Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Ram 1500
RELIABILITY SCORE: 65/100 (GOOD)

2020 Ram 1500 Reliability Report

The 2020 Ram 1500 scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 13 recalls and 559 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

13

Complaints

559

Complaint Rate

11.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$691

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,000–$4,400

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity62/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact52/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)
  • ENGINE (55)
  • POWER TRAIN (55)

Should You Buy the 2020 Ram 1500?

At 65/100, the 2020 Ram 1500 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Owners log 559 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (109). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Ram 1500, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2019 Ram 1500 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +$245 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Alternator and eTorque system (109 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Electronic system malfunctions and structural leaks (80 complaints)

Compare 2020 Ram 1500 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 13 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (80)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

13

recalls on record

The 2020 Ram 1500 has 13 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

11.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 11.9

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

22

Crashes

5

Fires

14

Injuries

1

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Ram 1500 Recall Details

13 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ram 1500. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V2080002020-04-09

VISIBILITY

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.

Consequence

Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

19V4070002019-05-31

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

25V2980002025-05-08

AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Showing 10 of 13 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Ram 1500? Check its history first

Every 2020 Ram 1500 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Ram 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 19.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ram 1500Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$691

vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

1500
$691
Category Avg
$936
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

17–26 MPG

Running cost: $3,700–$5,100/yr

Fuel + repair

15–22 city / 21–32 hwy MPG

Hybrid

19–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,300–$4,650/yr

Fuel + repair

17–20 city / 22–26 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
1500 Classic 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd172520$3,000
1500 2WD 3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd223226$3,100
1500 Classic 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd162319$3,150
1500 4WD 3.0L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd212924$3,400
1500 2WD 5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152217$4,400
1500 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152117$4,400
1500 Classic 2WD 5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152217$4,400
1500 Classic 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152117$4,400
Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
1500 HFE 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd202623$2,600
1500 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd202522$2,700
1500 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd192421$2,850
1500 2WD 5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd172319$3,950
1500 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd172219$3,950

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Ram 1500.

  • Test power steering for intermittent failure

  • Inspect alternator and eTorque system for noise or failure

  • Check for exhaust manifold cracks and exhaust leaks

  • Verify rear window and brake light seals for water leaks

  • Test sun visor mounts for secure attachment

  • Ensure fuel system refuels without spillage or blockage

  • Check for unresolved recalls related to engine and fuel system

2020 Ram 1500 Common Problems by Component

559 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

109
80
116
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (80)ENGINE (55)POWER TRAIN (55)STEERING (50)VISIBILITY/WIPER (36)STRUCTURE (30)FUEL SYSTEM (28)Other (116)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

109 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system in the 2020 Ram 1500, particularly involving the alternator and eTorque system. Complaints commonly describe alternator failures leading to sudden loss of power while driving, with some incidents occurring on busy highways, and parts being on backorder for extended periods. Symptoms often include dashboard warning lights, grinding noises, and complete vehicle shutdowns, typically appearing around 40,000 to 74,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners mention persistent problems with turn signals not functioning correctly, which complicates safe lane changes and turns. These issues present significant safety concerns, including potential for loss of vehicle control and the risk of fire, as reported in a few cases.

109 complaints total3 fires

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

80 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Ram 1500, primarily involving electronic system malfunctions and structural leaks. Common symptoms include electronic stability control warnings, power steering failures, and backup camera malfunctions, often accompanied by unexpected vehicle shutdowns or steering lock-ups. Exhaust manifold cracks and rear window leaks are also frequently mentioned, leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin and water damage. These issues appear at various mileage ranges and sometimes result in safety risks, such as loss of control or exposure to carbon monoxide. For potential buyers, these patterns suggest checking for resolved recalls and inspecting for leaks or electronic malfunctions.

80 complaints total1 crash1 fire2 injuries

ENGINE

55 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) in the 2020 Ram 1500, often describing a whining noise followed by complete vehicle immobilization. Complaints frequently mention the unavailability of replacement parts, leaving vehicles undriveable for extended periods. Many reports indicate these problems arise around 39,000 to 95,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe cracked exhaust manifolds and related ticking noises, typically occurring between 47,000 to 61,000 miles. Safety implications include one crash linked to engine failure due to head gasket issues, and the potential for loss of control due to MGU failure. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential reliability concerns and part availability issues.

55 complaints total1 crash1 fire
POWER TRAIN (55 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

55 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Ram 1500's powertrain, particularly related to the eTorque system's Motor Generator Unit (MGU) failures. These failures often result in loss of propulsion, stalling, or complete vehicle shutdown, with many owners noting that replacement parts are on national backorder. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as abnormal electrical behavior, warning lights, and impaired drivability, often occurring around 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe the transmission unexpectedly shifting gears or getting stuck, leading to unsafe driving conditions. The safety implications include potential loss of control and immobilization in traffic, with one complaint involving a crash. A used car buyer should be aware of these issues and the potential difficulty in obtaining replacement parts.

55 complaints total1 crash
STEERING (50 complaints)

STEERING

50 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Ram 1500's power steering system, with many describing sudden loss of power steering assistance. Typical symptoms include a "Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required" message, difficulty turning the steering wheel, and intermittent power steering failure. Complaints often occur around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some incidents involve crashes and injuries, with drivers losing control unexpectedly. Additionally, multiple owners mention the need for costly repairs like replacing the rack and pinion gear and electronic power steering components.

50 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries
VISIBILITY/WIPER (36 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

36 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the sun visors in the 2020 Ram 1500, where the visors detach from their mounting points and obstruct the driver's vision. Complaints often describe the visors unexpectedly falling, sometimes hitting the driver and blocking the forward view, particularly at highway speeds or during critical driving situations. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some owners experiencing repeated failures even after repairs. Additionally, some complaints mention windshield wiper failures, including stripped wiper arm attachments and improper wiper fluid distribution, which compromise visibility during adverse weather conditions. These issues pose significant safety risks, with several owners reporting near misses and one injury.

36 complaints total1 injury
FUEL SYSTEM (28 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

28 complaints

Owners report two main issues with the 2020 Ram 1500's fuel system. The first involves high-pressure fuel pump failures, often leading to loss of motive power, stalling, and illuminated warning lights. These issues typically occur around 35,000 to 104,000 miles. The second issue is refueling difficulties, where fuel spills out or cannot enter the tank, sometimes linked to colder temperatures or faulty rollover valves. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to stalling, but no crashes or injuries are consistently reported. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially in relation to unresolved recall repairs.

28 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (17 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the service brakes, with a common problem being brake failure leading to crashes in some cases. Symptoms include the brake pedal going to the floor without activating the brakes, often with no prior warning, and issues with the ABS module being unavailable for replacement. Many complaints describe the vehicle's brakes malfunctioning at various speeds, causing loss of control and requiring emergency maneuvers to avoid collisions. The issues often arise at low mileages, with some reports occurring at around 500 miles, and others at higher mileages such as 132,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with four reported crashes and instances of the vehicle failing to stop, which is critical information for potential buyers considering this model.

17 complaints total4 crashes
AIR BAGS (12 complaints)

AIR BAGS

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2020 Ram 1500 frequently experiences issues with airbag deployment during collisions, with seven out of twelve complaints involving crashes where airbags did not deploy. These incidents often result in injuries, with six injuries reported across complaints. Common symptoms include non-deployment of airbags during front and side impacts, even in severe crashes. Some complaints also indicate dashboard warping and water intrusion potentially affecting airbag performance. The mileage at the time of incidents varies, but some reports mention vehicles with over 30,000 miles. These issues suggest potential safety concerns for buyers considering a used 2020 Ram 1500.

12 complaints total7 crashes6 injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ram 1500 frequently report issues related to the exhaust system, particularly involving cracks or fractures in the exhaust manifold, which often lead to loud exhaust noises and exhaust fumes entering the cabin. These symptoms are commonly noted around 43,000 to 91,000 miles. Additionally, some complaints mention engine-related problems such as loss of motive power and engine shaking, with one case indicating a failure in the oil cooler that necessitated engine replacement at around 131,000 miles. Safety implications include potential exposure to exhaust fumes inside the vehicle and sudden loss of power while driving. Buyers considering a used 2020 Ram 1500 should be aware of these exhaust and engine issues, particularly at higher mileages.

9 complaints total

When Do 2020 Ram 1500 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

40,000–74,000 milesElectrical system failures
50,000–100,000 milesPower steering failures
47,000–61,000 milesEngine manifold cracks

Best & Worst Ram 1500 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ram 1500 Years to Buy

The best Ram 1500 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100).

Ram 1500 Years to Avoid

The worst Ram 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to steering (313) issues.

Ram 1500 Reliability Score Trend

Ram 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ram 1500 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201864/100Good
201958/100Mixed
202065/100Good
202163/100Good
202264/100Good
202372/100Good
202477/100Good
202573/100Good

Ram 1500 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202674/100 (predicted)Predicted218
202573/100-4Good5186
202477/100+5Good457
202372/100+8Good10145
202264/100+1Good15506
202163/100-2Good14611
2020(selected)65/100+7Good13559
201958/100-6Mixed291364
201864/100Good15605

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Ram 1500 reliable?
The 2020 Ram 1500 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 65/100. It is reasonably reliable with 13 recalls and 559 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 1500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Ram 1500 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (80 complaints), ENGINE (55 complaints), POWER TRAIN (55 complaints), STEERING (50 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 have?
The 2020 Ram 1500 has 13 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Ram 1500 expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Ram 1500 has estimated annual repair costs of $691/year, which is $245 less than the fullsize trucks average of $936. With a reliability score of 65/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Ram 1500 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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