2020 Ram 1500 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2020 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 559 owner complaints on file for the 2020 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (109), Unknown Or Other (80), Power Train (55).

1500 reliability snapshot

65/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$691

Avg annual repair cost vs $936 category avg

#1/17

Ranking in fullsize trucks · better than 94% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ram 1500 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Best year to buyReliability, price and listing depth combined Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Resale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2020 Ram 1500 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Electrical System109
Unknown Or Other80
Power Train55
Engine55
Steering50
Visibility Wiper36

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Ram 1500

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Test power steering for intermittent failure
Inspect alternator and eTorque system for noise or failure
Check for exhaust manifold cracks and exhaust leaks
Verify rear window and brake light seals for water leaks
Test sun visor mounts for secure attachment
Ensure fuel system refuels without spillage or blockage
Check for unresolved recalls related to engine and fuel system

What owners reported

2020 Ram 1500 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 22 crashes, 5 fires, 14 injuries and 1 death to NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 1500. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints109

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system in the 2020 Ram 1500, particularly involving the alternator and eTorque system. Complaints commonly describe alternator failures leading to sudden loss of power while driving, with some incidents occurring on busy highways, and parts being on backorder for extended periods. Symptoms often include dashboard warning lights, grinding noises, and complete vehicle shutdowns, typically appearing around 40,000 to 74,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners mention persistent problems with turn signals not functioning correctly, which complicates safe lane changes and turns. These issues present significant safety concerns, including potential for loss of vehicle control and the risk of fire, as reported in a few cases.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 3 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints80

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Ram 1500, primarily involving electronic system malfunctions and structural leaks. Common symptoms include electronic stability control warnings, power steering failures, and backup camera malfunctions, often accompanied by unexpected vehicle shutdowns or steering lock-ups. Exhaust manifold cracks and rear window leaks are also frequently mentioned, leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin and water damage. These issues appear at various mileage ranges and sometimes result in safety risks, such as loss of control or exposure to carbon monoxide. For potential buyers, these patterns suggest checking for resolved recalls and inspecting for leaks or electronic malfunctions.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints55

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Ram 1500's powertrain, particularly related to the eTorque system's Motor Generator Unit (MGU) failures. These failures often result in loss of propulsion, stalling, or complete vehicle shutdown, with many owners noting that replacement parts are on national backorder. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as abnormal electrical behavior, warning lights, and impaired drivability, often occurring around 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe the transmission unexpectedly shifting gears or getting stuck, leading to unsafe driving conditions. The safety implications include potential loss of control and immobilization in traffic, with one complaint involving a crash. A used car buyer should be aware of these issues and the potential difficulty in obtaining replacement parts.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints55

ENGINE

Owners report frequent issues with the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) in the 2020 Ram 1500, often describing a whining noise followed by complete vehicle immobilization. Complaints frequently mention the unavailability of replacement parts, leaving vehicles undriveable for extended periods. Many reports indicate these problems arise around 39,000 to 95,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe cracked exhaust manifolds and related ticking noises, typically occurring between 47,000 to 61,000 miles. Safety implications include one crash linked to engine failure due to head gasket issues, and the potential for loss of control due to MGU failure. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential reliability concerns and part availability issues.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints50

STEERING

Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Ram 1500's power steering system, with many describing sudden loss of power steering assistance. Typical symptoms include a "Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required" message, difficulty turning the steering wheel, and intermittent power steering failure. Complaints often occur around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some incidents involve crashes and injuries, with drivers losing control unexpectedly. Additionally, multiple owners mention the need for costly repairs like replacing the rack and pinion gear and electronic power steering components.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints36

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners report frequent issues with the sun visors in the 2020 Ram 1500, where the visors detach from their mounting points and obstruct the driver's vision. Complaints often describe the visors unexpectedly falling, sometimes hitting the driver and blocking the forward view, particularly at highway speeds or during critical driving situations. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some owners experiencing repeated failures even after repairs. Additionally, some complaints mention windshield wiper failures, including stripped wiper arm attachments and improper wiper fluid distribution, which compromise visibility during adverse weather conditions. These issues pose significant safety risks, with several owners reporting near misses and one injury.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints28

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners report two main issues with the 2020 Ram 1500's fuel system. The first involves high-pressure fuel pump failures, often leading to loss of motive power, stalling, and illuminated warning lights. These issues typically occur around 35,000 to 104,000 miles. The second issue is refueling difficulties, where fuel spills out or cannot enter the tank, sometimes linked to colder temperatures or faulty rollover valves. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to stalling, but no crashes or injuries are consistently reported. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially in relation to unresolved recall repairs.

Owner complaints17

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2020 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the service brakes, with a common problem being brake failure leading to crashes in some cases. Symptoms include the brake pedal going to the floor without activating the brakes, often with no prior warning, and issues with the ABS module being unavailable for replacement. Many complaints describe the vehicle's brakes malfunctioning at various speeds, causing loss of control and requiring emergency maneuvers to avoid collisions. The issues often arise at low mileages, with some reports occurring at around 500 miles, and others at higher mileages such as 132,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with four reported crashes and instances of the vehicle failing to stop, which is critical information for potential buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints12

AIR BAGS

Owners report that the 2020 Ram 1500 frequently experiences issues with airbag deployment during collisions, with seven out of twelve complaints involving crashes where airbags did not deploy. These incidents often result in injuries, with six injuries reported across complaints. Common symptoms include non-deployment of airbags during front and side impacts, even in severe crashes. Some complaints also indicate dashboard warping and water intrusion potentially affecting airbag performance. The mileage at the time of incidents varies, but some reports mention vehicles with over 30,000 miles. These issues suggest potential safety concerns for buyers considering a used 2020 Ram 1500.

Severity signals: 7 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints9

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2020 Ram 1500 frequently report issues related to the exhaust system, particularly involving cracks or fractures in the exhaust manifold, which often lead to loud exhaust noises and exhaust fumes entering the cabin. These symptoms are commonly noted around 43,000 to 91,000 miles. Additionally, some complaints mention engine-related problems such as loss of motive power and engine shaking, with one case indicating a failure in the oil cooler that necessitated engine replacement at around 131,000 miles. Safety implications include potential exposure to exhaust fumes inside the vehicle and sudden loss of power while driving. Buyers considering a used 2020 Ram 1500 should be aware of these exhaust and engine issues, particularly at higher mileages.

2020 1500 recalls (13)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

VISIBILITYNHTSA 20V208000Apr 9, 2020
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.
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 19V407000May 31, 2019
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.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V298000May 8, 2025
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.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 24V754000Oct 10, 2024
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.
STRUCTURENHTSA 22V904000Dec 8, 2022
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINENHTSA 22V767000Oct 13, 2022
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V638000Aug 25, 2022
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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V632000Aug 12, 2021
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.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 20V622000Oct 8, 2020
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.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V580000Sep 24, 2020
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 20V191000Sep 10, 2020
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNHTSA 20V513000Aug 27, 2020
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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 20V374000Jun 25, 2020
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.

Used-market value

2020 Ram 1500 resale snapshot

67.3%estimated value retained after 5 years

717listings in the model-level benchmark

$35,768median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Ram 1500 value by year →Full Ram 1500 market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2020 Ram 1500 on the road

468,478 2020 Ram 1500 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2020 Ram 1500 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Ford F-150

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Chevrolet Silverado

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Ford F-150 Lightning

Reliability: 66/100·Rivalry score: 90

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GMC Sierra 1500

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Reliability verdict for the 2020 Ram 1500

The 2020 Ram 1500 posts a below-segment reliability score, pointing to mixed dependability and a higher-than-average chance of ownership friction versus peers. The recall volume is elevated, reinforcing that this model year carries more corrective activity than a limited-recall vehicle.

Complaint patterns are not confined to a single weak spot. Electrical-system reports lead, but powertrain, engine, and steering also rank among the most common areas, suggesting issues span multiple core systems rather than clustering in one subsystem. A sizable share logged as unknown or other further indicates that reported problems are varied and not consistently categorized.

Overall, the data supports a moderate-to-elevated reliability risk level for this model year.

What you get in a 2020 Ram 1500 report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2020 Ram 1500 now

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2020 Ram 1500 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Ram 1500 reliable?

How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 have?

13 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ram 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2020 Ram 1500 problems?

The most-reported 2020 Ram 1500 problem areas are: Electrical System (109), Unknown Or Other (80), Power Train (55).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Ram 1500?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Ram 1500, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.