The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
2020 Ram 2500 engine problems
34 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 17,500. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 34
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 17,500
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ram 2500 engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Ram 2500 engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Loss of power 19Check engine light 11Engine failure 8Stalling 8Knocking 7
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2020 Ram 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the heater intake bolt was detached and entered into the number 6 cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure regarding the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,128.
Massive oil leak that everyone has issues with also has a grid heater bolt that fails and causes engine damage. The oil leaks are terrible for the environment and causing leaks all over every road
The reverse went out while driving
Def pump failed twice with this vehicle and with that it does not allow the vehicle to run any faster than 5 mph after the countdown ends. Unknown how the exhaust being plugged and service was done to clean the exhaust ended up having the fuel pump and turbo charger needing replaced. Not sure if they went hand in hand and one causing the other. So far the vehicle only has almost 78,000 miles on it. Change oil and fuel filters at the vehicles scheduled computer system reports on the vehicle. I was having issues from service center having trouble resetting the exhaust system, which they said the system was not sealing properly. Took them a couple of days to get part from dealership to get it to seal and reprocessed the test which they said passed exhaust reset. That would explain the poor fuel rating of only getting 9 miles per gallon. If there was a complete fuel pump failure, not sure if that would compare to this being a safety issue. Not sure how engine would react, due to it completely failing or if the turbo would cause the vehicle to be unsafe. The vehicle is currently at dealership and only 1 out of the 3 are even available to fix this problem. Def pump is available, but unknown when the others will arrive. Service shop said it could be 3 weeks or 8 months for parts to come in. Due to being a back ordered item. Spent $70k for this vehicle, just to have it spend over 2 months in the shop. I do my own oil and fuel filter changes, due to it being faster and cheaper than any dealer or shop.
Subject: Fuel System Failure Resulting in Engine Damage – 2020 RAM 2500 Pickup VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am submitting this complaint to formally report a dangerous and costly fuel system defect in my 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup (VIN: [XXX] ) that has resulted in catastrophic engine damage. Although Chrysler has issued a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in many 2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine, I was told that my vehicle was not included in the recall—even though it exhibits all the classic symptoms of HPFP failure. This is a safety hazard and a potential emissions violation. Details of the Incident: In June 2025, I brought my truck to Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM after experiencing engine misfires, loss of power, and a knocking noise. The dealership diagnosed a P0303 cylinder misfire and noted a fuel smell in the engine oil, as documented in repair order #[XXX]. Despite extensive diagnostic work—including compression tests, leak-down, and injector swaps—the misfire remained unresolved, and a tapping noise persisted. The technician explicitly noted fuel contamination in the oil and suspected internal engine damage due to a fuel system issue. To further investigate, I submitted an oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories. The lab confirmed the engine oil was heavily diluted with diesel fuel—over 10% fuel contamination, which reduced the viscosity from 5W40 to the equivalent of 5W20. This is consistent with HPFP failure leaking fuel into the crankcase. The oil report also noted excessive steel wear and recommended immediate oil change and fuel system inspection. At no time was a check engine light present, nor was there a clear diagnostic code for HPFP failure. Chrysler continues to deny responsibility even though the evidence clearly points to a failed HPFP—a well-documented issue for this engine model and year. The cost of diagnosis and parts alone has exceeded $4,000, and the engine is likely destroy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
Vehicle randomly shuts off during normal operation. Same as if the Start / Stop button were activated. Vehicle coasts until it self applies the emergency brake at about 3mph causing a sudden, jerky complete stop. Switches itself to Park. Dash indicates “sterp on brake to restart”. Vehicle restarts normally but may randomly shut down again. Safety risk is loss of steering, loss of power brake control, and total loss of power in traffic. Taking it to dealer today. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. No messages or warning lights display. This is a recent problem but recurring with increasing frequency.
I have a check engine light that came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a P0542 code for heating element relay. There is a technical service bulletin out for this known issue. I still have power train warranty left on my truck but they’re claiming it isn’t covered. I went as far as to add a bank ram air intake for over $1000 to help eliminate a complete engine failure. Any help would be appreciated
Throws code p2609 which is grid heater, this needs to be fixed at 38000 miles, I'm sure it'll cause a fire like the other model years that is being recalled for the same issue
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that engine grid heater had overheated, causing damages to the engine. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300,000.
Questions about the 2020 Ram 2500 engine
Does the 2020 Ram 2500 have engine problems?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Ram 2500, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Ram 2500 engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 17,500 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Ram 2500 engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2020 Ram 2500 problems
Fuel system 70Electrical 20Transmission 20Brakes 14Body 11Steering 10Wheels 8Visibility 6Driver assistance 5Seat belts 3Acceleration 2Airbags 2Locks 1Seats 1Suspension 1Tires 1
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