2020 Ram 1500 transmission problems

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · 95,959 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages “Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required”, “Service Air Suspension Immediately”, and “Blind Spot Unavailable” were displayed. The contact stated that after the messages were displayed, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission intermittently surged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken or towed to the dealer on several occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed with transaxle failure and steering column failures. The battery, transmission, and the radio were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,959.

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going bad and then I had the CHMSL replaced 3 times under warranty & then the 4th visit they did they urethane warranty superseded the XL1 and even after that fix, there water leak still occurred and dealership wouldn't fix it they stated Stellantis denied the back glass replacement and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 Jun 25, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I PCSd from Springfield, MO to Fort Bliss Texas. I bought the truck [XXX]. I make it to TX. Driving the first Saturday in TX on [XXX] it just shuts down and put me in a very scary situation. I was stuck in the middle of the high way. It does not drive. The Etorque/generator is bad and is now on order from my local Dodge dealership. It literally shut down my truck and will not start, run, nothing. It’s been in the shop for 40 days with a no ETA on the part ordered. This should definitely be a safety recall as it just stalled me on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Transmission · NH · crash

At 60mph the vehie suddenly did a 180 and went backwards down the road. Fortunately it was a straight stretch and no oncoming traffic. Rear axle sized up, drive shaft shrown, and rear shaft froze resulting in equivalent of rear brakes onky thus the 180. Rear axle lost all lubrication and this is very similar to existing safety recall on other Ram models but not this one.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · FL

While coming to a stop at an intersection, vehicle engine stalled and transmission automatically slammed itself into park, with no warning, nearly causing a collision. This issue has previously been recalled for other Ram Trucks - some were not appropriately recalled and pose a major safety risk.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Transmission · AK

Vehicle Info •2020 Ram 1500 •Approximately 70,000 miles •eTorque system ________________________________________ Complaint: I am reporting a failure of the eTorque system in my 2020 Ram 1500 that has rendered the vehicle inoperable for an extended period of time. The vehicle experienced an eTorque system failure and has been out of service since December 23, 2025. The vehicle is covered under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. After a prolonged delay in obtaining replacement parts, a replacement component was installed; however, the replacement part was defective, leaving the vehicle in the same inoperable condition and restarting the repair process. As a result, the vehicle has been out of service for over three months. The failure of a drivetrain-related system, combined with the installation of a defective replacement part, raises concerns regarding reliability and potential safety risks. A sudden loss of system function while the vehicle is in operation could present a safety hazard. The extended delay in repair, along with the defective replacement component, raises concern that this may not be an isolated incident but could indicate a broader component or system reliability issue. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this issue is documented and evaluated for potential wider impact.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) used in the eTorque system on my Ram 1500. The vehicle experienced an MGU failure that resulted in abnormal electrical behavior, warning messages, and impaired drivability. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ram dealership, which confirmed the MGU has failed and requires replacement. The MGU is currently on national backorder with no estimated availability date. As a result, the vehicle is inoperable or unsafe to operate and cannot be repaired in a reasonable timeframe. Why this is a safety concern: The MGU is critical to the vehicle’s starting, charging, and powertrain functions. Failure of this component presents safety risks including loss of propulsion, potential stalling or failure to restart, electrical system instability, and vehicle immobilization in traffic or unsafe locations. The extended inability to obtain replacement MGUs significantly increases these risks. Additional information: Based on dealer communications and publicly available owner reports, similar MGU failures and extended backorders appear to affect multiple Ram 1500 eTorque vehicles, indicating this may not be an isolated incident. Dealer/manufacturer actions: The dealer confirmed the failure and ordered the replacement MGU. No repair timeline or permanent remedy has been provided. Request: I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this issue to determine whether MGU failures in Ram 1500 eTorque vehicles constitute a safety-related defect requiring investigation and potential recall action.

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · NY · crash

The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were observed at the scene by a volunteer firefighter, the responding officer, and the tow truck operator. Additionally, an independent witness reported that the truck appeared to abruptly lift off the roadway, as though something suddenly caused it to “go flying.” Due to the sudden nature of the incident, no warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of control. All airbags deployed during the incident. The tailgate was dislodged, and the driver’s side of the truck sustained severe damage, including significant damage to the axle. The vehicle is not operable. While insurance has indicated the truck will likely be deemed a total loss, the claim has not yet been finalized. Video documentation is available showing the location of the detached wheel relative to the truck’s final resting position.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Transmission · MO

I had just started my vehicle and drove about 3 blocks and was running 40 miles per hour when the truck sounded like it was revving up and it went into neutral and slowed down. I was able to pull to the side of the road and put the truck into park. I put it back into drive and drove back home. It was scary because I had small children with me and it happened at an intersection.

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)