2020 Ram 1500 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

165 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 Ram 1500, 26% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 48,000 mi.

Engine complaints
165
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
48,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine155
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe6
Engine and engine cooling3
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system1

Engine complaints across Ram 1500 years

22009462013176201422520152322016153201714320182292019165202028020212482022472023232024782025112026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

15Under 10k710k–30k1030k–60k2060k–100k3100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 22V767000Oct 13, 202260,413 vehicles
    ENGINE · 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.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 16, 2026VAEngine
    I bought this used truck with 60K miles on it in 2024. It is a 2020 truck. At 136K the engine failed.........with the infamous [XXX]. I have an excel summary spread sheet on all maintenance I had done since I owned this truck and I did not pull or haul anything. I heard a tick for about 10 days before I took it to my dealer whom I bought it from and they stated after "scoping" that the # 8 cylinder misfired and cylinder wall scored and the lifter pin bearing failed thus cam…
    NHTSA complaint #11764777 · source
  2. Filed Aug 16, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngine
    Twice in the past two years, the eTorque system had failed will driving on the highest. When the unit fails, you lose all power asks if you're battery is low, you can pose the ability to even steer. The first time, I was on the i87 going north, and barely made it off the road. I was nearly hit by several semi trucks because this was on a blind turn with very little shoulder and I basically had to hide in the woods for safety. Just this past week, less than two years after…
    NHTSA complaint #11757290 · source
  3. Filed Jul 20, 2026104,000 miNVEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced an unknown part, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.…
    NHTSA complaint #11751506 · source
  4. Filed Jul 13, 2026VAEngine
    I am having DEF related issues with my 2020 Ram 1500 ecodiesel that will ultimately cause the vehicle to no longer operate. Ram has an extended warranty for my exact problem but I am being told that my vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements. My vehicle is under the required year and mileage but I’m being told that it doesn’t apply.
    NHTSA complaint #11749914 · source
  5. Filed Jul 6, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the “Service Electronic Power Steering” dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.
    NHTSA complaint #11748558 · source
  6. Filed Jun 25, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I PCSd from Springfield, MO to Fort Bliss Texas. I bought the truck [XXX]. I make it to TX. Driving the first Saturday in TX on [XXX] it just shuts down and put me in a very scary situation. I was stuck in the middle of the high way. It does not drive. The Etorque/generator is bad and is now on order from my local Dodge dealership. It literally shut down my truck and will not start, run, nothing. It’s been in the shop for 40 days with a no ETA on the part ordered. This…
    NHTSA complaint #11746568 · source
  7. Filed Apr 22, 2026TXEngine
    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 replaced a failed starter; truck started and drove normally. 3/6/26: Vehicle operated normally all day with multiple successful starts. 3/7/26: Truck would not start again. 3/23/26: Vehicle towed to…
    NHTSA complaint #11733103 · source
  8. Filed Apr 1, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    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. Mileage = 110,000, Required service and maintenance completed at recommended intervals, regarding current codes cleaned all related sensors and throttle body, filters and no changes. symptoms are…
    NHTSA complaint #11728436 · source
  9. Filed Mar 2, 2026INEngine
    Engine went out before life of loan was up. Truck has always been serviced at dealer it was purchased from and has 140k highway miles on it. No warning or indicator lights prior to valve breaking and engine going out. Was in for oil change a month prior.
    NHTSA complaint #11721484 · source
  10. Filed Feb 24, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngine
    While driving 55mph my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing traffic behind me to blow their horn, then pass me. Thank god the people behind me didnt crash into me. I drove straight to Mechanics. This happened in mid October 2025. I was told its the e torque generator that needed replaced. My mechanic has ordered it several times just for it to refund him due to being out of stock. I have been in contact with ram over this issue since October. One supervisor even said my part…
    NHTSA complaint #11720301 · source
  11. Filed Feb 19, 2026TXEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11719217 · source
  12. Filed Feb 18, 202664,462 miMIEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11718756 · source

Other 2020 Ram 1500 problem areas

Back to all 2020 Ram 1500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology