KnownCarProblems2020 Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 3500, most often about the fuel system (49% of complaints, typically around 22,000 miles). It is 8th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2020 Ram 3500 problems
Fuel system
57 complaints · 49%Half of these problems showed up before 22,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v880000 (fuel system, diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while her husband was making a right turn, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated do not turn off the vehicle until arriving at destination warning message was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving under 15 MPH until arriving at a local…
Engine
30 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 31,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
I bought my truck in tampa, fl in august with 23k miles truck has 30k now I was driving thanksgiving morning after filling tank off in a trusted gas station that I fill all my 3 trucks 2016, 2018, 2020 Ram 3500. I drove about 35 miles and truck started to decelerate lost power within 2 miles and engine shut down and…
While driving at highway speed a rod came through the engine block. I was fortunate I was able to coast to the shoulder of the highway before coming to a complete stop. I was towing a trailer. The engine gave no indication anything was wrong. The only notable thing was the lost of fuel mileage that begin to decrease…
Wheels and tires
12 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
The TPMS system on my new 2020 Ram 3500 has suffered repeated failures since it was purchased new. The dealership has replaced all 6 sensors (dually) in an effort to fix the issue, no no success. Now, the service writer seems to have accepted the problem as unsolvable. Quick research on social media, and statements…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500 equipped with atturo tires, tire line: trail blade a/t, tire size: 235/80/r17, dot number: [VIN]. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front passenger's side tire experienced a blowout. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the tire, the…
Transmission
12 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the gear shifter shifted into the drive position when the contact's minor [] child entered the vehicle to retrieve an item using the steering wheel and gear shifter to enter, causing the vehicle to…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the gear shifter shifted into drive independently, causing the vehicle to roll away. The vehicle stopped before crashing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
Electrical
9 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, he depressed the start/stop button several times however, the vehicle failed to start. After waiting for approximately 45 minutes the vehicle started. The contact also stated the vehicle failed to recognize the key fob inside…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the oil warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Additionally, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and refilled the oil reservoir; however, the failure recurred…
Brakes
8 complaints · 7%The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the trailer brakes failed intermittently while the brake pedal was depressed. The turn signals and brake lights also failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the rear bumper brake plugs were…
Steering
7 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH hauling a horse trailer, the power steering malfunctioned. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle straight for six miles since there was a truck in front and behind her. The contact was finally able to…
While descending a mountain pass, travelling at 75 MPH, pulling a 20' enclosed car trailer, message in cluster said "power steering unavailable" and the power steering was gone. Pulled over, checked for leaks, blown fuse, and belt condition and found no issues. Restarted vehicle and it functioned for about 3 seconds…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 5%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 Ram 3500 recalls
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 29, 2022. Owners may contact fca US, llc customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is za3.
Full defect 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.
Stability control: electronic stability control (esc)
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 29, 2022. Owners may contact fca US, llc customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US, llc's number for this recall is z20.
Full defect 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."
Visibility and wipers: linkages
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed february 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20v-208. Owners may contact fca US, llc customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US, llc's number for this recall is z08.
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the hpfp, update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on january 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on may 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on march 2, 2023. Owners may contact fca US, llc customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US, llc's number for this recall is y78.
Full defect 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.
Engine: oil/lubrication
Risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 25, 2021. Owners may contact fca US llc customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US llc's number for this recall is y21.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US, llc) is recalling certain 2019-2020 ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a cummins 6.7l high output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
Wheels and tires: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y36 owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y26 owner notification letters were mailed on december 1, 2021. Owners may contact fca US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US's numbers for this recall are y26 and y36.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US, llc) is recalling certain 2012-2021 ram 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Engine: oil/lubrication
Risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began september 10, 2020. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is w57.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2019-2020 ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a cummins 6.7l high output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on july 9, 2020 (ram 2500) and began on october 6, 2020 (ram 3500). Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are w24 and w44.
Full defect 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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began march 2, 2020. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is w03.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
High pressure fuel pump failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe21-021 on october 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (my) 2019-2020 ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7l cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, odi sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both fca and bmw, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by fca and bmw.during the investigation fca filed rec
High pressure fuel pump failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe21-021 on october 14, 2021 to investigate allegations of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (my) 2019-2020 ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7l cummins turbodiesel engines.on november 12, 2021, fca filed vehicle recall 21v-880 and equipment recall 21e-094 on the subject population, identifying an `internally failed component? Of the high pressure fuel pump equipped on the 6.7l cummins turbodiesel engine that introduced debris into the fuel system potentially causing fuel starvation and consequently an unexpected loss of motive power. Discussions with
Questions about the 2020 Ram 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (57 complaints, typically around 22,000 miles); engine (30 complaints, typically around 31,000 miles); wheels and tires (12 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 3500 have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 8, 2022 (body and structure). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the Ram 3500?
- It is 8th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints, with 116 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.