core. I saw many complaints for the same issue on the internet and figured i would make an official complaint

NHTSA ID

11703076

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

After hearing a grinding noise coming from the engine, I took the vehicle (2020 RAM 1500 w/5.7L eTorque) to the dealer. It's been waiting for a replacement MGU (Motor Generator Unit) for over 3 weeks but I'm told it might take months to get a replacement part. Fortunately, I discovered this before having a breakdown on a busy highway or up in the mountains. Had that occured, I most certainly would have lost the ability to steer the truck and braking would have been diminished. I'm hoping this manufacturing defect is elevated to safety recall status in the hope of preventing future loss of life.

NHTSA ID

11700857

Incident

Oct 27, 2025

The e-Torque motor generator unit is failing, rendering the truck unsafe to drive. Catastrophic failure of this unit while in operation would likely cause loss of control. Signs of failure primarily have been increasing noise in the unit common to bearing failure. The component was inspected by an independent service center and confirmed to need immediate replacement. The part is currently unavailable from any source, and the manufacturer reports a back order with no known date of availability.

NHTSA ID

11698750

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

The etorque generator stopped working, I can’t find the part in any dealership since it’s back ordered with no release date on more than 10,000 parts according to all the dealerships

NHTSA ID

11698019

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

I leased this vehicle, brand new. I bought out the lease just over a year ago. The truck has under 113,000 miles. I drove the vehicle to New York for a trip. The motor started, knocking, ticking real bad so I pulled into the shop (Monroe) they looked at the engine and said it's blown. They was no waring/check engine light never came on. Gauges were fine (digital). It cost me 16 grand to put a new motor in and dodge will not cover it. The mechanic also stated, he sees these engine blown (V6) all the time in my RAM and in the Durango's.

NHTSA ID

11696364

Incident

Oct 21, 2025

ABS module needs replaced. It was recalled in all trucks except for this year model. It is currently on back order and I have been waiting for the part for almost a year! All emergency lights in the dash are on all the time and now when I am driving, the accelerator goes completely dead. It happens randomly and has happened multiple times now. The dealership has accessed this and stated that the ABS module will fix the problem. This is very dangerous and needs to be looked into. Why can’t they fix my truck?

NHTSA ID

11695989

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

The mgu/generator went out and left me stranded due to battery failure. I had no steering or power brakes. Everything electrical failed. Have been waiting for new mgu for 2 months.

NHTSA ID

11694889

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

I took my 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiese to a Chrysler-Dodge-Ram dealership on 9/23/25 for the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) safety recall. I was told a part had to be ordered to complete the recall and gave me a rental vehicle. After a few days I contacted the dealership about my repair. They said the wrong part was ordered and the new one was in route. After about a week, I called the dealership again and I was told "the truck won't start and they were working with Stellantis to figure out why." Several more days passed, I called again, they stated that after the new pump was installed and the truck was started it "blew a rod," but they had fixed it, test drove it, and it would be ready for pick up the next day. I picked up the truck on 10/16/25 and drove less than 50 miles (first trip home from the dealership.) While traveling at highway speed on interstate 77 at night, the truck suddenly lost all engine power, a “throttle” warning message appeared, I noticed a strong odor of burnt oil, and I was only able to get from the left passing lane across to the right truck lane, only getting 2 tires on the shoulder (see pic). The truck would not start again, it just made a click-click-click sound. I jumped out of the truck as there was a truck in that lane coming toward me and ran into the woods to escape. I and the truck were nearly struck by traffic.This was a life-threatening situation. Luckily, a Courtesy Patrol saw me and blocked the lane with road flares. Eventually the truck was towed (had to be dragged on to the flatbed). At that time I noticed engine oil was splashed all over the underside of truck. It was towed to the same dealership.This catastrophic failure occurred hours after I was told it was safe to drive.This incident placed my life and the lives of other motorists at extreme risk. A recall intended to improve safety appears to have introduced a new, severe safety hazard. The truck has been at the dealership since 10/17/25 and I have not been updated since.

NHTSA ID

11694285

Incident

Oct 16, 2025