2020 Ram 2500 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

34 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 Ram 2500, 21% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 13,750 mi.

Engine complaints
34
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
13,750 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Engine33
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across Ram 2500 years

12009620132020141320152020163820174220183320193420202820213520221220239202410202542026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

5Under 10k310k–30k130k–60k160k–100k100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 7, 202646,000 miTXEngine
    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 determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11748901 · source
  2. Filed Jul 7, 2026150,128 miCATowedEngine
    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 diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the heater intake bolt was detached and entered into the number 6 cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.…
    NHTSA complaint #11748863 · source
  3. Filed Mar 7, 2026AZEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11722748 · source
  4. Filed Jan 28, 2026AKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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 replaced. Not sure if they went hand in hand and one causing the other. So far the vehicle only has almost 78,000 miles on it. Change oil and fuel filters at the vehicles scheduled computer system reports…
    NHTSA complaint #11713822 · source
  5. Filed Aug 7, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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 catastrophic engine damage. Although Chrysler has issued a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in many 2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine, I was told that my vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11679223 · source
  6. Filed May 5, 2025WIElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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”. Vehicle restarts normally but may randomly shut down again. Safety risk is loss of steering, loss of power brake control, and total loss of power in traffic. Taking it to dealer today. Vehicle has…
    NHTSA complaint #11658917 · source
  7. Filed Jan 29, 2025CAEngine
    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. I went as far as to add a bank ram air intake for over $1000 to help eliminate a complete engine failure. Any help would be appreciated
    NHTSA complaint #11639327 · source
  8. Filed Jan 7, 2025NEEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11634617 · source
  9. Filed Sep 9, 2024300,000 miTXEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that engine grid heater had overheated, causing damages to the engine. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11613423 · source
  10. Filed Aug 28, 202467,000 miSCFireTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after starting the engine, moments later the contact came back to discover fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact and co-workers used fire extinguishers to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was later towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11611450 · source
  11. Filed Aug 8, 202410,000 miSCBody & StructureEngineVisibility & Wipers
    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 contact noticed there was water moving around in the engine bay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact completed an alignment. The vehicle was taken to the local, who broke an unknown…
    NHTSA complaint #11607264 · source
  12. Filed Jun 9, 2024TXEngine
    Dealer unable to get recall parts since the inception of the recall. Dealer says they only receive a couple of DIPSTICKS a month. Long waiting list. I called Chrysler to no avail. Ridiculous wait for a dipstick!
    NHTSA complaint #11593274 · source

Other 2020 Ram 2500 problem areas

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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