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2020 Ram 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Ram 3500 is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 22,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical 3500 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
68/100
Owner complaints
116
Recalls
11
Service bulletins
7628 warranty
Worst area
Fuel system

The worst 2020 Ram 3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Ram 3500

Fuel pump 23Loss of power 10Stalling 9Fire or smoke 7Power steering loss 7Check engine light 6Key fob 5

Recalls 11

Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachmentsReported December 8, 2022 · 1,224,078 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Risk
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

Recall number 22V904000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported November 10, 2022 · 250,079 vehicles affected
What is wrong
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Risk
Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

Recall number 22V835000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported March 10, 2022 · 370,437 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

Recall number 22V140000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkagesReported January 27, 2022 · 171,789 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
Risk
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V‑208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.

Recall number 22V035000 · Recall details

Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pumpReported November 12, 2021 · 222,410 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

Recall number 21V880000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubricationReported June 10, 2021 · 32,002 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
Risk
Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.

Recall number 21V439000 · Recall details

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studsReported May 27, 2021 · 447,985 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

Recall number 21V398000 · Recall details

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported September 10, 2020 · 319,610 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

Recall number 20V191000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubricationReported August 27, 2020 · 32,318 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.
Risk
A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

Recall number 20V511000 · Recall details

StructureReported April 9, 2020 · 37,580 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.
Risk
A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.

Recall number 20V207000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported January 24, 2020 · 87,431 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Risk
The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

Recall number 20V043000 · Recall details

See all 11 recalls for the 2020 Ram 3500

Defect investigations

High pressure fuel pump failureOpened March 17, 2023, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, the federal safety agency determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow the federal safety agency to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337

EA23001

High pressure fuel pump failureOpened October 14, 2021, closed April 14, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021 to investigate allegations of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.On November 12, 2021, FCA filed vehicle recall 21V‑880 and equipment recall 21E-094 on the subject population, identifying an `internally failed component? of the high pressure fuel pump equipped on the 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel engine that introduced debris into the fuel system potentially causing fuel starvation and consequently an unexpected loss of motive power. Discussions with FCA identified the high pressure fuel pump equipped on these vehicles as the Bosch-supplied CP4. On December 16, 2021, Bosch filed recall 21E-101, stating the pump failure was a consequence of a manufacturer application-specific fuel system design.the federal safety agency subsequently identified recall 21V‑586 involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW vehicles.As a result of having received multiple recalls related to a common component, from two separate vehicle manufacturers, the federal safety agency?s focus shifted to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. In early 2022, information request letters were sent to FCA and BMW to determine the root cause and consequentially identify the proper scope of potentially defective vehicles. After ODI received their information request response, FCA filed recalls 22V‑406, 22E-048, 22V‑767, and 22E-087. During review of information request response materials, the federal safety agency determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA or BMW. On March 17, 2023, this Preliminary Evaluation was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-001), expanding the scope to include the Tier-one supplier and any manufacturer who equipped or installed similar high pressure fuel pumps subject to the failures observed in the recall population.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference using the following complaint identification numbers: 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11448163, 11458918, 11460558

PE21021

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Ram 3500 762

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 762 bulletins for the 2020 Ram 3500

What 2020 Ram 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

High pressure fuel pump recall failed and put my life in danger ⚠️ Terrible experience not only for me but it put in danger a Semi truck driver and others almost got killed

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IN · fire

We were pulling camper to Nashville TN. We pulled off I24 toward I65 North. I noticed the engine was raving and it felt like I was missing gears on the transmission. I was roughly 4 miles from my destination when I noticed smoke coming from under the hood on passenger side and flames coming from under hood on passenger side of the hood. I stopped the truck/ camper. Three of us had extinguishers trying to put fire out. The entire engingine compartment burned and fire intruded into driver compartment.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 300,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced speed and hesitation, and there was a rattling noise coming from the engine as the RPMs increased above 1,500. The vehicle was driven slowly to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) had likely failed. The exact cause of the failure had not yet been determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and was experiencing the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 300,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Airbags · TX · crash

I was in a single-vehicle accident on July 20th, 2026 and hit an oak tree head-on center and my airbags didn't deploy. I have a fractured neck and whiplash, not to mention other minor injuries. I am now able to type in order to report it. I have photographs.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed an upside-down or distorted image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · 97,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cooling fan module had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the gear shifter shifted into drive independently, causing the vehicle to roll away. The vehicle stopped before crashing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · AZ · crash

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the gear shifter shifted into the drive position when the contact's minor [XXX] child entered the vehicle to retrieve an item using the steering wheel and gear shifter to enter, causing the vehicle to roll down a hill and collide with a tree. The impact resulted in significant damage to the passenger side door, bumper, and truck bed. Although a child was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident, no injuries were reported following the collision. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it had notyet been inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Nov 9, 2025 · WA · fire

After normal operation, I shut off the vehicle, and within seconds it caught fire without any external cause. Our insurance company and Look Larson Dodge investigated the incident over approximately 3½ weeks but could not determine a definitive cause of the fire.

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Questions about the 2020 Ram 3500

Is the 2020 Ram 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2020 Ram 3500, close to a typical 3500 model year.

What is the 2020 Ram 3500 year score?

The 2020 Ram 3500 scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ram 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Ram 3500?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 57 complaints, typically around 22,000 miles. Next is engine (30).

How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 3500 have?

11 recalls, covering structure, power train and service brakes, hydraulic.

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