NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls, 158 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2020 Ram 2500's complaint picture is dominated by fuel and powertrain issues, with the diesel system drawing the most attention. Owners of diesel-equipped trucks frequently report DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) pump failures that trigger a limp-home mode, capping speed to around 5 mph once a countdown expires. Oil leaks are another recurring diesel complaint, with owners describing significant seepage traced to grid heater bolts and surrounding components. Turbocharger and fuel pump failures also appear in the diesel complaint set, sometimes following exhaust system service. The powertrain category adds further drivetrain concerns reported at lower volume. Outside the mechanical systems, a handful of owners describe interior trim issues, specifically dashboard leather separating from its base near the passenger airbag area, and hood liner fitment problems that require repeated dealer visits without a lasting fix.
158
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 RAM 2500 has 12 recalls, the most serious being a transmission fluid leak that can contact the turbocharger or other hot engine components and start a fire.
Recalls 1 through 3 all describe the same underlying issue: heat and pressure buildup inside the transmission forces fluid out of the dipstick tube, and this is particularly relevant on trucks equipped with the Cummins 6.7L diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. A separate fuel system recall affects diesel-equipped trucks as well, where the high-pressure fuel pump can fail and cause a sudden engine stall without warning. On the safety equipment side, the side curtain airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin.
Several recalls involve visibility. The driver-side mirror glass can detach from its backing plate, and a separate filing covers the same issue. The windshield wiper arms can loosen and cause the wipers to sweep improperly or stop working in wet conditions. The rearview camera image can linger on screen after shifting out of reverse, which can distract the driver.
Other structural and electronic concerns round out the list. The tailgate strikers can be misaligned, allowing the tailgate to swing open while driving and drop cargo onto the road. On trucks with an accessory bed step, the step can fail unexpectedly under side loading. The anti-lock brake module software may also prevent the electronic stability control warning light from turning on when the system has a problem.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 5 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The right and left side curtain air bags may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected side curtain air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate striker may be misaligned with the box latch, preventing the tailgate from latching properly and allowing it to open while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment and adjust it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and pressure buildup inside the transmission can cause fluid to leak from the dipstick tube on certain trucks with Cummins 6.7L diesel engines and 68RFE automatic transmissions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and vent assembly to prevent fluid leakage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Pressure and heat can build up inside the transmission, causing transmission fluid to leak from the dipstick tube.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ABS control module software may fail to turn on the electronic stability control malfunction warning light when ESC malfunctions occur.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ABS control module software at no cost to restore the warning light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper arms may loosen, causing the wipers to work improperly and reducing driver visibility in wet weather.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The High Pressure Fuel Pump may fail, causing the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the High Pressure Fuel Pump, update the engine control software, and inspect and replace other fuel system parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver side mirror glass can separate from its backing plate, eliminating the reflective surface and preventing proper rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver side rearview mirror glass may not be securely attached and could fall off.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the 8.4" or 12" radio display can cause the rearview camera image to stay on screen after shifting out of reverse, blocking your view.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radio display software for free. You can also download the update yourself via Over-The-Air update starting May 1, 2020.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accessory bed step may unexpectedly fail or break when loaded from the side during normal use.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the bed step support brace at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Pressure and heat can build up inside the transmission, causing transmission fluid to leak from the dipstick tube.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
