2020 Ram 1500: whining or grinding noise

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Electrical · MD

Loud whining sound coming from engine. The dealership confirmed a MGU Alternator failure.

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 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 Apr 27, 2025 · Transmission · WA

Have a whirring, whining noise and at my Feb 2025 service, was told it was the e-torque assembly bearing and it was loose. Part is on back order for months since this is a common issue and will cost over $1400 for part alone. Was told not covered under warranty but believe that the dealership is wrong BUT am reading it was recalled in the 2021 RAM 1500 but I am having same issue with my 2020 and I am reading I am not alone.

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · FL

There is a high whining noise followed by a loss of power steering. There is a recall for the EPs system that stopped in 2019; however, 2020 is still using the same part. The recall should be extended to cover all vehicles manufactured using the part numbers associated with this issue. My truck is only at 50k miles, never off-roaded or abused, and maintained religiously by my personal mechanic. I was driving at 78 mph, and the steering locked up due to this issue. This created a hazardous scenario for me. The wheel released moments later, causing me to overcorrect and almost hit another car traveling on the highway in the adjacent lane. This has happened several times over the past week. I have adjusted my driving style until I can afford this VERY costly repair.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Electrical · ND

Motor Generator Unit is making a whining noise, confirmed by the dealership that it's a bearing within the unit going bad. Per the dealer the MGU is on national indefinite backorder and from my research have been since at least January. If the MGU goes bad it shuts the vehicle down. Can be very dangerous if driving on a busy interstate or highway to suddenly lose power or possibly strand you on a road in bad weather. The backorder for this item seems to be a reoccuring issue.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Electrical · OK

Vehicle has stalled twice while approaching stop signs, given me a “service start/stop system” light and makes a loud whining noise. These symptoms are caused by a faulty eTorque generator. The generator is on back order for nearly 5000 other customers experiencing issues with the eTorque system. It is extremely unreliable and will cause accidents if the generator breaks and stalls the truck while in motion. A recall should be issued ASAP and Stellantis should be pressured to fulfill the back orders for those experiencing faulty generators.

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 Feb 22, 2021 · Brakes · 6,000 miles · WA

After sitting overnight, when backing out of driveway, brakes howl/growl when applied. Happens once each day. Many complaints on-line of same thing happening to dodge ram 1500 5th gen. See service bulletin 05-001-19. I have owned this vehicle for one month. Bought it with 5600 miles on it. This has been happening daily since I bought it.