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2020 Ram 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Ram 2500 carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering linkages and exterior. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tire pressure sensor and wheel/tire failure.” 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.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #22V035000 · Jan 27, 2022

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #20V043000 · Jan 24, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V880000 · Dec 11, 2021

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE

Campaign #20V207000 · Sep 4, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #22V140000 · Oct 3, 2022

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #22V835000 · Oct 11, 2022

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #25V010000 · Jan 16, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Ram 2500.

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

Tire pressure sensor and wheel/tire failure

WHEELS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2023-10

“TPMS SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE. MULTIPLE SENSORS INSTALLED FROM RAM AND 3RD PARTY TIRE/WHEEL STORES. SYSTEM HAS BEEN MOSTLY UNAVAILABLE FOR 6 MONTHS. REPORTED TO VEHICLE MANUFACTURER AND THE ISSUE HAS BEEN UNRESOLVED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384525
“I was in the middle lane of traffic doing roughly 75 mph when my passenger side front tire lost all pressure and shredded apart which nearly caused me to slam into the side of a tractor/trailer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552850
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated his son became aware that the rear passenger’s side lug nut had fractured and separated from the wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539344

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate and hood panel latch failure

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while standing directly behind the tailgate, the contact heard an audible "click", and the tailgate independently unlatched and opened, striking the contact's chest, and the contact was forcefully knocked to the ground”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743463
“Hood liner repeatedly drops down out of its mounting points on the edge near the engine firewall. This is a manufacturing engineering deficiency that relies on shaped material to hold the liner in place”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716542
“The tailgate on this truck has opened 11 times now while driving down the road. I take it to the dealer and they do nothing about it and say none of their diagnostics show anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475870

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller and connector malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2026-02

“2nd visit to dodge dealership, While towing a trailer with the trailer electrical plug in use, the trailer breaks keep going out, I am driving down the road and the dash warning comes on saying the trailer breaks are disconnected”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442899
“Trailer brake controller issues. When you manually engage the trailer brakes it doesn’t produce enough voltage to the trailer to hold”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532515
“While towing, my trailer brakes and lights come off and on randomly. I've had the wiring repaired on my trailer and it did not fix the issue. I've almost been in several accidents while towing, It is very unsafe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716032

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump (CP4) failure and stalling

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

68 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-08

“I WAS TRAVELING AND AROUND 655 MILES FROM HOME. MY TRUCK WAS IDLEING AND STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. I TURNED IT OFF AND THEN IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I CALLED CHRYSLER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER, BLUEBONNET CHRYSLER DODGE AND RAM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404304
“TRUCK LOST POWER AND DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. TRUCK WOULD NOT CRANK AGAIN AFTER IT LOST POWER. FUEL INJECTOR PUMP EXPLODED SENDING METAL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365426
“2020 DODGE RAM 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-880. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WAIT TIME FOR BOTH RECALLS IS UNREASONABLE AND PARTS ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11504864

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission slipping and unexpected gear changes

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2026-02

“Transmission dipstick threw out of the truck while moving and causes transmission fluid to spray out and now the truck will not move. It’s throwing 2 codes for the 3rd and 5th gears malfunctioning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562426
“Randomly (maybe twice a month) when I am stopped at a light (vehicle in drive with brake on) my truck will suddenly surge forward. The dash will say "Shift to park to start", but the truck is already started and running with brake only on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517940
“Unknown-transmission, available for inspection. Truck lost power getting onto interstate and would not go over 65. After stopping and starting again, truck would not shift out of 2nd, until it jerked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489229

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Grid heater bolt failure causing engine damage

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748863
“Issue is that the on the Diesel intake heater core has a bolt that comes loose from inside the manifold and can fall down into the cylinder and can cause catastrophic failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642611
“The contact owned a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while her employee was driving up a low-grade inclined road, and towing a light trailer at approximately 35 MPH, he had noticed white smoke issuing from under the hood”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11531450

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist failure

STEERING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2023-12

“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving at highway speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as designed. There was no warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560869
“'POWER STEERING UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED' MESSAGE APPEARED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT 4,596 MILES. POWER STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC AND STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WITHOUT POWER STEERING ASSIST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388423
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING FOLLOWED ALONG WITH A LIGHT ON ON THE DASHBOARD CLAIMING THAT POWER STEERING FAILED. IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN EVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11343809

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake pedal feel and stopping performance

SERVICE BRAKES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2025-12

“Ram and it's parent company know there is an issue with the brake systems on their 3/4 ton pickup trucks. The 2500's. There is excessive travel in the brake petal and not enough pressure builds up in the system to activate the brakes correctly and adequately”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671333
“I pushed my breaks and the hydro booster started spraying fluid inside the cab I lost my breaks I was backing up down my sister's drive way hit a telephone pole with the back of the truck it made a little dent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683879
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, traffic started to slow down, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended while depressing the brake pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703837

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

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.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

93 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this 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 2500 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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