RAM 1500 · model year

2020 RAM 1500

825 NHTSA complaints, 35 crash reports, and 13 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020RAM1500 carries 825 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 35 crashes, 12 fires, 20 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 1500 is engine with 146 filings, followed by electrical system (138) and unknown or other (103). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 13 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2020 1500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

825
Complaints
35
Crashes
12
Fires
20
Injuries
1
Deaths
2020 RAM 1500 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 RAM 1500. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

825 filings

Crashes Reported

35 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE146
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM138
UNKNOWN OR OTHER103
POWER TRAIN53
VISIBILITY/WIPER51
STEERING50
SERVICE BRAKES38
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM36
STRUCTURE:BODY31
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE22
AIR BAGS17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING16
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
SUSPENSION11
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING10

Recalls (13)

19V40700031/05/2019

AIR BAGS

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.

20V51300027/08/2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

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.

22V63800025/08/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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, "

20V37400025/06/2020

AIR BAGS

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.

20V58000024/09/2020

SEAT BELTS

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.

22V76700013/10/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

21V63200012/08/2021

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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

24V75400010/10/2024

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

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 Veh

20V19100010/09/2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 di

20V20800009/04/2020

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

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.

22V90400008/12/2022

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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.

20V62200008/10/2020

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

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) numbe

25V29800008/05/2025

AIR BAGS

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,

Recent Complaints

20260219ENGINE

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 force

20260218ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 64,462

20260216UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Faulty check valve and EVAP canister/vent While fueling the vehicle, the automatic shut-off closes and will not allow it to fill the tank. This causes fuel to spill out due to backing up in the fill hose. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to fill the vehicle because the fuel backs up, the pump clicks off prematurely, and it will not allow the fuel to flow consistently to complete fueling. When the gas spills out, it splashes on the person filling the tank, on the outside of the vehicle, and on the ground. This is a dangerous safety issue. The vehicles has not been inspected by a dealer or mechanic yet. There were no warning messages or symptoms. The vehicle has 65,000 miles. The vehicle is available for inspection. I understand that this is a common issue for this vehicle and should be recalled.

20260216CrashAIR BAGS

One day five different warning lights appeared. Since, air bags, seat belt tensioners,traction control,abs,and 4x4 have been disabled

20260216CrashSERVICE BRAKES

One day five different warning lights appeared. Since, air bags, seat belt tensioners,traction control,abs,and 4x4 have been disabled

20260216CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

One day five different warning lights appeared. Since, air bags, seat belt tensioners,traction control,abs,and 4x4 have been disabled

20260213VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the rear sliding window during inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear sliding window needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,300.

Mileage: 51,300

20260212ENGINE

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

20260212ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20260212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20260204FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in the vehicle’s diesel fuel system failed. This component is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-767 (FCA Recall Z96). The HPFP has failed more than once, including after recall replacement, and the vehicle is currently in dealer custody, making the component available for inspection upon request. The HPFP failure caused the vehicle to stall and become inoperable, resulting in an unexpected loss of motive power. This created a safety risk by leaving the vehicle disabled and unable to be safely driven. The recall itself identifies HPFP failure as a condition that can lead to engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The repeat failure after recall repair further increased safety risk. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ram dealership (Gene’s CDJR of Fairbanks). The dealer documented HPFP failure and fuel system contamination, performed the recall repair, and later confirmed repeat fuel system issues. Most recently, the

20260204ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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)

20260127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 informa

20260127POWER TRAIN

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 informa

20260126STEERING

Vehicle experiences intermittent but repeatable safety-related electrical failures affecting turn signals and blind spot monitoring. The left turn signal remains engaged after canceling and does not shut off unless the opposite turn signal is activated, causing incorrect signaling to other drivers. This occurs without driver input. At the same time, the Blind Spot Monitoring system intermittently displays a “Blind Spot System Unavailable” warning and disables the safety feature while driving, increasing the risk of unsafe lane changes. Vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Ram/Stellantis dealer. Dealer verified the concern and documented fault code B2225-00 – Steering Column Module Internal Failure, confirming the steering column control module is malfunctioning internally and not posting correct left/right turn signal inputs. Wiring, grounds, power, and CAN bus communication were inspected and ruled out. Dealer also documented fault code B285F-15 – Blind Spot Wa

20260126LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Vehicle experiences intermittent but repeatable safety-related electrical failures affecting turn signals and blind spot monitoring. The left turn signal remains engaged after canceling and does not shut off unless the opposite turn signal is activated, causing incorrect signaling to other drivers. This occurs without driver input. At the same time, the Blind Spot Monitoring system intermittently displays a “Blind Spot System Unavailable” warning and disables the safety feature while driving, increasing the risk of unsafe lane changes. Vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Ram/Stellantis dealer. Dealer verified the concern and documented fault code B2225-00 – Steering Column Module Internal Failure, confirming the steering column control module is malfunctioning internally and not posting correct left/right turn signal inputs. Wiring, grounds, power, and CAN bus communication were inspected and ruled out. Dealer also documented fault code B285F-15 – Blind Spot Wa

20260126CrashSUSPENSION

The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were observed at the scene by a volunteer firefighter, the responding officer, and the tow truck operator. Additionally, an independent witness reported that the truck appeared to abruptly lift off the roadway, as though something suddenly caused it to “go flying.” Due to the sudden nature of the incident, no warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of control. All airbags deployed during the incident. The tailgate was dislodged, and the driver’s side of the truck sustained severe damage, including significant damage to the axle. The vehicle is not operable. While insurance has indicated th

20260126CrashWHEELS

The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were observed at the scene by a volunteer firefighter, the responding officer, and the tow truck operator. Additionally, an independent witness reported that the truck appeared to abruptly lift off the roadway, as though something suddenly caused it to “go flying.” Due to the sudden nature of the incident, no warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of control. All airbags deployed during the incident. The tailgate was dislodged, and the driver’s side of the truck sustained severe damage, including significant damage to the axle. The vehicle is not operable. While insurance has indicated th

20260126CrashPOWER TRAIN

The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were observed at the scene by a volunteer firefighter, the responding officer, and the tow truck operator. Additionally, an independent witness reported that the truck appeared to abruptly lift off the roadway, as though something suddenly caused it to “go flying.” Due to the sudden nature of the incident, no warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of control. All airbags deployed during the incident. The tailgate was dislodged, and the driver’s side of the truck sustained severe damage, including significant damage to the axle. The vehicle is not operable. While insurance has indicated th

20260125ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 o

Compare 2020RAM1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 RAM 1500 have?
The 2020 RAM 1500 has 825 NHTSA complaints, 35 crashes, 12 fires, 20 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 RAM 1500?
The 2020 RAM 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 RAM 1500?
Yes, the 2020 RAM 1500 has 13 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 RAM 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2020 RAM 1500 is ENGINE with 146 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2020 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 RAM 1500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.