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2020 Ram 1500: check engine light

41 of the 645 complaints about the 2020 Ram 1500 describe check engine light.

owner complaints
41
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
48,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 143 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Body, Electrical · OH

On August 11, 2026, following substantial rain, the engine unexpectedly stalled three times while the vehicle was being driven. The most serious occurrence happened at approximately 70 mph in heavy highway traffic. The engine stopped and gauges dropped to zero, while electrical accessories and infotainment remained powered. The vehicle restarted immediately but would stall again if shifted out of park. This occurred several times before staying on. No check engine light appeared at any point indicating an issue. Other stalls occurred at lower speeds. I subsequently discovered significant recurring water intrusion into the rear cab. Water visibly drips from both upper corners of the rear-window area during rain and has saturated the rear seat and reached the floor under the rear seats up to the front passenger footwell. My children’s car seats have been soaked. Moisture meter (pin based) readings confirm elevated moisture, visible mold has developed, and the interior has a strong odor. My VIN currently shows the manufacturer’s XG1 extended warranty related to CHMSL water intrusion. I am concerned that water intrusion may have affected the RF hub, wiring, connectors, or other electrical systems and may be related to the engine stalls. The cause of the stalls has not yet been confirmed as I’m waiting on the appointment.

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 30, 2026 · Fuel system · 99,051 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a high-pressure fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found throughout the fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in January 2025. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was awarded a goodwill discount of sixty percent off the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 99,051.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Engine · 104,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced an unknown part, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · TX

TIMELINE: 3/2/26: Check engine light and remote start error appeared; no immediate symptoms, planned to have it inspected later. 3/3/26: Truck failed to start after work, leaving me stranded. 3/4/26: Checked for obvious issues (battery, fuses); none found. 3/5/26: Diagnosed and replaced a failed starter; truck started and drove normally. 3/6/26: Vehicle operated normally all day with multiple successful starts. 3/7/26: Truck would not start again. 3/23/26: Vehicle towed to local RAM dealership for inspection. 3/30/26: Dealership determined engine is completely seized and requires replacement. My complaint is that the engine seized abruptly with no warning signs of impending failure. This posed a serious safety risk, as it could have occurred on the highway and caused an accident, injury, or death. The vehicle has approximately 106,000 miles, and all oil changes were performed properly and on schedule. The dealership has refused to inspect the engine to determine the cause unless I pay for their services, and RAM corporate has stated they have no one available to evaluate the issue. This may be due to a defective part that could endanger others and should be investigated to help prevent future incidents. Also during the process of calling RAM corporate, they informed me I had a opem recall for a power train control module, which I had never received any notice of.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine · 64,462 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was riding very rough and unexpectedly idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,462.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Fuel system · AK

The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in the vehicle’s diesel fuel system failed. This component is subject to the federal safety agency Safety Recall 22V‑767 (FCA Recall Z96). The HPFP has failed more than once, including after recall replacement, and the vehicle is currently in dealer custody, making the component available for inspection upon request. The HPFP failure caused the vehicle to stall and become inoperable, resulting in an unexpected loss of motive power. This created a safety risk by leaving the vehicle disabled and unable to be safely driven. The recall itself identifies HPFP failure as a condition that can lead to engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The repeat failure after recall repair further increased safety risk. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ram dealership (Gene’s CDJR of Fairbanks). The dealer documented HPFP failure and fuel system contamination, performed the recall repair, and later confirmed repeat fuel system issues. Most recently, the replacement HPFP failed again during an extended test drive performed by the dealer, confirming recurrence of the defect. The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected by an authorized Ram dealership, including: Recall repair inspection and replacement of the HPFP and related fuel system components, Multiple follow-up inspections after continued symptoms, Diagnostic inspections following check-engine lights, noise, fumes, and loss of drivability. No police or insurance inspections were performed, as this was a mechanical failure handled directly by the dealer under a safety recall. There was no warning prior to the HPFP going out the first time.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical · ME

While driving, the engine light turned on and the battery light. Truck started shaking and shut off. Lost complete power. Was right next to my driveway thankfully. Very unsafe situation as I have my wife, [XXX] and [XXX]. Had it towed via my insurance progressive. Mechanic confirmed it was the alternator which is a common problem for the etorque alternator ram rebel 2020. Order is back ordered by over 5,000 customers with no eta of getting the part. Very unsafe situation and now unfixable at this time. There should be accountability with Ram. No recalls have been issued, guidance, or reimbursement via Ram. Help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Driver assistance · CA

While I was driving my vehicle, the power steering warning came on and moments later the steering wheel locked - I could not steer my vehicle. I stopped the vehicle and it started firing all sorts of warnings. It was like all systems went haywire. Service shifter, service power steering, service electronic stability control, acc/fcw unavailable, service required, service airbag system, collision control, check engine, anti-lock breaks. The windshield wipers started without being tuned on, the engine revved up an got very loud like an airplane engine. I turned off the vehicle. When the tow truck arrived, the truck would not start so he walked away to grab the pulley and the truck started on it's own. My biggest concern is that I lost the ability to steer while I was in motion. I was informed of a VB8 recall for power steering but told my vehicle didn't qualify. This is a serious concern! It is currently with the dealership.

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Engine · OH

I leased this vehicle, brand new. I bought out the lease just over a year ago. The truck has under 113,000 miles. I drove the vehicle to New York for a trip. The motor started, knocking, ticking real bad so I pulled into the shop (Monroe) they looked at the engine and said it's blown. They was no waring/check engine light never came on. Gauges were fine (digital). It cost me 16 grand to put a new motor in and dodge will not cover it. The mechanic also stated, he sees these engine blown (V6) all the time in my RAM and in the Durango's.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 35,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the message "Service High Pressure Fuel Pump" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the right side of the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The failure reoccurred after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 2,500 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH and towing a trailer, the traction control engaged, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The Police had aided with getting the vehicle off the roadway. The traction control and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and two unknown local dealers were unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The brake control was previously replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer and the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported October 13, 2022 · 60,413 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

Recall number 22V767000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Ram 1500 check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2020 Ram 1500?

41 of 645 owner complaints about the 2020 Ram 1500 (6%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Ram 1500?

There is 1 recall and 143 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Ram 1500

Stalling 41Loss of power 34Power steering loss 27Water leak 24Fuel pump 20ABS 15Engine failure 15Backup camera 14Won't start 13Fire or smoke 12Jerking 12Grinding brakes 10Knocking 10Whining noise 10Wipers 10Headlights 9Steering lock-up 8Fuel smell 7Start-stop 7Brake failure 6Overheating 6Seat belt 6Adaptive cruise 5No deployment 5Battery drain 5Key fob 5Sudden acceleration 5Sunroof shattered 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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