2020 Ram 1500: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2020 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system has experienced repeated failures of the charging system due to the belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt hybrid system. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly while driving in traffic, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and loss of power steering assist. This created a dangerous situation where I had limited ability to control the vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road. The truck has also stalled at low speeds and intersections, requiring a restart while in traffic. When the failure occurs, warning messages related to the charging system or hybrid system may appear, and the vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver due to loss of steering assist. The underlying cause has been identified as failure of the eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) and/or associated 48-volt system components. The vehicle’s 12-volt battery is no longer properly charged, leading to repeated dead battery conditions. I am currently forced to recharge the battery daily to keep the vehicle operational. Replacement parts for this system (Mopar part number 68623194AC or superseding versions) are on national backorder with no estimated availability. My vehicle has been affected for approximately five months, leaving it unreliable and unsafe to operate. This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose propulsion and steering assist without warning while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. I am reporting this issue so that the federal safety agency can investigate potential safety defects in the eTorque hybrid system used in Ram 1500 vehicles.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Electrical · NJ

The Engine Generator Kit - Mopar part# (68623194AB) failed which drained the battery and when I stopped at a red light it put me in park and I couldn’t get into gear to move the truck, a tractor trailer almost hit me while sitting in the roadway. If I order this part which is on back order for over a month I will be the 4,601 person this has happened to. I feel this is a recall safety concern. Thank you.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA

The 48V Belt Starter Generator failed on my 2020 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L eTorque system. It caused my truck to stall in the middle of a busy intersection at a red light. The battery drained fast, and I couldn’t move the truck out of the way. I was stuck in a dangerous spot cars were coming around a turn at 45–55 mph, and since my hazard lights started dying too, I had to get out in the rain and wave people away so they wouldn’t hit me. I was honestly afraid for my life. I ended up calling 911 and my insurance to get towed out of there. Before it happened, I saw a battery warning and something about the battery system. A mechanic and a dealer confirmed the issue was the 48V generator. I started calling around for the part, and every dealer I spoke with told me it’s on national backorder. One told me there were over 2,600 people already waiting for it, another said over 3,000 are on the list and no one has any idea when they’ll get them. There are a lot of people dealing with this, and it’s not just an inconvenience it’s dangerous. This part failing leaves people stranded in traffic, sometimes without power or lights. Something needs to be done. A recall would be the right thing.

Filed Mar 9, 2024 · OR · crash

Inside cab is getting moisture in it. Prior to noticing this we had battery drainage that causes truck not to turn on. They replaced radio they found it was drain battery. We continued to have battery drainage where it wouldn’t turn on after a full charge overnight. The truck would go to turn on but would only make clicking noises and wouldn’t shut down for 20 minutes even though wouldn’t start. Other times we’d turn off truck and it wouldn’t turn off. Now our truck is molding inside and front and rear windshield drip of moisture. The moisture drips onto dash and down the console. This could affect electrical components. There is less then 10,000 miles on it. We’ve had brakes jam up on us when we back up and there is nothing even close to us.

Filed May 22, 2020 · Electrical · 120 miles · FL

Vehicle continually has a dead, -dead- 0 volt battery overnight. Started its 1st week home and has repeatedly happened half a dozen times randomly since. Fully charging the battery takes all day. The battery has probably taken permanent damage. I have to carry a 1000 amp jump box at all times to have reliable transportation. Draining a agm 85 ahr battery dead flat in a few hours ia a major problem and a potential fire hazard. There is no shortage of similar complaints on the internet https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/dead-truck-class-action-lawsuit.17342/ https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/how-many-times-have-you-had-a-dead-battery.17149/