2020 RAM 1500 Problems: 39 Known Issues

On the 2014-2023 RAM 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (VM Motori A630), the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 suffers documented bottom-end failures: the main bearings (most common) and connecting-rod bearings wipe out, dropping oil pressure to the rods, spinning a rod bearing and sometimes snapping the crankshaft if driven on. Factory main-bearing clearances are very tight (~0.0015 in), so the combination of high load at low rpm, torsional vibration, and hot thin oil wipes a bearing. A contributing failure is the plastic-bodied oil cooler/check valve, which can fail under sustained high oil temperature (especially towing) and contaminate the oil — accelerating bearing damage. These are catastrophic, often-low-mileage failures distinct from the previously covered EGR-cooler and CP4 fuel-pump issues.

On the 2014-2023 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8 (Eagle, with MDS), the 5.7L HEMI (Gen III) with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is well documented for roller-lifter failure that progresses into camshaft lobe damage. The MDS deactivation lifters and the engine's circuitous oiling path (oil routed through the deck, head gasket, and rocker shaft to the lifter bore) leave lifter bores oil-starved at low RPM. Improperly hardened lifter roller/needle assemblies allow needles to breach the surface hardening, spalling the roller and then wiping the cam lobe. It starts as a rhythmic cold-start/idle tick and can end in metal debris throughout the engine and total failure, sometimes at very low mileage. This is the subject of the Petro et al. v. FCA US LLC class action (D. Del., No. 1:22-cv-00621) covering 2014+ 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines. FCA revised the lifter design around 2018 (larger needles) but failures continued to be reported afterward.

On the 2013-2024 RAM 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6, on the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the needle bearings inside the roller rocker arms fail, letting the rocker go loose and hammer/score the camshaft lobe. This produces a distinct top-end tick ('Pentastar tick') and, if left, camshaft damage and misfires. It is a widely reported failure across Ram 1500, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Durango; Chrysler revised the rocker part several times to improve needle-bearing durability, so a repeat failure is common if an outdated rocker is installed.

On the 2009-2024 RAM 1500, on the RAM 1500, P0011 is overwhelmingly a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) fault on the 5.7L Hemi, and secondarily on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The Hemi uses a single central cam phaser fed oil pressure through one oil control valve (the VVT solenoid, mounted at the front of the engine near the timing cover). The PCM commands the phaser to a target intake-cam angle and monitors the actual angle via the cam/crank sensors. When the solenoid's fine oil screen clogs with sludge/varnish, or the solenoid sticks, oil flow to the phaser is no longer regulated and the intake cam advances past the commanded position — the PCM flags P0011 (over-advanced, bank 1). The root cause is almost always oil-related: extended oil-change intervals, low level, or off-spec/thick oil that will not flow through the small VVT passages, especially on cold starts. On higher-mileage Hemis, a P0011 (often alongside P0016/P000B) can also be the leading edge of the well-known Hemi cam/lifter wear failure — wear metal contaminating the oil seizes the phaser and solenoid, so P0011 should not be dismissed as 'just a solenoid' on a ticking, high-mileage engine.

On the 2019-2025 RAM 1500, the 2019+ RAM 1500 equipped with the optional four-corner air suspension system experiences compressor failures, air spring leaks, height sensor malfunctions, and control module issues. The truck may sag on one corner, fail to raise/lower, or display "Service Air Suspension System" warnings. The air compressor (Arnott P-3246) works constantly trying to compensate for leaks, eventually burning out. Cold weather accelerates air spring rubber deterioration. TSB 02-003-21 addresses air suspension height calibration issues. Individual air spring replacement costs $300-600 per corner, compressor replacement is $800-1,500, and a full system overhaul can exceed $3,000.

On the 2013-2024 RAM 1500, trucks optioned with the 4-corner air suspension commonly develop compressor strain and failure, air-line leaks, failed air dryer letting moisture in, and ride-height sensor faults. Symptoms include the compressor running excessively, the truck sitting low or refusing to change height, a 'Service Air Suspension' message, and cold-weather collapse when moisture freezes in the lines. Moisture contamination and small leaks that overwork the compressor are the root causes; failures are heavily documented for 2013-2020 (4th-gen) and continue on 5th-gen DT.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, rAM 1500s equipped with the optional 4-corner air suspension (common on Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, Rebel) suffer recurring failures. The most common is air-bag micro-leaks (usually a rear bag) that make the compressor run continuously to keep up; the overworked compressor draws in humid air, ingests moisture that freezes in the air lines/dryer in winter, and the system collapses with a 'Service Air Suspension' message. Compressors then fail outright. Owners also report ride-height sensor faults; a software bug can falsely flag height sensors as 'stuck' (addressed by TSB 08-152-24). There have been class-action complaints over air-suspension reliability on roughly 2013-2018 trucks.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, the Ram 1500's transmission thermal-management/oil-cooler unit is the only place where engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid pass close together. When this cooler ruptures internally, coolant and ATF cross-contaminate, producing a pink 'strawberry milkshake' in both the cooling system and the transmission. This is a serious failure: contaminated ATF degrades clutches and seals inside the ZF 8-speed and can destroy the transmission if driven on, while loss of coolant risks overheating. Owners report this occurring in the 70k-mile range and across multiple model years. It is distinct from the previously covered torque-converter shudder/harsh-shift issues because the root cause is a cooling/cross-contamination failure, not a hydraulic/valve-body or converter problem.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can experience harsh shifting, hesitation, and jerky behavior. Some units have failed prematurely. Early model years (2013-2016) seem most affected. Multiple TSBs have been issued for software updates.

On the 2019-2025 RAM 1500, the 2019+ RAM 1500 uses the ZF 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission which exhibits harsh shifting, delayed engagement, hesitation between gears, and rough downshifts. While the transmission itself is mechanically robust, the calibration and TCM (Transmission Control Module) programming have been problematic since launch. Stellantis has released multiple software updates via TSBs to address shift quality. TSB 21-018-22 REV.A addresses rough 1-2 upshift and 2-1 downshift. Some trucks require valve body replacement if software updates do not resolve the issue.

On the 2013-2024 RAM 1500, the 8-speed (ZF 8HP70 / TorqueFlite) develops a torque-converter clutch shudder felt as a vibration/judder around 30-50 mph light throttle, along with harsh downshifts, drive-engagement slam, and occasional limp mode (stuck in one gear with CEL). Root causes are degraded/aged transmission fluid and worn torque-converter clutch material, sometimes with valve-body or solenoid issues. Ram markets the trans as 'sealed/lifetime fill,' but ZF recommends fluid service every ~40-60k miles, and skipping it drives most of these complaints.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, rAM 1500s with the ZF-based 8-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 845RE / 850RE, 8HP70/8HP75) commonly develop torque-converter clutch shudder. It feels like a slight-to-heavy vibration or 'driving over rumble strips' at part throttle and light acceleration, typically 15-50 mph as the converter approaches lock-up. Owners frequently report it around the 70,000-80,000 mile range, often tied to degraded fluid friction-modifier and/or worn/glazed torque-converter clutch material. Severe cases drop into limp mode (locked in 3rd gear with a CEL). Harsh 1-2/2-3 upshifts are also reported and are often resolved by a TCM software reflash.

On the 2015-2023 RAM 1500, the DT-generation Ram 1500 uses a belt-driven electric power steering (EPS) system with the assist motor and control module integrated into the rack-and-pinion. When the EPS module shorts out or the motor fails, the driver loses power assist — sometimes momentarily at startup, sometimes permanently — and the steering becomes very heavy with an 'EPS' or 'Service Power Steering' warning. Because the motor/module are not serviceable separately, a failure requires replacing the entire rack assembly. Earlier 2015-2016 trucks had a related FCA-identified circuit-board contamination defect in the EPS unit.

On the 2019-2022 RAM 1500, a widely reported 5th-gen (DT) Ram 1500 complaint is a grinding, rubbing, or shuddering noise and vibration felt through the steering wheel when turning right (and sometimes left) at low speeds, typically around 8-12 mph. Inspection usually finds nothing physically contacting; the noise originates in the electric power steering assist and is felt as a 'rubbing' in the wheel. It is distinct from EPS hardware failure — the truck still steers normally, it just makes the noise.

On the 2014-2021 RAM 1500, the ABS/Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) on Ram 1500 trucks suffers internal electronic failures separate from the software-related ESC recalls. Owners report the ABS, brake, traction-control and related warning lights coming on together with stored codes such as C2200 (internal electronic failure), U0121 (lost communication with ABS module) and C2116 (pump motor fault / pump supply low voltage). C2116 in particular is a strong indicator the ABS pump/module itself has failed. The base brakes still function but ABS, stability and traction control are disabled, and the module must be VIN-programmed when replaced.

On the 2014-2022 RAM 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel, nHTSA 22V406 / FCA Z46 covers affected 2014-2019 RAM 1500 trucks with the 3.0L diesel, while 22V767 / FCA Z96 covers affected 2020-2022 RAM 1500 trucks with that engine. High-pressure fuel-pump failure can introduce debris or cause fuel starvation and an unexpected loss of drive power. Together the campaigns support the indexed model-year span, but only VIN-selected vehicles are included and no owner-frequency count is established.

On the 2013-2022 RAM 1500, three NHTSA campaigns establish two VIN-bounded mechanisms under this frozen identity. NHTSA 18V486 / FCA U74 and 19V347 / FCA V44 cover specified 2013-2018 RAM 1500 bed, build-date and power-locking-tailgate configurations in which a tailgate-actuator limiter tab may fracture and allow the tailgate to unlatch while driving. NHTSA 22V904 / FCA ZB8 separately covers affected 2019-2022 RAM 1500 trucks whose misaligned tailgate strikers may prevent proper latching and allow the tailgate to open while driving. Either condition can release unsecured cargo and create a road hazard; VIN, model year and equipment determine the applicable campaign.

On the 2019-2025 RAM 1500, the 2019+ RAM 1500 with eTorque mild hybrid system (standard on V6, optional on V8) experiences failures of the 48-volt battery pack, belt-driven motor generator (BDM), and eTorque control module. Symptoms include rough idle, stalling at stops, auto start-stop not working, and "Service eTorque System" warning messages. The 48V lithium-ion battery pack located under the rear seat deteriorates over time, especially in hot climates. TSB 08-074-20 REV.A addresses eTorque motor generator unit noise and vibration. Replacement of the 48V battery pack costs $800-1,500 and the BDM unit runs $1,200-2,000.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the center-stack Uconnect infotainment touchscreen (8.4-inch and 12-inch units) randomly goes blank, freezes on the boot logo, reboots on its own while driving, or exhibits 'ghost touching' where it registers phantom presses. Because Uconnect also controls the HVAC temperature, backup camera, radio, phone/Bluetooth, and navigation on these trucks, a locked or dead screen can leave the driver unable to adjust climate or view the reversing camera. The root cause is generally a software/firmware fault in the head unit or telematics box (a Feb 2018 OTA update notably caused thousands of units to reboot roughly every 45 seconds), occasionally aggravated by a half-installed update or a loose/corroded harness connection. This is the center infotainment display and is distinct from the digital gauge/instrument cluster blank-out recall.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the optional 12-inch portrait Uconnect 5 display (Android Automotive) on 5th-gen DT Ram 1500 trucks fails in several ways distinct from the older 8.4 Uconnect freeze/reboot issue. Owners report the screen going completely black/blank and not turning on, vertical lines across the LCD, and visual artifacts. Some failures are LCD-panel hardware (heat/age driven), others are software (memory leaks, failed updates, process crashes) that produce a frozen or black display. Because radio audio sometimes still works via steering-wheel controls, the fault is clearly the display/head unit rather than the speakers. Dealers typically diagnose this as a full head-unit (radio) replacement, which is expensive.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the eTorque mild-hybrid system's Belt Starter Generator (BSG/MGU), its tensioner/dampener, and the 48V battery pack are failure-prone. Owners report MGU bearing whine, a slipping belt after the tensioner loses tension (which trips the hybrid controller and disables assist), 48V battery faults, and a failing 48V-to-12V converter that leaves the 12V battery undercharged (reads below ~12.2V before crank). Symptoms include rough auto stop/start, warning lights, and loss of hybrid torque assist. Field failures were common enough that Stellantis is dropping eTorque from most 2027 HEMI builds.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the rear/backup camera intermittently drops out, showing a black screen or a blue 'Camera System Unavailable' message in reverse. The most common root cause is the camera wiring harness that routes through the tailgate hinge/pivot: repeated tailgate cycling flexes and eventually chafes or partially breaks the wires, giving an intermittent signal. Loose camera connectors and Uconnect software glitches are secondary causes. It is a frequent 5th-gen (DT) complaint distinct from the full touchscreen blank-out.

On the 2019-2023 RAM 1500, 5th-gen (DT) RAM 1500 trucks with the Uconnect 8.4 (and 12-inch) systems are widely reported to randomly reboot, freeze on the RAM logo, lose audio (sound cutting out every couple of seconds), and show backup-camera faults such as a blue screen, blank image, a large yellow square, or significant camera delay. Failures cluster in temperature extremes (below ~15F or above ~90F) and can occur at startup or after the system warms up. Some early trucks also had screen de-lamination/ghost-imaging hardware defects requiring radio replacement. A software update (TSB 08-003-19) was issued to address display freezing/glitches.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the 2019-2024 RAM 1500 (5th generation, DT) has a well-documented rear window water leak that allows water to enter the cab during rain or car washes. Water drips from the top of the rear window area, soaking the rear seat and rear floor. The issue is caused by inadequate sealing between the rear window and the cab, particularly at the upper corners. TSB 23-005-19 REV.B addresses this with an updated seal and butyl tape application procedure. If untreated, the water intrusion can cause mold, electrical issues with rear seat wiring, and corrosion of the cab structure.

On the 2016-2022 RAM 1500, ram 1500 cabs leak water in through the roof-mounted third brake light, the rear cabin/sliding window, and the roof antenna base. Water tracks along a channel from the third brake light down the passenger A/C-pillar to under the seat, soaking the headliner and carpet and causing mildew and electrical shorts. On 2019-2020 trucks the encapsulated rear-window frame that bonds to the glass can crack. The problem is severe enough to be the subject of a class-action lawsuit covering 2016-2022 trucks; Chrysler issued a Feb 2021 TSB directing dealers to add a secondary seal at the third brake light.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, trucks equipped with the dual-pane panoramic sunroof commonly develop wind noise from the front edge of the glass, a rattle or knock when the body flexes, and in some cases water intrusion into the cab. The front corners of the glass panel often do not seal tightly against the weatherstrip when closed, allowing air whistle and leaks; leaks are frequently traced to sunroof drain tubes that were not correctly routed/seated in the rear cab pillars at the factory (most reported on 2019 builds).

On the 2019-2023 RAM 1500, 5th-gen DT Ram 1500 tailgates use a solenoid latch motor on each side. Owners report the tailgate intermittently refusing to open from the handle, key fob, or in-cab release even though the actuator can be heard clicking; many find it only opens if they push inward on the gate while pulling the release. Root causes documented by technicians include factory passenger-side latch/striker misalignment, dust accumulation from hauling dirt jamming the solenoid latches, and lack of latch lubrication on the DT design. FCA STAR Case S1808000156 addresses tailgates that fail to release or drop on request.

On the 2013-2022 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8, the 5.7L HEMI uses cast-iron exhaust manifolds bolted to aluminum cylinder heads. The dissimilar thermal expansion rates repeatedly stress the manifold-to-head fasteners, and the rearmost bolts (commonly cylinders 7 and 8) shear off. This produces a sharp 'tick' or exhaust ticking that is loudest on cold start and quiets as the engine warms and the gap closes. It is frequently mistaken for the internal 'HEMI tick' (lifter) but is actually an exhaust leak. Owners report it commonly appearing by ~100k miles, and it is widespread across the 4th-gen (2013-2018) and 5th-gen (2019+) trucks.

On the 2009-2024 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8, the 5.7L HEMI's factory exhaust manifold bolts/studs snap from repeated heat cycling, and the cast manifolds can warp or crack. The classic tell is a sharp tapping/ticking on cold start that quiets as the engine warms and the manifold expands to partially reseal the leak. Nearly every high-mileage HEMI develops this, often by ~100k miles. It is frequently confused with lifter tick, but the exhaust leak is loudest right after startup and diminishes as it warms.

On the 2009-2023 RAM 1500, ram 1500 rear (and sometimes front) differential pinion seals weep gear oil at the pinion flange, leaving residue on the driveshaft yoke and a wet spot at the front of the diff. The leak itself is minor, but improper repair is the bigger problem: if the pinion nut is not torqued correctly (and a fresh crush spacer used), the pinion bearing preload is wrong and a whine develops weeks later — whine on acceleration points to the pinion gear, whine on deceleration/coast points to a worn pinion bearing. Owners report the leak around 60k-70k miles and follow-on whining after a dealer reseal.

On the 2011-2023 RAM 1500, 4WD-equipped Ram 1500 trucks use an electric shift motor (encoder/gear motor) bolted to the BorgWarner transfer case to move between 2WD, 4WD-Auto, 4-High and 4-Low. The motor's internal plastic gears wear or strip, and water/road-salt intrusion corrodes the connector and motor windings, so the system fails to complete a shift. The dash shows 'Service 4WD,' the mode indicator blinks without engaging, and grinding or clicking can be heard from under the truck. A large share of Ram 4WD-engagement complaints trace to the shift motor rather than internal transfer-case damage, so it is usually a relatively affordable fix if caught early. FCA TSB 08-094-20 provides a Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) software update for 2016-2020 trucks with this symptom.

On the 2013-2022 RAM 1500, the front-mounted A/C condenser on 4th- and 5th-gen Ram 1500 trucks develops refrigerant leaks from corrosion and tiny pinholes, sometimes because units were not built to specification. Once refrigerant escapes, the system blows warm and the compressor can stop cooling or shut down to protect itself. FCA issued a warranty extension covering some condensers that were not manufactured to spec (this coverage specifically excludes rock/road-debris impact damage). Owners report oily residue on the condenser fins and progressively weaker A/C, especially in hot weather.

On the 2009-2022 RAM 1500, the plastic-geared HVAC blend-door actuators behind the dash strip their gears over time, producing a repetitive clicking or knocking from behind the glove box or center dash and temperature control problems such as one side blowing hot while the other blows cold, or no heat/AC on one zone. A secondary, related cause on these trucks is the factory housing sealant 'melting' into a black sticky residue that makes the blend doors stick, plus heater-core sediment that restricts the driver-side fingers. It is a common, lower-cost comfort complaint but a frequent search/repair item.

On the 2011-2021 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8, ram 1500 5.7L HEMI trucks commonly throw P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) and P0430 (Bank 2). On these engines the most frequent true cause is not a worn catalyst but an exhaust leak — a cracked exhaust manifold or broken manifold bolts (the same source as the cold-start tick) — which lets the downstream O2 sensor read incorrectly, or a failing downstream O2 sensor itself. The actual catalytic converter can also degrade with age/oil contamination. Because the converter is expensive, misdiagnosis leads owners to replace the cat unnecessarily before ruling out manifold leaks and O2 sensors.

On the 2013-2024 RAM 1500, a very common check-engine complaint is EVAP 'small leak' codes P0456/P0442 (and sometimes P0455). On 2013-2020 trucks the usual culprits are the Evaporative System Integrity Monitor (ESIM) pump on the charcoal canister or a failed purge valve; on 2019+ capless-filler trucks the capless fuel-filler seal or the purge valve is the frequent cause. It won't harm the drivetrain but fails emissions testing and is a high-frequency search among owners.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the 2019-2024 RAM 1500 dashboard develops cracks, warping, and deformation, particularly in hot climates. Cracks commonly appear near the defroster vents, along the passenger side airbag seam, and around the center console area. The issue is attributed to UV exposure and thermal cycling degrading the dashboard material. Vehicles parked outdoors in southern states (AZ, TX, NV, FL) are most affected. While primarily cosmetic, cracks near the passenger airbag seam could theoretically affect airbag deployment. Dashboard replacement costs $1,500-2,500+ at the dealer.

On the 2019-2022 RAM 1500, owners of 5th-generation (2019+) RAM 1500 trucks with the dual-panel panoramic sunroof report water leaking into the cab — typically dripping from the middle seam where the two glass panels meet or onto the headliner — most commonly traced to drain tubes that were not correctly seated in the rear cab wall (concentrated in early 2019-2020 builds). A separate complaint is a persistent rattle/creak from the front passenger corner of the sunroof where the panels meet. Unaddressed leaks can wet the headliner and reach electrical connectors. This is an interior/water-intrusion issue separate from the rear-window leak already in our data.

On the 2011-2023 RAM 1500, the mechanical, belt-driven water pump on the Ram 1500 is a long-standing weak point across Chrysler products. The shaft seal and bearing wear, and coolant begins seeping from the weep hole at the bottom of the pump. Failures are reported across a wide mileage range, from as low as ~33,000 miles on some 2022 trucks to well over 150,000 miles, and the issue has recurred for many model years. If ignored, a failing pump can lead to coolant loss and overheating, which on pre-2009 HEMIs is also a trigger for the dropped-valve-seat failure. A worn serpentine belt or tensioner can shorten pump life.

On the 2017-2022 RAM 1500, owners of late-DS and 5th-gen (DT) Ram 1500 trucks report premature paint and clear-coat failure — peeling, flaking, and bubbling — most often starting on the color-matched bumpers but also seen on hoods, roofs, and other exposed panels, frequently within 2-3 years or under ~30k miles. Owners and paint specialists attribute it to thin factory paint/clear-coat film build (some trucks measured well below typical thickness) and a paint-formula change around 2017-2019. The result is delamination of the clear coat exposing primer and accelerating corrosion of the underlying surface.