2020 Ram 1500 Problems
Shopping for a used 2020 Ram 1500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2020 Ram 1500 has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2020 Ram 1500 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2020 Ram 1500 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2020 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Ram 1500 has 500 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 1500
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2020 Ram 1500 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2020 Ram 1500?
The 2020 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2020 Ram 1500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for known issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Check electrical systems, including infotainment and lighting, for faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for known issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Check electrical systems, including infotainment and lighting, for faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Ram 1500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2020 RAM 1500 are concentrated in engine and electrical systems, with a moderate number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of complaints limit definitive conclusions.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 142.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported component with 131 complaints.
- There are 13 recalls and 14 crash-related complaints for the 2020 model year.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
Full breakdown
All 2020 Ram 1500 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 1500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 142 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 131 | — | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 91 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 47 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 46 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 44 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 36 | — | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 6 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Tailgate keeps falling open after I have ensured it was closed. There is an active recall for other rams of this year, but mine isnt listed.
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 r…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard lamination had started peeling and was delaminating. Additionally, there was bubbling on the driver's side and the passenger's side of the dashboard. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle wa…
The gas tank does not fill properly and leads to spilled gas while filling the tank. There is a technical bulletin (looks like 14-001-22) that tells mechanics how to fix the issue. I brought my truck to a mechanic who was able to replicate this issue and did confirm with a neighb…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the accelerator pedal detached. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby apartment complex and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact acti…
Tailgate not operational as one of the 5 latch assemblies doesn't know if rear doors are open or closed. If truck has a bed cover it would be impossible to get rear doors open as access would be impossible without destroying the bed cover. I've owned a 2021 & 2020 with this pro…
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 …
I reported last year that my dash board has been coming off dut to the heat. Told me I had to repair myself. It's already to the pint where the whole thing is almost completely off
Loss power steering while driving the vehicle, on the Highway and in a parking lot. The Turck as now at the dealer as it is nit safe to drive
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 …
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. Mi…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate unexpectedly opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the fa…
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 purchasin…
Vehicle Info •2020 Ram 1500 •Approximately 70,000 miles •eTorque system ________________________________________ Complaint: I am reporting a failure of the eTorque system in my 2020 Ram 1500 that has rendered the vehicle inoperable for an extended period of time. The vehicle e…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop, the brakes failed to operate as needed. Additionally, while hauling a trailer downhill, the trailer brakes became inoperable, and only the brakes on the vehicle were working as designe…
Fueling issue is a known problem, which should be a recall. They even issued a bulletin about it. Fuel Tank Filling Issues (TSB 14-001-22): Affected 2018–2020 Ram 1500s built on or before June 9, 2020 (3.6L V6) or March 16, 2020 (5.7L V8), often due to a faulty rollover valve w…
Air suspension freezes making is useless. This is dangerous and causes back injuries. Parking vehicle in warm garage thaws it but it refreezes quickly outside in use.
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 …
Can't refuel due to what appears to be a stuck rollover valve in the fuel filler neck. Splashes fuel on the ground at the gas pump. This is a major known issue on 5th generation Ram trucks, just give it an online search, or YouTube, and you'll see that this is a common issue. So…
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 re…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Ram 1500.
Safety recalls
2020 Ram 1500 recalls
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 1500. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
SEAT BELTS
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
AIR BAGS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
AIR BAGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2020 Ram 1500 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Ram 1500 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 1500?▾
#1: Engine Problems (142 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (131 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (91 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Ram 1500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Ram 1500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Ram 1500, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Ram 1500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Ram 1500. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Ram 1500?▾
The 2020 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ram 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Ram 1500 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.