2020 RAM 2500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 RAM 2500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system7133.5%
- Engine3516.5%
- Electrical2210.4%
- Powertrain (other)219.9%
- Brakes146.6%
- Body & structure115.2%
- Steering104.7%
- Other / unspecified83.8%
- Visibility62.8%
- Driver assistance52.4%
- Seat belts31.4%
- Interior & seats20.9%
- Airbags20.9%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
- Suspension10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
RAM COMPLIANCE RECALL PORTAL DROPPED (MOPAR Y78) VIN:[XXX] / Miles:110,862 Static 1.Driveway photo [XXX] proves 50PSI idle oil pressure, 0 warning lights on June 30. 2.Video [XXX] captures raw CP4 pump shards in filter housing. 3.Dealer faked portal closure July 7 without flush. Forced engine start thrashed valvetrain, gear indexes & rocker arms post-intake. Full 12-pg matrix brief sent under corporate Case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Def pump failed twice with this vehicle and with that it does not allow the vehicle to run any faster than 5 mph after the countdown ends. Unknown how the exhaust being plugged and service was done to clean the exhaust ended up having the fuel pump and turbo charger needing replaced. Not sure if they went hand in hand and one causing the other. So far the vehicle only has almost 78,000 miles on it. Change oil and fuel filters at the vehicles scheduled computer system reports on the vehicle. I was having issues from service center having trouble resetting the exhaust system, which they said the system was not sealing properly. Took them a couple of days to get part from dealership to get it to seal and reprocessed the test which they said passed exhaust reset. That would explain the poor fuel rating of only getting 9 miles per gallon. If there was a complete fuel pump failure, not sure if that would compare to this being a safety issue. Not sure how engine would react, due to it completely failing or if the turbo would cause the vehicle to be unsafe. The vehicle is currently at dealership and only 1 out of the 3 are even available to fix this problem. Def pump is available, but unknown when the others will arrive. Service shop said it could be 3 weeks or 8 months for parts to come in. Due to being a back ordered item. Spent $70k for this vehicle, just to have it spend over 2 months in the shop. I do my own oil and fuel filter changes, due to it being faster and cheaper than any dealer or shop.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
RAM COMPLIANCE RECALL PORTAL DROPPED (MOPAR Y78) VIN:[XXX] / Miles:110,862 Static 1.Driveway photo [XXX] proves 50PSI idle oil pressure, 0 warning lights on June 30. 2.Video [XXX] captures raw CP4 pump shards in filter housing. 3.Dealer faked portal closure July 7 without flush. Forced engine start thrashed valvetrain, gear indexes & rocker arms post-intake. Full 12-pg matrix brief sent under corporate Case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
2500 Truck randomly activates emergency braking for no reason. Occurs a couple times a month. Every occurrence has zero obstructions in front. I took it to the Tate Ram dealer (frederick MD) and they refused to update their software unless I pay them +$285.00. The Ram dealer is even aware of the software issue. I told them this is a life safety issue and not my fault. I requested the fix immediately but refused. I also have an active full MOPAR warranty, and they still said it's not covered. This is insane
As I was operating my vehicle on I95 northbound smoke began to pour out of my vents. I was able to pull over and was able to determine there was a fire behind the radio in my truck. I immediately grabbed the personal affects that I could grab and called 911. However within 5 minutes the cab of the truck.was engulfed im flames.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
RAM COMPLIANCE RECALL PORTAL DROPPED (MOPAR Y78) VIN:[XXX] / Miles:110,862 Static 1.Driveway photo [XXX] proves 50PSI idle oil pressure, 0 warning lights on June 30. 2.Video [XXX] captures raw CP4 pump shards in filter housing. 3.Dealer faked portal closure July 7 without flush. Forced engine start thrashed valvetrain, gear indexes & rocker arms post-intake. Full 12-pg matrix brief sent under corporate Case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, traffic started to slow down, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended while depressing the brake pedal. The contact depressed the brake pedal again, and the vehicle abruptly stopped and veered to the left. The contact was able regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the shoulder. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS, 4x4, and brakes warning lights were illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, a metallic burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. When the tow truck driver lowered the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front driver’s side wheel seemed bent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, traffic started to slow down, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended while depressing the brake pedal. The contact depressed the brake pedal again, and the vehicle abruptly stopped and veered to the left. The contact was able regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the shoulder. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS, 4x4, and brakes warning lights were illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, a metallic burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. When the tow truck driver lowered the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front driver’s side wheel seemed bent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
2500 Truck randomly activates emergency braking for no reason. Occurs a couple times a month. Every occurrence has zero obstructions in front. I took it to the Tate Ram dealer (frederick MD) and they refused to update their software unless I pay them +$285.00. The Ram dealer is even aware of the software issue. I told them this is a life safety issue and not my fault. I requested the fix immediately but refused. I also have an active full MOPAR warranty, and they still said it's not covered. This is insane
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while standing directly behind the tailgate, the contact heard an audible "click", and the tailgate independently unlatched and opened, striking the contact's chest, and the contact was forcefully knocked to the ground. Due to the severity of the impact and injury, the contact was immobilized on the ground for 45 minutes while calling out for emergency assistance. The contact sustained a broken femur. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure), in which the vehicle did not have the recall remedy performed to prevent the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer determined that no repair was needed and marked the recall as complete. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer for a reinspection, with a diagnostic fee included, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned being concerned for their safety when driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 35,272.
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was not properly aligned, and the tires were worn. The dashboard leather had detached. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers became inoperable. Additionally, after it had rained, the contact noticed there was water moving around in the engine bay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact completed an alignment. The vehicle was taken to the local, who broke an unknown part on the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving at highway speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where the power steering assist was repaired under warranty. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure occurred a second time without warning. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
On 5/22/23 I started my vehicle and started to back out of the parking spot, I then received a power steering malfunction service required warning on the dash and lost power steering functionality. The increased steering effort almost resulted in a collision with another vehicle. I took the vehicle in for service and it was diagnosed with a faulty electric assist system on the vehicle and this is being replaced. The vehicle had about 45,000 miles on it at the time of the incident. The first warning light came on when the power steering failed to operate. If this had failed while on the road the results could have been much worse. This is a dangerous defect from early failure of a safety component.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
On the night of 30 Oct 2023, I was travelling through St George, Utah on my way back to Las Vegas. I was in the middle lane of traffic doing roughly 75 mph when my passenger side front tire lost all pressure and shredded apart which nearly caused me to slam into the side of a tractor/trailer. After looking over the tire/wheel to determine what caused the failure I noticed the side of the valve stem had blown out. This is the second valve stem where the side of the stem blew out. After researching online it appears this is a recurring problem although something I have never experienced in 30+ years of driving. I have not brought the wheel/valve stem to anyone to inspect the item since the failure is obvious (see pics). There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated his son became aware that the rear passenger’s side lug nut had fractured and separated from the wheel. The contact stated while rotating the tires, he noticed that the rear and front driver’s side lug nuts were also fractured. The contact replaced all the lug nuts. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was not properly aligned, and the tires were worn. The dashboard leather had detached. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers became inoperable. Additionally, after it had rained, the contact noticed there was water moving around in the engine bay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact completed an alignment. The vehicle was taken to the local, who broke an unknown part on the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
2020 Ram 2500 air blows through defrost vents in all modes, causing windshield to fog up making it impossible to see. This almost caused me to wreck while pulling my camper at night.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2500 Truck randomly activates emergency braking for no reason. Occurs a couple times a month. Every occurrence has zero obstructions in front. I took it to the Tate Ram dealer (frederick MD) and they refused to update their software unless I pay them +$285.00. The Ram dealer is even aware of the software issue. I told them this is a life safety issue and not my fault. I requested the fix immediately but refused. I also have an active full MOPAR warranty, and they still said it's not covered. This is insane
Traction control kicks on while driving on dry pavement and the truck bogs down like there isn’t any power. The truck slows down abruptly and will not speed back up without pulling to the side of the road and I have to shut it off and reset. The drive selector knob lights starts flashing and now they don’t come on at all. This has happened on 4 occasions
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2500 RAM longbed crewcab is a "Tradesman", i am a contractor, so i put a lumber rack on my truck because i also am a TRADESMAN! Problem is this bed rail is 80% hollow and covered with cheap Chinese plastic. I have stress fractures on the outside sheetmetal body panels. And this is with an empty rack 99% of the time. If a work truck cannot be used for work then what the hell is it good for? What the hell do i do about a steadily growing fracture in the structural steel bed? Seatbelt springs are pathetic and barely retract, half the time they remain loose. Drivers side has been replaced and still does not properly retract
Safety belt does not automatically wind back up when released. You have to manually guide it back into place. Also the safety belt does not get tight while driving it lays loosely across my chest.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while standing directly behind the tailgate, the contact heard an audible "click", and the tailgate independently unlatched and opened, striking the contact's chest, and the contact was forcefully knocked to the ground. Due to the severity of the impact and injury, the contact was immobilized on the ground for 45 minutes while calling out for emergency assistance. The contact sustained a broken femur. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure), in which the vehicle did not have the recall remedy performed to prevent the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer determined that no repair was needed and marked the recall as complete. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer for a reinspection, with a diagnostic fee included, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned being concerned for their safety when driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 35,272.
Right Rear seat Heater got so hot it burnt a hole in the seat. This happened without any warnings. Seat cushion material was burnt badly enough that an interior fire may have resulted. There were no warnings/messages. Nor symptoms of problems prior to the incident.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2020 Ram 2500 Mega Cab truck Dash Leather Covering is coming loose from it base and may interfere with the passenger Air Bag deployment that is under the loose material. My truck has only 36,000 miles on it and has been garaged kept since I purchased it new. *I found this information online. Ram 2500 trucks (2019–2023) frequently experience dashboard leather bubbling or delamination, particularly over the passenger airbag area. This bulging can compromise airbag deployment and is caused by adhesive failure, often requiring a full dashboard replacement. I contacted my local Ram service center. They advised my to contact Ram corporate regarding this Safety Issue. Key Details Regarding the Issue: •Cause: The glue holding the leather/vinyl to the dash substrate fails, leading to bubbling and peeling, which can create a ridge over the passenger airbag deployment zone. •Safety Risk: A warped or bulging dashboard can interfere with the proper deployment of the passenger-side airbag.
Side airbag from drivers seat deployed and caused burs to the driver. The vehicle struck a deer and the drives side curtain airbags deployed. The front air bags did not deploy. Insurance and dealer have been contacted.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500, equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: TransForce HT, Tire Size: 245/70/R17, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that the front and rear passenger’s side tires were flat and had bubbles along the sidewall. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front and rear passenger’s side tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The tires were the original equipment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage for the tire and vehicle was 17,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was making a left turn and something under my feet or floorboard a loud crack. then as i completed the turn there was a continue cracking sound until I stop. I looked for a problem, finding nothing obvious. As I drove off there was a noticeable knocking sound. Did not notice and different in the driving except a slight drift to the left, there is more knocking on rough roads. My 2020 Ram 2500 truck has only 18946 miles driven. I purchased the truck new, have had several of the recalls taken care of. I live in north Texas as of now 38 days temp over 100F. On a web site there are several others with the same problem and several fixes some have worked others not.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .