2020 RAM 3500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other 3500 years
- More complaints than other years 8th of 20 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 11 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 RAM 3500. That ranks 8th out of 20 3500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (33 complaints, 28%), typically at around 6,350 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 7 fires, 4 injuries. There are 11 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 116owner complaints
- 11safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 6complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2020 RAM 3500 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 33 | 28% | 6,350 | — | — |
| Engine | 27 | 23% | 28,500 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 23 | 20% | 24,850 | — | — |
| Power Train | 12 | 10% | 112,500 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 9 | 8% | 102,500 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 7 | 6% | 3,200 | — | — |
| Wheels | 7 | 6% | 20,500 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 5 | 4% | 28,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 3% | 125,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 3% | 4,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 | 2% | 4,200 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1% | 111,363 | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1% | 4,200 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1% | 7,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2020 RAM 3500 recalls (11)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Problem: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
Problem: 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.
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Problem: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication; electrical system:software
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Structure
Problem: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- High pressure fuel pump failure (EA23001) — opened Mar 17, 2023, still open, led to recall 24V957.
- High pressure fuel pump failure (PE21021) — opened Oct 14, 2021, closed Apr 14, 2023.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
High pressure fuel pump recall failed and put my life in danger â ï¸ Terrible experience not only for me but it put in danger a Semi truck driver and others almost got killed
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…
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…
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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…
Other RAM 3500 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 27 | 4 |
| 2025 3500 | 43 | 5 |
| 2024 3500 | 45 | 2 |
| 2023 3500 | 17 | 5 |
| 2022 3500 | 190 | 12 |
| 2021 3500 | 62 | 9 |
| 2020 | 116 | 11 |
| 2019 3500 | 137 | 14 |
| 2018 3500 | 805 | 10 |
| 2017 3500 | 313 | 12 |
| 2016 3500 | 134 | 14 |
| 2015 3500 | 137 | 14 |
| 2014 3500 | 202 | 15 |
| 2013 3500 | 115 | 16 |
| 2012 3500 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 3500 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 3500 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 3500 | 3 | 2 |
| 2008 3500 | 4 | 1 |
| 2007 3500 | 6 | 1 |
See all RAM 3500 problems by year, every RAM model, or the RAM VIN decoder.
Similar RAM models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 RAM 3500?
Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, engine, fuel system, diesel problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 33 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2020 RAM 3500?
Yes, 11 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2020 RAM 3500 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 3500 model years, the 2020 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.