NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 11 recalls and 112 owner complaints for the 2020 Ram 3500.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2020 Ram 3500 centers on the fuel and propulsion systems, which together account for the largest share of owner reports. Owners frequently describe fuel system failures, particularly on the diesel side, including fuel delivery problems, contamination concerns, and issues that left vehicles undrivable or requiring significant repairs. Engine complaints follow, with several owners reporting overheating, in some cases without any warning light triggering beforehand; a recurring diagnosis involves cooling fan module failure leading to engine replacement. A separate but notable cluster involves the gear shifter unexpectedly moving out of park on its own while the vehicle is off, allowing the truck to roll. Multiple owners describe this happening in parked, unattended situations, with the vehicle moving before coming to rest or striking something.
112
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 RAM 3500 has 11 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: transmission fluid can leak onto hot engine components, and engine oil can leak from a damaged engine block under certain conditions.
Several of the fire-related issues center on the 6.7L High Output Cummins engine found on cab chassis models, where the engine can run low on oil without warning and connecting rod bearings can fail during warmup, either of which can puncture the engine block and spill oil onto hot exhaust components. On the fuel side, the high-pressure fuel pump on diesel-equipped models can fail without warning, stalling the engine in traffic. Lug nuts on this model can be over-tightened based on incorrect manual specifications, causing wheel studs to break and the wheel to separate from the vehicle.
The remaining recalls cover a range of systems. Windshield wiper arms can loosen and sweep improperly, reducing visibility in wet weather. The rearview camera image can linger on the screen after shifting out of reverse, briefly distracting the driver. The electronic stability control warning light may not illuminate when the system has a fault, leaving the driver unaware of a problem. On the structural side, the accessory bed step can fail unexpectedly under sideways load, and a misaligned tailgate latch can allow the tailgate to swing open while driving, potentially sending cargo into traffic.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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
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 engine calibration software may fail to alert you when the oil level drops too low.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine calibration software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
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 engine's warm-up protection is insufficient, which can prevent proper oil film from forming on connecting rod bearings as the engine reaches operating temperature. This can cause engine damage and connecting rod failure, potentially puncturing the engine block.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine calibration software to improve warm-up protection. This service is free of charge.
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.