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2020 Ram 1500 engine complaints

Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 166, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2020 Ram 1500 engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While driving 55mph my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing traffic behind me to blow their horn, then pass me. Thank god the people behind me didnt crash into me. I drove straight to Mechanics. This happened in mid October 2025. I was told its the e torque generator that needed replaced. My mechanic has ordered it several times just for it to refund him due to being out of stock. I have been in contact with ram over this issue since October. One supervisor even said my part was being expedited to mechanic, just to be told by my mechanic no one has reached out to them. This is now February 2026 and I still have no eta on part. Supervisors are not taking my calls nor returning them. Ram needs held responsible. I am still making monthly payments on a vehicle that I can not drive. It almost seems like a fraud situation with over 3,000 people waiting on a single part with no etas.

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 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 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

While driving the power plant generator for my engine failed without warning, causing my truck to stop working. There has to be a major issue with the part due to the fact that there is 6000 part back order that has been in going for over 2 years. Someone is going to get seriously injured if this part isn’t recalled and corrected. Having your car shut off at highway speeds is unacceptable. Part number 68623194AC. Ram knows there is a serious issue with this etorque power generator and is not doing anything to resolve the issues, nor making parts available to correct the issue. People trucks are now worthless lawn ornaments

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Engine · MI

The generator bearings are making a wining noise. It was confirmed by an experienced independent mechanic that the E-torque generator needs replacement. The dealer said the generator is not in stock. Further research showed the part is on back order for months, with thousands of others waiting and in the same boat of no parts available.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Engine · MO · crash

This engine has failed by the head gaskets, literally all 4, cracking/breaking. This caused coolant to leak into the engine, mix with the oil, depleating the coolant, thereby causing the truck to overheat and break down. With repairs this continues to happen. 3 times to be exact! This cannot be normal for this engine especially when this happened with less than 90K miles on the engine.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this email to document a vehicle safety issue involving my 2020 Ram 1500 (5.7L eTorque). In November 2025, the vehicle experienced a failure of the eTorque motorized alternator / belt starter generator system, resulting in a loss of the electrical and charging system. As a result, the vehicle became non-drivable. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ram dealership on November 18, 2025, and has remained there continuously. The manufacturer (MOPAR / Stellantis) has confirmed the failure is warranty-covered, but has advised that the required part is on indefinite backorder with no firm ETA. As of the date of this email, the vehicle has been out of service for over 60 days and cannot be safely operated. This issue appears to be widely reported nationwide (I was told by Landers Dodge in Norman, OK that the part is on backorder, and that there are currently 4,678 on Back Order. They also said that they’ve had a RAM there since last Oct. 2025 (this was on 12/12/2025 at 12pm) among vehicles equipped with the eTorque system, indicating a potential systemic defect affecting vehicle operability and safety. I am submitting this email in addition to my formal the federal safety agency complaint to ensure the issue is fully documented. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [XXX] 2020 Ram 1500 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 79K INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MO

My 2020 Ram 1500 exhaust manifold leak often causes a loud ticking noise, especially on startup, due to broken bolts or a cracked manifold.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine · 56,900 miles · MT

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving, the contact smelled an abnormal exhaust odor, and there was a rattling sound coming from the exhaust manifolds. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 56,900.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Engine · MI

Smoke leaks into cabin when heat is on. Possibly coolant/heating core. I saw many complaints for the same issue on the internet and figured i would make an official complaint

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 Nov 11, 2025 · Engine · AK

The e-Torque motor generator unit is failing, rendering the truck unsafe to drive. Catastrophic failure of this unit while in operation would likely cause loss of control. Signs of failure primarily have been increasing noise in the unit common to bearing failure. The component was inspected by an independent service center and confirmed to need immediate replacement. The part is currently unavailable from any source, and the manufacturer reports a back order with no known date of availability.

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IA

The etorque generator stopped working, I can’t find the part in any dealership since it’s back ordered with no release date on more than 10,000 parts according to all the dealerships

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 Oct 28, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · AR

ABS module needs replaced. It was recalled in all trucks except for this year model. It is currently on back order and I have been waiting for the part for almost a year! All emergency lights in the dash are on all the time and now when I am driving, the accelerator goes completely dead. It happens randomly and has happened multiple times now. The dealership has accessed this and stated that the ABS module will fix the problem. This is very dangerous and needs to be looked into. Why can’t they fix my truck?

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The mgu/generator went out and left me stranded due to battery failure. I had no steering or power brakes. Everything electrical failed. Have been waiting for new mgu for 2 months.

Filed Oct 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · WV

I took my 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiese to a Chrysler-Dodge-Ram dealership on 9/23/25 for the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) safety recall. I was told a part had to be ordered to complete the recall and gave me a rental vehicle. After a few days I contacted the dealership about my repair. They said the wrong part was ordered and the new one was in route. After about a week, I called the dealership again and I was told "the truck won't start and they were working with Stellantis to figure out why." Several more days passed, I called again, they stated that after the new pump was installed and the truck was started it "blew a rod," but they had fixed it, test drove it, and it would be ready for pick up the next day. I picked up the truck on 10/16/25 and drove less than 50 miles (first trip home from the dealership.) While traveling at highway speed on interstate 77 at night, the truck suddenly lost all engine power, a “throttle” warning message appeared, I noticed a strong odor of burnt oil, and I was only able to get from the left passing lane across to the right truck lane, only getting 2 tires on the shoulder (see pic). The truck would not start again, it just made a click-click-click sound. I jumped out of the truck as there was a truck in that lane coming toward me and ran into the woods to escape. I and the truck were nearly struck by traffic.This was a life-threatening situation. Luckily, a Courtesy Patrol saw me and blocked the lane with road flares. Eventually the truck was towed (had to be dragged on to the flatbed). At that time I noticed engine oil was splashed all over the underside of truck. It was towed to the same dealership.This catastrophic failure occurred hours after I was told it was safe to drive.This incident placed my life and the lives of other motorists at extreme risk. A recall intended to improve safety appears to have introduced a new, severe safety hazard. The truck has been at the dealership since 10/17/25 and I have not been updated since.

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 62,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. While the vehicle was still on the road, the contact shifted to park(P) and then back to drive(D), and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. However, the contact stated that the failure had occurred six times. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear knob independently shifted gears. The contact stated that the gear knob was in drive(D) and then independently shifted to park(P). It was unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Most recently, after reversing out of the driveway and then driving forward, the front passenger’s side mirror independently moved inwards. The failure obstructed the driver's visibility and prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and manually pulled the front passenger’s side mirror outward. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MO

The tensioner pulley seized up causing the serpentine belt to break and taking the MGU E Torque Alternator out. We have learned that there are no MGU parts available and we are one of 4000 waiting with no ETA available. You can’t buy a used one as they can not be reprogrammed to a different truck.

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 Sep 19, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

My 2020 Ram 1500 etorque had a major breakdown. My husband was driving down the highway in a construction zone when he lost power steering, power brakes and then the vehicle totally shut down. He had to steer it to the side of the highway, barely making it. We had the vehicle towed to the dealership who ran diagnostics on it and told us the Mechanical Generator Unit (MGU) needed to be replaced. The major issue: the MGU could not be found anywhere in the US. They wasn't able to order / backorder from anywhere. They said it could take months or longer to get the part. We couldn't go indefinitely without our truck so the dealer recommended we trade it in. That was our only option so that was what we were forced to do. We did not want another vehicle!! Ours was paid off.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Generator/altenator. MGU system. Vehicle was hard to crank at store. After it cranked it seemed fine until I went to pull into traffic. Then it completely died In the middle of the road where I was nearly t boned by a garbage truck. All power was gone. No lights, no radio not a thing worked. After 10 minutes waiting in my wife, it cranked. I was driving home and it started smelling something burning like rubber in the cab. Apparently it was the battery in the back seat over heating. It never crunk again and is now in the shop after being towed. MGU failure and burnt batteries. On back order for months is what I am hearing.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

2020 RAM 1500 with a bad MGU (Motor-Generator Unit). Dealer says they have 2 trucks already waiting on the same part since January. There is a massive backlog and Chrysler is not offering anything on when this will be available. It's on an "engineering hold". It will eventually fail in these trucks and render them inoperable. Waiting 8-9 months for a part should never be an option in any scenario. This is also covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

RAM has a bad design on MGU's, new ones and old ones are failing, whining, causing engine spudder and no movement at times. Can't purchase one because RAM has them on "Engineering HOLD". Therefore they no they have an issue, not offer a replacement. I have been advised if they become available I'm looking at $2,000 for an alternator. That is insane.

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Engine · 95,000 miles · MA

The contact's mother owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the on/off switch and battery low level warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. The contact stated the engine seized while driving at 5 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failed motor generator unit. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed motor generator unit. The contact was informed that the motor generator unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Engine · TX

Failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU). This part is available for inspection and review. The failure of this component can result in complete immobilization of the vehicle which poses a significant safety risk for users and pedestrians alike. The problem has been a wide-spread issue for the Ram 1500 series. This issue was acknowledged by Ram and Stelantis. Ram has reviewed my MGU and confirmed that the component is faulty. The only warning was a whining noise and then the vehicle became completely incapacitated.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Engine · KY

I own a 2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn 4WD with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. The vehicle began making a whining noise while running. A certified diagnosis confirmed the failure of the engine generator unit, part number 68623194AB, which is required to keep the eTorque system functional. This part has been on nationwide backorder for an extended period with no estimated time of arrival from Mopar or the dealership. The vehicle is currently undriveable and unsafe, and I have not been given a timeline or support for alternative transportation. The unavailability of this critical hybrid powertrain component has made my vehicle unusable for weeks, and I’ve seen numerous reports from other RAM owners experiencing the same issue with no resolution. There is a serious risk to safety and reliability if this continues to be ignored. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this widespread part shortage and potential manufacturer defect. There should be a recall or mandated parts response for affected vehicles if the manufacturer cannot supply replacement components for a core electrical system.

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 Jul 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I am writing to report a serious and dangerous issue with my 2020 Ram 1500. The vehicle has been randomly shutting off while I am driving, often accompanied by a strange acceleration or revving sound just before the engine dies. This has occurred multiple times without warning, creating an extremely unsafe driving situation. The issue happens at random and cannot be easily reproduced on demand, which I understand may make it difficult to diagnose. However, it is important to emphasize that this is a major safety risk that could easily result in a crash or injury.

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