2020 Ram 2500: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Ram 2500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 158 complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System as the top reported area.
2020 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program5 variants tested — showing 2020 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated29.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
29.2% 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 2500 has 158 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 2500
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 158
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Ram 2500 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Engine Problems
Fuel System
Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine Problems, Fuel System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Ram 2500?
The 2020 Ram 2500 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.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Ram 2500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the Fuel/Propulsion System for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the diesel system before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the Fuel/Propulsion System for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the diesel system before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Ram 2500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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 2500 are concentrated in the Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine, and Fuel System components. A recurring theme appears to be issues related to diesel systems. With 158 complaints for a single model year, buyers may want to inspect these areas closely.
- Fuel/Propulsion System accounts for the highest number of complaints at 40.
- Engine Problems and Fuel System each have over 30 complaints.
- There are 10 recalls associated with this model year.
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints are the most numerous.
- Engine Problems are a significant concern with 32 complaints.
- Fuel System issues, including diesel-related problems, are frequently reported.
All 2020 Ram 2500 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 2500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 40 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 32 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 30 | 1 | — | — | |
| Diesel | 30 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | — | 3 | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 2500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 thi…
Massive oil leak that everyone has issues with also has a grid heater bolt that fails and causes engine damage. The oil leaks are terrible for the environment and causing leaks all over every road
The reverse went out while driving
Hood liner repeatedly drops down out of its mounting points on the edge near the engine firewall. This is a manufacturing engineering deficiency that relies on shaped material to hold the liner in place. The dealer has replaced it three times, and the same thing continues to hap…
While towing, my trailer brakes and lights come off and on randomly. I've had the wiring repaired on my trailer and it did not fix the issue. I've almost been in several accidents while towing, It is very unsafe.
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 repl…
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 le…
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 e…
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 minu…
I pushed my breaks and the hydro booster started spraying fluid inside the cab I lost my breaks I was backing up down my sister's drive way hit a telephone pole with the back of the truck it made a little dent
Subject: Fuel System Failure Resulting in Engine Damage – 2020 RAM 2500 Pickup VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am submitting this complaint to formally report a dangerous and costly fuel system defect in my 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup (VIN: [XXX] ) that has resulted in catastrop…
The parking brake will not operate. Upon inspection the teeth on the gear are broken causing it to lock at top position. Dealership would not warranty safety part at 30,059 miles on vehicle so now I am left with no parking brake to protect vehicle from rolling on hill. Keep in mi…
Ram and it's parent company know there is an issue with the brake systems on their 3/4 ton pickup trucks. The 2500's. There is excessive travel in the brake petal and not enough pressure builds up in the system to activate the brakes correctly and adequately. It's all over the…
Too much travel in brake pedal. Feels spongy. Weak brakes, hard to stop vehicle. Have to put pedal to the floor. Was told this was OK and normal at the dealership. Has been like this since I bought the vehicle new.
Vehicle randomly shuts off during normal operation. Same as if the Start / Stop button were activated. Vehicle coasts until it self applies the emergency brake at about 3mph causing a sudden, jerky complete stop. Switches itself to Park. Dash indicates “sterp on brake to restart”…
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…
Issue is that the on the Diesel intake heater core has a bolt that comes loose from inside the manifold and can fall down into the cylinder and can cause catastrophic failure.
I have a check engine light that came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a P0542 code for heating element relay. There is a technical service bulletin out for this known issue. I still have power train warranty left on my truck but they’re claiming it isn’t covered. …
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter had failed due to the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, which c…
Throws code p2609 which is grid heater, this needs to be fixed at 38000 miles, I'm sure it'll cause a fire like the other model years that is being recalled for the same issue
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Ram 2500.
2020 Ram 2500 Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 2500. 10 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.
2020 Ram 2500 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Ram 2500 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 158 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Ram 2500 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 2500?▾
#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (40 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (32 complaints). #3: Fuel System (30 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Ram 2500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Ram 2500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Ram 2500, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 158 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Ram 2500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Ram 2500. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES. 10 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 2500?▾
The 2020 Ram 2500 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 Fuel/Propulsion System 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 2500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Ram 2500 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.