2020 Ram 2500 Safety Report
2020 RAM 2500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Ram 2500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Ram 2500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (10) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (157) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Fuel System, Diesel | Compare fuel system, diesel issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 2500 with 99 complaints and 8 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 2500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 2500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 2500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ram 2500 | 99 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Ram 2500 | 176 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ram 2500 | 2377 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | 649 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Ram 2500 | 250 | 14 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ram 2500 | 211 | 15 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Ram 2500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Ram 2500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Fuel System, Diesel
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Diesel issues Ram onlyFuel/Propulsion System
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ram onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ram onlyPower Train
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlySteering
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Ram 2500
Reliability Score
The 2020 Ram 2500 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Ram 2500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2020 Ram 2500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Ram 2500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System Failure Diesel delivery pump failures can cause engine damage and massive oil leaks, leading to environmental and safety concerns. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering System Issues Excessive travel in the brake pedal and random emergency braking have been reported, posing safety risks. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Problems Windshield wiper linkages and airbag recalls have been issued, indicating potential electrical system issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Malfunctions Transmission and towing issues have been reported, affecting vehicle performance and safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Ram 2500:
Issues with diesel delivery pump failures and massive oil leaks.
Problems with excessive travel in the brake pedal and random emergency braking.
Problems with windshield wiper linkages and airbag recalls.
Issues with automatic transmission and towing problems.
Recall Details for the 2020 Ram 2500
The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ram 2500 by NHTSA:
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 ...
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."
Consequence: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.
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.
Consequence: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Remedy: 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.
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 Fe...
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Ram 2500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Ram 2500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 3 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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
The reverse went out while driving
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 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.
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...
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 w...
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 immediate...
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.
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
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...
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.
Ram and it's parent company know there is an issue with the brake systems on their 3/4 ton pickup trucks. The 2500's. There is excessive travel in the brake petal and not enough pressure builds up in the system to activate the brakes correctly and adequately. It's all over the ram 2500 online forums. Many people are experiencing this issue with new trucks. Ram and its parent company Stellanti...
Too much travel in brake pedal. Feels spongy. Weak brakes, hard to stop vehicle. Have to put pedal to the floor. Was told this was OK and normal at the dealership. Has been like this since I bought the vehicle new.
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 contr...
Traction control kicks on while driving on dry pavement and the truck bogs down like there isn’t any power. The truck slows down abruptly and will not speed back up without pulling to the side of the road and I have to shut it off and reset. The drive selector knob lights starts flashing and now they don’t come on at all. This has happened on 4 occasions
Issue is that the on the Diesel intake heater core has a bolt that comes loose from inside the manifold and can fall down into the cylinder and can cause catastrophic failure.
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, which caused metal shavings to enter the fuel system. The dealer determined that the HPFP and the entire fuel system needed to ...
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...
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
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 vehicl...
Showing 20 of 157 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2020 Ram 2500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2021-10-14 · Closed 2023-04-14
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 pu...
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2023-03-17
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...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Ram 2500
Has the 2020 RAM 2500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 RAM 2500 has 10 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 RAM 2500 have?
The 2020 RAM 2500 has 157 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 RAM 2500?
The 2020 RAM 2500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 RAM 2500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 RAM 2500 involve fuel system, diesel (25 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (17 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints). Other affected components include engine,fuel/propulsion system, power train, steering.
How many crash reports does the 2020 RAM 2500 have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2020 RAM 2500 out of 157 total complaints (3.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 RAM 2500 have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2020 RAM 2500 out of 157 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 RAM 2500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 RAM 2500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 RAM 2500?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 RAM 2500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 RAM 2500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 RAM 2500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 157 complaints, 10 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 RAM 2500?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 RAM 2500 are: 1. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL (25 complaints), 2. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (17 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 4. ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (11 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (9 complaints). FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL is the single most-reported problem area with 25 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 RAM 2500?
Be aware of potential fuel system and steering issues, and check for recalls related to the electrical and power train systems. The 2020 RAM 2500 has 157 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2020 RAM 2500?
The 2020 RAM 2500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 157 owner complaints, 10 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System Failure and Steering System Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2020 RAM 2500?
Known issues with the 2020 RAM 2500 include: Fuel System Failure, Steering System Issues, Electrical System Problems, Power Train Malfunctions. These are based on patterns found across 157 NHTSA complaints. 10 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2020 RAM 2500?
Common issues include fuel system failures, steering problems, electrical system malfunctions, and power train malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 RAM 2500?
Yes, there are recalls for fuel system issues, steering problems, electrical system issues, and power train malfunctions.
What should I do if I experience issues with my 2020 RAM 2500?
Check for recalls, consult a mechanic, and report any issues to the manufacturer.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential fuel system and steering issues, and check for recalls related to the electrical and power train systems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Ram 2500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Ram 2500. The data includes 157 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16