2020 Ram 2500: check engine light

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Engine · CA

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

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Fuel system · 126,513 miles · FL

The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter had failed due to the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, which caused metal shavings to enter the fuel system. The dealer determined that the HPFP and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had offered to partially cover the repair cost through goodwill assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the recall repair failed to fix the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, the manufacturer had failed to respond to the contact's follow-up emails and calls. The failure mileage was approximately 126,513.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Engine · 300,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Feb 14, 2023 · Fuel system · SC

* Feb. 6, 2023, both vehicle batteries went dead and had to be jumped by our USAA Insurance roadside assistance person in the home parking lot. When batteries were checked at a local auto store, they confirmed both batteries were dead due to an excessive draw to both batteries of 13.5 volts without any explanation as to why. We had to replace both batteries and reported this to the cerified dealership and was told they would not pay for the batteries to be replaced. Feb. 8, 2023, the vehicle starting losing power during normal driving, engine started skipping and engine light in dash came on. * Vehicle slows down and will not accelerate therefore, vehicle is undriveable and unsafe to drive. * No, this issue has not been confirmed by a dealer because no certified dealers within 100 mile radius of our zip code (29407) have technicians available for service. There is a month+ backlog of recall service work ahead of us at these dealers. * USAA Insurance (our auto insurance co.) towed in vehicle to the closest certified dealer to us (approx 4 miles away from our house). We were provided a 8-10 day period before diagnosis can be performed (and price given of $149.00 for diagnosis) and also dealer cannot perform recall before March 8, 2023. * No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms appeared before this and was even at the certified dealership in Dec. 2022 for oil change without any other symptoms.

Filed Jan 27, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 17,500 miles · MT

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the ECU system was reset. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.

Filed Jun 7, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 24,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be at risk of a rollover. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and continued driving 20 MPH. The contact veered to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer at a slower speed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) which he associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Fuel system · 48,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated on 11/20/2021, he was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle on the 6th attempt. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms part not available. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2021 · Fuel system · FL

In November 2020 the high pressure fuel injection pump failed on my truck while crossing a four lane intersection. The pumpwas confirmed failed by dealership service shop. Had a check engine light and service exhaust system warning just before engine shutdown and truck was disabled in middle of intersection.

Filed Nov 17, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 700 miles · UT

On september 19, 2020, purchased a vehicle and traded in a 2013 chev. On 09/27 we were driving home engine light comes on, the vehicle has less than 900 miles.. On 09/28 vehicle taken to the nearest dealership( not purchased from) in which no one would pay to have towed. It took a week to be told a new transmission was needed. Was given a run around on the timeframe for repair. Chrysler and dealership decided to have the vehicle towed to the dealership where the truck was purchased. Promised to have a transmission on 10/14. Chrysler called several days later and stated a transmission would be expedited and should arrive on 10/19. No transmission showed up. Chrysler stated a 2nd transmission was shipped and arrived at the dealership on 11/28. The truck was returned to us on 10/30. On 11/07 we were stopped at a drive-thru, tried to put the truck into drive. Would not shift into drive. Finally shifted but made a grinding sound through all gears. Returned vehicle to dealership on 11/10 due to winter storm and was informed on 11/13 another transmission is needed. I have been treated very poorly in this situation and this has cost me thousands of dollars due to my business and not having a truck. No one seems to care or will help just being told these things take time. Very unacceptable. Repeatedly told my vehicle is not part of a recall but on the service paperwork for the 1st transmission, it lists the cause as recall.

Filed Oct 21, 2020 · Electrical, Wheels · 980 miles · WA

This vehicle was bought less than a month ago. The first week 3 tires sensors are out and not working, then yesterday, oct. 20, 2020 the engine light came on and won't go out. We called the dealer and were told that it wasn't any problem to keep driving the truck. They told us the soonest they could see it was this friday, oct. 23, 2020 and they do not have any loaners. So here I am stuck at home afraid to drive the ram truck costing more than $70,000 because I might ruin the engine. This is uncalled for in a brand new vehicle!!*dt*jb*dt