The 2020 RAM 1500 exhibits numerous reliability concerns, particularly with airbags, visibility systems, and backover prevention features. The peak failure mileage of 57,553 miles suggests that many issues may arise shortly after warranty expiration.
Key Factor:Significant recall activity
โ ๏ธ
Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (13) than the average RAM vehicle (0.4). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
13 recalls for this vehicle0.4 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
Recalls for critical safety components like airbags and visibility systems can pose serious risks to drivers and passengers. The detachment of the driver side mirror glass compromises rear visibility, while the seat belt malfunction could lead to severe injury in a crash. As a truck known for its capability and strength, these defects are disappointing for a vehicle expected to uphold high safety standards.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
๐
Expert Analysis
The safety trend for the 2020 RAM 1500 shows a troubling amount of recalls compared to peers in its segment. With multiple issues surfacing within the first few years of ownership, this vehicleโs reliability is worse than anticipated based on RAM's prior reputation for solid construction.
Safety & Reliability Score
0/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-104
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-20
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2020 RAM 1500
Model Year2020
MakeRAM
Model1500
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more โ
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep20
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct20
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec21
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Oct24
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr25
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug25
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
โ ๏ธ
Most Reported Issue
24 complaints (24% of total)
โก๏ธ
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
โ
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
๐ High
7(7%)
๐กMedium
15(15%)
๐ขLow
78(78%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
โ๏ธEngineering Insight
The peak failure range between 40k-60k miles is particularly critical for current owners as it indicates when many typical issues are likely to occur. Owners should be vigilant about potential repairs as they approach this mileage threshold.
๐ Mileage data extracted from 28 of 100 complaints (28% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (4%)
20k-40k
6 reports (21%)
40k-60k
9 reports (32%)
60k-80k
6 reports (21%)
80k-100k
2 reports (7%)
100k+
4 reports (14%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
VISIBILITYSEAT BELTSBACK OVER PREVENTIONAIR BAGSVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESTRUCTURE
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Airbags
Issue: Potential failure in deployment during a crash due to seat belt retractor malfunction.
โ
Schedule a recall inspection immediately with your local dealer to ensure airbag functionality.
๐
Verify if all recalls have been addressed before purchasing; ask for documentation on completed repairs.
2
Visibility Systems
Issue: Driver side mirror glass detachment leading to compromised visibility while driving.
โ
Inspect your mirror regularly; if there's any sign of looseness, report it right away.
๐
Check that the rearview mirrors have not been replaced or repaired improperly; request service history.
3
Back Over Prevention Camera
Issue: 'Software error causing camera image retention post-reverse.'
โ
'Check camera functionality regularly; if you experience issues, visit your dealer.'
๐
Ensure the rearview camera system operates correctly whenever the vehicle is test-driven before purchase.
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (13)
Campaign: 20V622000
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V580000
SEAT BELTS
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V191000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 19V407000
AIR BAGS
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.
Consequence
Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are V61 and V71.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V208000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
Consequence
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V632000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Consequence
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 20V374000
AIR BAGS
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V513000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.
Consequence
A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of
charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 22V638000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V767000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V904000
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Consequence
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V754000
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V298000
AIR BAGS
โผ
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
4 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 1500.
INV-2020-1000๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 1500 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 44,577
INV-2020-1001๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 1500 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 21,574
INV-2020-1002๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 1500 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 34,858
INV-2020-1003๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 1500 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 14,687
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 1500.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning24%
Noise14%
Battery12%
Leak8%
Check Engine Light7%
Stall6%
Display6%
Accident5%
Body/Interior๐ต Low
STRUCTURE
My 2020 Ram 1500 multifunction tailgate likely got stuck canโt open
Other๐ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A warning โService Electronic Stability Controlโ is on and off when Iโm driving. Brought it to local Ram Dealer but they said they can do anything about it.
Engine/Powertrain๐ต Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
My 2020 Ram 1500 exhaust manifold leak often causes a loud ticking noise, especially on startup, due to broken bolts or a cracked manifold.
Engine/Powertrain๐ต Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Electrical๐ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Electricalโ ๏ธ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The alternator failed on my vehicle leaving the vehicle without any power in the middle of the interstate roadway having to manually pushed to the side of a very busy highway then towed to a repair shop afterwards. Simply put, my truck just killed in the middle of a interstate very shortly after having a low battery light come on. Speaking with the repair people at the Ram dealership there is no way to repair the alternator and they currently have over 5,000 of these on backorder from them going out in other vehicles with the same alternator. Warning lamps came on the dashboard but only about 30 minutes before the vehicle lost power and was unable to move.
Engine/Powertrain๐ต Low
ENGINE
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
Safety Systems๐ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
While I was driving my vehicle, the power steering warning came on and moments later the steering wheel locked - I could not steer my vehicle. I stopped the vehicle and it started firing all sorts of warnings. It was like all systems went haywire. Service shifter, service power steering, service electronic stability control, acc/fcw unavailable, service required, service airbag system, collision control, check engine, anti-lock breaks. The windshield wipers started without being tuned on, the engine revved up an got very loud like an airplane engine. I turned off the vehicle. When the tow truck arrived, the truck would not start so he walked away to grab the pulley and the truck started on it's own. My biggest concern is that I lost the ability to steer while I was in motion. I was informed of a VB8 recall for power steering but told my vehicle didn't qualify. This is a serious concern! It is currently with the dealership.
Engine/Powertrain๐ถ Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Entered vehicle and notice strong smell of gasoline, driving my young kids to daycare and preschool they complained of the smell and we had to lower windows. Upon dropping them off, went to mechanic who confirmed it was a fuel system issue, fixed a valve. Following few days the truck has issues starting and is stalling and jerking at lights. I return to the mechanic who advises it is the same issue and relates to the fuel pump system failing and they have ordered the part that is on a 45 day backlog. Problem persists and make my trucks unsafe to drive and I am unable to drive it. I have spoken with RAM who advised my truck model is not included in the recall AND is freshly out of warranty. This is extremely frustrating I have to spend thousands to replace this and am unable to drive my truck for approximately 2 months IF the part arrives on time.
Electrical๐ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle had 2 leaks; 1 at the rear cabin window and 1 at the rear brake light. Both of these areas are part of a TSB/class action lawsuit. Water was getting in and caused the module to go bad. The module not working in turn caused the battery to die and because of all the failed attempts and overloading the starter, the starter ended up going out after they started fixing the module.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common problems reported by owners of the 2020 RAM 1500?'
Owners frequently report issues related to airbags and visibility systems. With multiple recalls focusing on crucial safety features, it's essential for current and prospective owners to monitor these systems closely.
'How do I check if my RAM 1500 has any active recalls?'
You can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contact your local RAM dealership with your VIN number to check for any active recalls affecting your vehicle.
๐งญWhat This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
๐
If You Own This Vehicle
Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official RAM records to ensure no 13 recalls remain open.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in RAM's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
๐
If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every RAM recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later 1500 iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a RAM specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.