2020 Ram 1500: water leaks into the cabin

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · GA

MGU Failed, 48v code P0DAF had early signs of premature failure. when on the highway, vehicle shut off completely, no power what so ever. Couldn't steer correctly and vehicle was going highway speeds (approximately 70mph) dealer has confirmed the issue being there MGU gone bad, but I have records of water intrusion multiple times on the rear seats, headliner & back glass (XL1) and water intrusion can cause BPCM to go bad along with the MGU to go bad. they first appeared on or around December 2025, most likely way before that but just never noticed it. check engine light came on and showed a code for the BPCM going bad and then I had the CHMSL replaced 3 times under warranty & then the 4th visit they did they urethane warranty superseded the XL1 and even after that fix, there water leak still occurred and dealership wouldn't fix it they stated Stellantis denied the back glass replacement and further repairs because im out of warranty but the warranty expires 8 Years/150,000 miles and my vehicle is only 6 years old and sitting at 118,350 miles. but the entire problem with water intrusion most likely started anywhere from 60-70,000 miles ago. even when I purchased the vehicle at 39,801 miles I noticed the water stains on the headliner but was advised the CHMSL caused that so it was fixed so technically the CHMSL was replaced roughly 4 times along with the original making it a total of 5 CHSML. so my issue is that its highly possible that the water intrusion that was never fixed for thousands of miles and many months leaked into the rear seats near the 48V Battery pack and eventually started shorting and lead to the MGU going bad. so this all could've been avoided if dealership fixed the water leak many many visits ago. along with the MGU could've been replaced under the major emissions comp warranty way. before that ever expired when it showed signs of premature wear like DTC codes popping up at 100,000 miles and even many more visits prior to December.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Visibility · 115,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking from the rear window of the vehicle. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 23-098-23, detailing a crack in the rear window near the third brake light that could allow water to enter the vehicle on the left and right sides. The contact confirmed that the vehicle had experienced leaks on both sides. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under the TSB; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle met the mileage requirements, but the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the TSB. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · IL

A crack developed in the plastic frame of the rear sliding backlite window, allowing water to enter the vehicle cabin from the rear glass area. Water intrusion has been observed on the rear seating surfaces and interior trim during rain and snow events. The condition has been reproduced multiple times during precipitation and car washes. A dealership inspected the vehicle and performed a sealant repair following manufacturer guidance; however, the water leak persists and the crack remains visible. Water entering the passenger compartment presents potential safety risks, including moisture exposure near electrical components, mold growth, and occupant health concerns. Water has entered the rear seating area where child passengers ride. No warning lights or electronic alerts appeared prior to the condition. The issue appears related to a structural failure of the rear backlite frame seal. The condition remains unresolved and may worsen over time if not properly repaired. The component is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Visibility · 51,300 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the rear sliding window during inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear sliding window needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,300.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · SC

Ram issued a TSB 23-098-23 REV. A for the rear window leaking. Water has soaked the inside around the air bags all down the rear seats and floor. I’m concerned the issue could have damaged my air bags and the electrical in the vehicle. Vehicle rear window has been replaced in 2023. Still leaking water in around the rear airbags.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · NY

Currently Ram has extended its warranty on the back break light due to a leaking/sealant issue on certain models and years. The truck also leaks through the window frame that crakes in these vehicle's. It seems that maybe this isn't being looked at as a safety concern and think it should be. Water leaking in due to this issue is now causing stagnant water. I have 2 kids that sit in the back of the truck and have been subject to breathing in the mold that has built up. I believe the result of mold growth is a great safety concern. I have seen this complaint all over the internet and even on the 5th generation website. I think a full investigation on this should be done immediately. It also seems Ram is aware of the issue because they no longer install this window. We have always had the issue but never understood why the truck had a bad smell to it. It took a very long time to finally realize the smell was coming through the back window and into the cabin but behind the seats. My truck is a 2020 Dodge Ram Laramie 5th generation with less then 25,000 miles on it. I attached a list of webites that immediately pop up when you type Dodge back window leak

Filed Apr 24, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, jerked and stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart, but sputtered. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle, and continued driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the turbocharger had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the turbocharger and the harness were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor and the electronic throttle body had failed. An unknown repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the OCS sensor and the electronic throttle body were replaced. Additionally, there was water leaking inside the vehicle through the third brake light, and the dealer repaired the third brake light. The contact stated that the check engine warning light later illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the Ram air dam system had failed. The dealer cleared the codes; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,115.

Filed Apr 21, 2024 · Body, Electrical · VA

Steering Rack and Pinion - Began malfunctioning (noise, and vibration when turning) at less than 10,000 miles. I visited Ram Dealer several times between 10,000 - 34,000 miles and they stated they could not replicate the issue. I drove the vehicle with their technical and they agreed there was an issue. Finally they replaced the Steering System when it had about 34,000 miles. This is a potential safety issue. Drive Selector Switch - I have had 3 selector switches (move from Park to Drive, reverse, etc.) malfunction and require replace (started in side of standard warranty), they appear to be replacing faulty part with same part. Most recent repair in April 2024 only lasted about 150 miles before the device went bad again. This is a potential safety issue. Radio - My 12" radio has been replaced 3 times. At times it impacts the controls of the vehicle features, heating, air-conditioning, etc. Starting at less than 10,000 miles inside normal warranty. Water Leak - I have a rear cabin water leak...mold and mildew in car (39,000 miles). The dealer did an initial inspection and said it had a know issue...back window and/or brake light leaks and requires further evaluation. This is a health issue - due to mold and mildew.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · NC

I have a 2020 Ram1500 Laramie and the vehicle has developed a water leak. The leak is coming from rear window, window seal, or related components. The result is that the headliner has water stains on the rear passenger and driver side. Continued water leaks have the potential to cause interior mold or electrical problems.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Body · FL

Owner detected a foul odor inside vehicle. Upon investigation water was found in the rear floorboard and water stains across the headliner above the power rear sliding window. Further investigation online revealed that Fiat-Chrysler issued Technical Service Bulletin [XXX]\"Water Leaks At Sliding Backlite\" dated April 22, 2021 and [XXX] Rev B \"Water Leak Rear Of cab Rear Seat or Headliner\" dated June 2021. Owner called a local dealership and requested information regarding any recall related to RAM 1500 cab leaks, and was told that they were none. Dealership failed to advise owner that a know problem exists for these vehicles. \n\nOwner believes that a safety issue exists with water leaking into the 3rd brake light assembly resulting in failure of that safety component to operate correctly and cause a rearend collision. Further, owner believes that a safety issue exists with water leaking into the electrical system that operates the power sliding rear window resulting in a fire or electrical human contact electrical injury.\n\nThis issue has been confirmed by dealerships as they have attempted repairs for other owners. Additionally, Fiat-Chrysler's issuing Technical Service Bulletins for these problems indicates the manufacturer was aware of the issues.\n\nAt this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, dealership, police, or insurance representatives or others. However, owner will be initiating contact with one or all of these entities to confirm the problem.\n\nThere were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle was purchased new from a dealership in January of 2020 by owner. Symptoms were discovered by owner when a foul odor was noticed in the vehicle. Upon investigation water was found in the rear floorboard and water stains across the headliner above the power rear sliding window. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · GA

On Monday, October 10, 2023, I started my truck in the morning when the temperature was 60-65 degrees. The truck turned the rear defroster on and after 10 minutes I put my two boys in the backseat and smelt a burning smell. There was nothing smoking, so I told myself I would look at it once I got back from dropping them off. I pulled out of my driveway and within a minute my back window shattered above my 3 month old. I took it to the Dodge/Ram dealership and they said based on their inspection the third brake light was leaking and water got into/on the window and when the rear defroster turned on it shattered the window. They said it is not covered under warranty even though the main cause was a manufacture defect with the the third brake light leaking water into the vehicle. So this repair is going to cost me $1,500 because of the leak. This is a major safety violation with windows breaking above kids or people in the back seat and electrical getting wet because of the leak in the third break light.

Filed Aug 12, 2023 · NY

I noticed the rear view window mouldings are cracked inside the cabin of my truck by the 3rd brake light. Everytime it rains or wash my vehicle it’s leaking water inside the cabin onto the back seat. I called the local dealer ship (empire Chrysler jeep ram dodge) and set an appointment to get it fixed under warranty. They made me wait two months after the warranty expire to be seen. Now both corporate and the dealership won’t cover the manufacture issue because my truck is out of the warranty. The rear view glass needs to be replaced in order to fix the issue. I do not have glass coverage, and I will not pay to get it replaced. I do not want mold growing inside the cave of my truck, making me and my family sick. I also had a case number with RAM customer care and they told me the same thing.