2020 Ram 1500: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Electrical · MA

I own a 2020 Ram 1500 with approximately 61,000 miles. I started noticing a clicking/grinding around the motor area at around 59,000 miles. I brought the truck to a local mechanic, who diagnosed it as a possible alternator issue. He suggested bringing it to RAM service because it may be covered under warranty. I followed up by bringing it to RAM to diagnose the issue. After multiple visits, they could not pinpoint the issue, however recommended replacing the belts and adjusters. Over the course of the next month, the clicking/grinding got louder. I made another appointment with RAM, and while I was on my way over there the truck had catastrophic failure and seized all operations. Thankfully I wasn't going more then 20MPH or else something really bad could have happened. At that time, the truck was reading code U0594, which translates to "Invalid Data Received From Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module". I had to get the truck towed to RAM, where they have now had it for about one month. Originally they had said that I would need to buy a new alternator and associated belts/adjustors and battery because i was beyond any standard warranties on the truck, with estimates over what the vehicle is worth, however some personal research found that there is a federal emissions warranty that covers an issue like this. I was fortunate enough to get a loaner car from the dealer two weeks after my truck seized up. I have read online that this is becoming a more common issue with these trucks and feel the manufacturer should raise a warning to their consumers. Had I been on the highway when this happened, who knows where I could be.

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CO

After hearing a grinding noise coming from the engine, I took the vehicle (2020 RAM 1500 w/5.7L eTorque) to the dealer. It's been waiting for a replacement MGU (Motor Generator Unit) for over 3 weeks but I'm told it might take months to get a replacement part. Fortunately, I discovered this before having a breakdown on a busy highway or up in the mountains. Had that occured, I most certainly would have lost the ability to steer the truck and braking would have been diminished. I'm hoping this manufacturing defect is elevated to safety recall status in the hope of preventing future loss of life.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MD

I purchased a brand new 2020 Ram 1500 with 5.7-liter hemi ETORQUE engine in 2020. The vehicle had been making a squealing noise since before 40k miles. Dealership was unable to identify issue on numerous occasions. On 4/8/2024, with vehicle mileage at 74k miles, the noise worsened to a point where the vehicle was not drivable. They identified the "Alternator" (MGU) to the etorque needed to be replaced. The part was on back order and did not arrive until 6/24/2025. At which the dealership replaced the part and expedited the return of the vehicle without proper assurance that the replaced part, fixed the vehicles problem. Less than 375 miles later, a system battery saver came up on the dash. Turning off all electronics in the vehicle including but not limited to A/C and radio. Temps were more than 100 at this time. Within less than 550 miles, the vehicle lost all power and shut off while in the middle of an interstate. I lost my power steering and luckily was able to move onto a narrow shoulder but was left in a very dangerous situation with my family on the side of a high-speed interstate, awaiting a tow truck for hours, without rear end protection. There were a lot of close calls and no urgency from RamCare Stellantis. I was told that the vehicle can only be seen by a certified ram technician. The only certified Ram Dealership that was willing to help was more than 30 minutes away, where the vehicle still sits today. Now the vehicle has been at a dealership since that break down on 7/3/2025. Awaiting another back ordered part, with no estimated eta. This time it is awaiting a 48V Power Pack, related to 8yr/80k mile warranty. I am having to pay out of pocket for a rental, while still paying on a car loan and insurance on a vehicle I have not been able to use since April. Customer service has been horrific handling my case. Leaving myself with no certainty that I will ever see my vehicle again or if the long awaited back ordered part will in fact fix the issue.

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · NJ

The alternator generator is making us squeaky noise. I’m afraid that it’s gonna seize as I drive and I’ll lose power of the brakes and the steering checked with the dealer. They don’t have the part. They don’t know when they’re gonna be able to get it the part. I called junkyards call other auto parts stores. No one has got it’ I also went in the Mopar website and they also don’t have it

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Electrical · MN

My MGU (special name for alternator on Ram E-Torque) went bad. Starts out as grinding noise (no check engine light yet) then shortly after - total failure. Mine has total MGU failure with check engine light on and voltage warning lights to. I have a an appointment on Feb 12 2025 to replace it. They said it’s going to take about 45-90 days for a replacement part. When failure of this part happens the bearings go first, with a possibility of fire risk, in my opinion. Metal grinding on metal creates friction then fire-in my opinion. I researched and talked to some parts managers at ram dealerships. The MGU is a joke. Everyone of them will fail prematurely. Look into this please. There are 5000 MGU units supposedly being produced and shipped out across the country. Those are being shipped out very slowly when available. Nothing fast about these replacements. And lastly, apparently Ram has decided to not make the etorque available on the V8 engines anymore. Only the V6 engines have them.

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie. The contact stated that the alternator was making an abnormal whining noise. The noise had increased and become louder over time. The alternator was making an abnormal grinding sound. While his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost voltage, stopped, and shut down. The flashers became inoperable. The essential power mode message was displayed. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact had replaced the battery three months prior. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2023 · Transmission · CO

When accelerating and turning full left or right grinding sounds can be heard coming from the rear differential. It sounds like the gears in the rear differential are binding up. Per dealer a full differential rebuild is required.

Filed May 11, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · TX

When turn I hear a rubbing grinding sound and the right front wheel shudders and vibrates when driving

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · Electrical · MT

Engine shuts down on stop. Normal. But sometimes when I take my foot off the pedal, the starter grinds unusually long and when the engine does restart the vehicle lunges forward. As my foot is instinctively on the accelerator, this sometimes could cause a rear end collision with another vehicle. This scenario has twice caused the engine light to come on. No related codes detected by dealer. The issue did present itself during a test drive with a dealer mechanic. He reset the codes to out the light. No code or solution suggested.

Filed May 29, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

Brakes grind at random and brake pedal when pressed goes to the floor resulting in having to let off brake pedal and pump it back up which has caused me to nearly hit vehicles at stop signs, stop lights or heavy traffic. Information center also keeps going out and when that happens my power steering has also went out causing issues with steering.