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2020 Ram 1500 Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Oil Change Indicator and open recall alerts for your 2020 Ram 1500.

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Recalls13Full scheduleKnown issues4

How Ram schedules service: Oil Change Indicator

Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

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13 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Campaign #20V622000 · Aug 10, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V580000 · Sep 24, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #20V191000 · Oct 9, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #19V407000 · May 31, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.

Risk: Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are V61 and V71.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #20V208000 · Sep 4, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #21V632000 · Dec 8, 2021

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #20V374000 · Jun 25, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Campaign #20V513000 · Aug 27, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.

Risk: A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #22V638000 · Aug 25, 2022

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #22V767000 · Oct 13, 2022

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign #22V904000 · Aug 12, 2022

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

Campaign #24V754000 · Oct 10, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #25V298000 · Aug 5, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

Recall data refreshed Jul 26, 2026.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

🛢️

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

🔄

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

🛑

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

⛽

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

💨

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

⚙️

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

🔩

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Ram 1500 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

🔧

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

⚡

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

🌡️

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🌬️

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Ram 1500.

🔎

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • High pressure fuel pump failure

    Action #EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · linked recall 24V957

    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 equi…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

eTorque charging system and alternator failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

50 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2026-04 (sample of 200 most-recent of 595 total)

“While driving my Ram Rebel 2020, the eTorque alternator failed, causing the vehicle to lose electrical power and forcing me to be towed. This posed a serious safety risk, including potential loss of power assist for steering and braking. The issue was addressed only by…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727324
“The alternator failed on my vehicle leaving the vehicle without any power in the middle of the interstate roadway having to manually pushed to the side of a very busy highway then towed to a repair shop afterwards. Simply put, my truck just killed in the middle of a interstate…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702983
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the message "Alternator Fault Detected" was displayed. The vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway, where the vehicle was unable to restart. No warning…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691610
“While driving the power plant generator for my engine failed without warning, causing my truck to stop working. There has to be a major issue with the part due to the fact that there is 6000 part back order that has been in going for over 2 years. Someone is going to get…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717629

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS module failure

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2026-04 (sample of 200 most-recent of 595 total)

“ABS module/hcu failure Jan 13, 2025. No indication of problem prior to failure. When failure occurred, vehicle was traveling around curve in road at 50 mph when all warning lights on dash lit, loss of power steering, engine shutdown, loss of power brakes. Vehicle had to be…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638636
“My truck was taken to the ram dealership in Conway, AR and they told me it needed an ABS Module and it was ordered and that was in January of 2025 so it has now been almost a year that the part (ABS Module) has been on back order and there is still no ETA. That is a serious…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698863
“ABS light keeps coming on and off. The 4WD keeps going on and off and the cruise control and traction keeps working then not working. There is a recall for other year models for the ABS system that basically is exactly what's happening with my truck. I am worried that it will…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728834

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window water intrusion

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2026-03 (sample of 200 most-recent of 595 total)

“I have a 2020 Ram 1500 pickup, and the rear window leaks on both side of the glass and runs down to the carpet and it is starting to smell really moldy. I took it into the ram dealership on 11-4-24, and they said they have had several complaints on this and said I could pay to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631521
“A crack developed in the plastic frame of the rear sliding backlite window, allowing water to enter the vehicle cabin from the rear glass area. Water intrusion has been observed on the rear seating surfaces and interior trim during rain and snow events. The condition has been…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721478
“Leaking back glass, Soaked carpet, and a musty odor.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642942

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2025-04 (sample of 200 most-recent of 595 total)

“As I was backing out of my drive way my power steering stopped working and has been hard to turn the wheel. I moved the steering wheel up and down and it started working again, and then the next day it went back to no longer working.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636184
“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652898
“Truck was responding perfectly fine until we stop to watch a movie at the theater last night. After the movie I turn on the truck and notice my power steering was not working and everything else on my truck works fine.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653411

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2017 Ram 1500 →
  • 2018 Ram 1500 →
  • 2019 Ram 1500 →
  • 2021 Ram 1500 →
  • 2022 Ram 1500 →
  • 2023 Ram 1500 →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Ram 1500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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