2020 Ram 2500 Complaints

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 07/01/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank or inverted image. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

ENGINE — Filed 05/10/2026

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. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure regarding the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,128.

ENGINE — Filed 10/01/2024

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.

STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 06/25/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while standing directly behind the tailgate, the contact heard an audible "click", and the tailgate independently unlatched and opened, striking the contact's chest, and the contact was forcefully knocked to the ground. Due to the severity of the impact and injury, the contact was immobilized on the ground for 45 minutes while calling out for emergency assistance. The contact sustained a broken femur. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure), in which the vehicle did not have the recall remedy performed to prevent the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer determined that no repair was needed and marked the recall as complete. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer for a reinspection, with a diagnostic fee included, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned being concerned for their safety when driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 35,272.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/22/2026

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 information online. Ram 2500 trucks (2019–2023) frequently experience dashboard leather bubbling or delamination, particularly over the passenger airbag area. This bulging can compromise airbag deployment and is caused by adhesive failure, often requiring a full dashboard replacement. I contacted my local Ram service center. They advised my to contact Ram corporate regarding this Safety Issue. Key Details Regarding the Issue: •Cause: The glue holding the leather/vinyl to the dash substrate fails, leading to bubbling and peeling, which can create a ridge over the passenger airbag deployment zone. •Safety Risk: A warped or bulging dashboard can interfere with the proper deployment of the passenger-side airbag.

ENGINE — Filed 03/22/2024

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 02/13/2026

The reverse went out while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/15/2024

Hood liner repeatedly drops down out of its mounting points on the edge near the engine firewall. This is a manufacturing engineering deficiency that relies on shaped material to hold the liner in place. The dealer has replaced it three times, and the same thing continues to happen. Chrysler refuses to address the issue. My concern is what happens if the liner completely drops down on the engine while in operation.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/01/2021

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.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/06/2026

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 on the vehicle. I was having issues from service center having trouble resetting the exhaust system, which they said the system was not sealing properly. Took them a couple of days to get part from dealership to get it to seal and reprocessed the test which they said passed exhaust reset. That would explain the poor fuel rating of only getting 9 miles per gallon. If there was a complete fuel pump failure, not sure if that would compare to this being a safety issue. Not sure how engine would react, due to it completely failing or if the turbo would cause the vehicle to be unsafe. The vehicle is currently at dealership and only 1 out of the 3 are even available to fix this problem. Def pump is available, but unknown when the others will arrive. Service shop said it could be 3 weeks or 8 months for parts to come in. Due to being a back ordered item. Spent $70k for this vehicle, just to have it spend over 2 months in the shop. I do my own oil and fuel filter changes, due to it being faster and cheaper than any dealer or shop.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/19/2025

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 left. The contact was able regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the shoulder. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS, 4x4, and brakes warning lights were illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, a metallic burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. When the tow truck driver lowered the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front driver’s side wheel seemed bent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/21/2025

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 is even aware of the software issue. I told them this is a life safety issue and not my fault. I requested the fix immediately but refused. I also have an active full MOPAR warranty, and they still said it's not covered. This is insane

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/13/2025

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 minutes the cab of the truck.was engulfed im flames.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/20/2025

I pushed my breaks and the hydro booster started spraying fluid inside the cab I lost my breaks I was backing up down my sister's drive way hit a telephone pole with the back of the truck it made a little dent

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/01/2025

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 included in the recall—even though it exhibits all the classic symptoms of HPFP failure. This is a safety hazard and a potential emissions violation. Details of the Incident: In June 2025, I brought my truck to Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM after experiencing engine misfires, loss of power, and a knocking noise. The dealership diagnosed a P0303 cylinder misfire and noted a fuel smell in the engine oil, as documented in repair order #[XXX]. Despite extensive diagnostic work—including compression tests, leak-down, and injector swaps—the misfire remained unresolved, and a tapping noise persisted. The technician explicitly noted fuel contamination in the oil and suspected internal engine damage due to a fuel system issue. To further investigate, I submitted an oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories. The lab confirmed the engine oil was heavily diluted with diesel fuel—over 10% fuel contamination, which reduced the viscosity from 5W40 to the equivalent of 5W20. This is consistent with HPFP failure leaking fuel into the crankcase. The oil report also noted excessive steel wear and recommended immediate oil change and fuel system inspection. At no time was a check engine light present, nor was there a clear diagnostic code for HPFP failure. Chrysler continues to deny responsibility even though the evidence clearly points to a failed HPFP—a well-documented issue for this engine model and year. The cost of diagnosis and parts alone has exceeded $4,000, and the engine is likely destroy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/26/2025

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 mind vehicle is always used for towing 12,000 pounds or more.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 01/13/2024

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 03/24/2024

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 turn to the left as the rear end of the vehicle spun out to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle hit the shoulder of the road on the right side, rolled once, and stopped. The vehicle had rolled onto the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags inflated. The contact stated that the right side of the vehicle was dented and heavily scratched, and the right front and rear passenger doors were crushed, and the glass of the rear cab window was broken. The contact had not noticed any warning lights. The contact stated that he had bruises on the left side of his forehead and an abrasion on his right ear. The contact was driven to a local ER by a friend and had a CT scan performed and was released. The contact stated that a state trooper had written a report and issued a citation. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V140000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/09/2009

The contact owned a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while her employee was driving up a low-grade inclined road, and towing a light trailer at approximately 35 MPH, he had noticed white smoke issuing from under the hood. The contact stated the driver had not noticed any warning lights. The contact stated that her employee stopped the vehicle and as soon as he had exited the vehicle had burst into flames, which started under the hood and then ignited the passenger cab in a matter of seconds. The vehicle and trailer were totally engulfed in flames prior to the fire department arriving. The contact stated that the fire department was called and extinguished the fire with water as well as the road surface and grassy areas on the shoulder which were also on fire. The contact stated that the fire marshal had written a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The contact had related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) for which she had received a notification and was unable to schedule a recall appointment due to lack of staffing at the dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/11/2022

On the date of 11/11/2022 the vehicle experienced an electrical fire in the engine compartment. This happened after the vehicle completed a heater grid cycle before starting remotely. All signs of the fire from photographs clearly show the fire starting from the ground bolt location of the heater grid. This seems to be a common issue when researching forums among other owners of the same vehicle with the same engine options. There were no warning lights or other indications of a problem with the vehicle before this happened. Thankfully I keep a fire extinguisher in my vehicle and was able to save the vehicle. It is currently at a dealership awaiting parts and further confirmation of the fire source.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 04/08/2020

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in a turning lane, another vehicle crashed into the contact's front driver's side. The traction stability control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered injuries to his head, lower back, right shoulder, left hand, fractured left rib cage, and knee replacement injuries. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the drag link was severely bent, and the steering wheel was only able to make 90-degree turns. The vehicle was then taken to Secret City Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (1005 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830) for the guard rail to be replaced; however, no repair was performed due to not having the correct replacement parts size. Additionally, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure of an abnormal odor detected while the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/12/2022

The vehicle was placed into park and the "P" began flashing by when I stepped out of the vehicle it began moving backwards. I jumped into the vehicle and the gear selection showed the vehicle in reverse so I replaced the vehicle into park but the door struck an object which bent the door towards the front end of the vehicle damaging the hinges and the fender. Ram customer care was contacted and the vehicle was inspected at an authorized dealer who found no issue with the vehicle.

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/10/2022

Side airbag from drivers seat deployed and caused burs to the driver. The vehicle struck a deer and the drives side curtain airbags deployed. The front air bags did not deploy. Insurance and dealer have been contacted.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/05/2022

Gear Shifter and Vehicle Dash does not accurately reflect the vehicle's gear. Putting the truck in neutral today resulted in an accident as it was still in drive and had the ability to accelerate. Another similar incident was putting the vehicle in reverse from drive, but truck was stuck in neutral. Putting the vehicle in park resulted in reverse, etc... There are no prior warnings or faults in dash and it just spontaneously occurs at random times.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 03/13/2022

While driving up snow covered inclined driveway. Truck started to spin and stopped going forward. Starting to slide backwards the engine shut off and I lost power steering and power brakes. Managed to re-start while sliding backwards but the engine shut off again resulting in a sideways crash into a tree. Thus causing $5000.00 truck damage but no bodily injury. My insurance covers damage but I am out a $500.00 deductible. The engine shutting off happened the year before but I was able to stop the slide in time. I just received a recall ("Z20/NHTSA 22-140") and I'm not sure if that problem is a cause of my incident. I did not notice any warning indications during or before the incident. I have not contacted FCA or my dealer yet.