2020 RAM 2500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 162 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 10 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2020 RAM 2500 receives a 5.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 162 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 10 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 24,000 miles (IQR: 13,500 – 36,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
13.5 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
10 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“RAM COMPLIANCE RECALL PORTAL DROPPED (MOPAR Y78) VIN:... / Miles:110,862 Static 1.Driveway photo ... proves 50PSI idle oil pressure, 0 warning lights on June 30. 2.Video ... captures raw CP4 pump shards in filter housing. 3.Dealer faked portal closure July 7 without flush. For...”
“The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was ...”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer d...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“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 re...”
“Subject: Fuel System Failure Resulting in Engine Damage – 2020 RAM 2500 Pickup VIN: ... 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: ... ) that has resulted in catastrophic...”
“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, whic...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“RAM COMPLIANCE RECALL PORTAL DROPPED (MOPAR Y78) VIN:... / Miles:110,862 Static 1.Driveway photo ... proves 50PSI idle oil pressure, 0 warning lights on June 30. 2.Video ... captures raw CP4 pump shards in filter housing. 3.Dealer faked portal closure July 7 without flush. For...”
“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...”
“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...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“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.”
“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 i...”
“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 m...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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.”
“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...”
“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 i...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“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 resta...”
“The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was not properly aligned, and the tires were worn. The dashboard leather had detached. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers became inoperable. Additionally, after it had rained, the c...”
“My 2500 RAM longbed crewcab is a "Tradesman", i am a contractor, so i put a lumber rack on my truck because i also am a TRADESMAN! Problem is this bed rail is 80% hollow and covered with cheap Chinese plastic. I have stress fractures on the outside sheetmetal body panels. And ...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“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 this i...”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the contact swerved to the left to avoid crashing into a deer. The contact stated that when he attempted to return the vehicle to the right lane the vehicle's front end continued to tur...”
“My 2500 RAM longbed crewcab is a "Tradesman", i am a contractor, so i put a lumber rack on my truck because i also am a TRADESMAN! Problem is this bed rail is 80% hollow and covered with cheap Chinese plastic. I have stress fractures on the outside sheetmetal body panels. And ...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (10)
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
STRUCTURE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2020 RAM 2500
Before purchasing a used 2020 RAM 2500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2020 RAM 2500
Is the 2020 RAM 2500 a reliable used car?
The 2020 RAM 2500 earns a 5.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 162 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2020 RAM 2500?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 24,000 miles (IQR: 13,500 – 36,500 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2020 RAM 2500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 10 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.