2020 RAM 1500: common problems and reliability
An average 1500 year.
1,278 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 14 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 1500?The 2020 RAM 1500 has 1278 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag transfer case failure: replacement required under warranty on a 2020 model.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 RAM 1500 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 1500 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the 1500?
Across the 13 1500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 606 (2023) to 3,834 (2013). With 1,278 complaints, the 2020 1500 sits below the model's median of 1,771.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2020 1500
visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior
Campaign 20V622000Chrysler (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."
seat belts
Campaign 20V580000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 20V191000Chrysler (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."
air bags
Campaign 19V407000Chrysler (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.
Show 10 more recalls
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
Campaign 20V208000Chrysler (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.
air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
Campaign 21V632000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
air bags
Campaign 20V374000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Campaign 20V513000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.
back over prevention:display function
Campaign 22V638000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 22V767000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Campaign 22V904000Chrysler (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.
visibility:rearview mirrors/devices
Campaign 24V754000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
air bags
Campaign 25V298000Chrysler (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."
seat belts:rear/other:anchorage
Campaign 26V495000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
What owners say across generations
\nMixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owner reports for the 5th generation (DT, 2019+) are overwhelmingly positive, praising its best-in-class ride comfort, luxurious and spacious interior, and powerful engine options.
- IsolatedTransfer Case Failure
Replacement required under warranty on a 2020 model.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 1500. See the full 1500 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used 1500 listings typically run $19,774–$34,186.
Other 1500 model years
Compare every 1500 year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 1500 against its rivals
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