2020 Ram 1500 Classic
Common Problems
Ranked from 180 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
64 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
17complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Electrical System Issues with Alternators and MGUs
11complaintsMedium severityElectricalAlternators and MGUs have failed, leading to loss of power and warning lights, requiring frequent repairs.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Alternator Failure Causing Electrical System Malfunction
10complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe alternator fails, leading to a complete electrical system failure, including loss of power steering and other electronic functions.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Electrical System Failure Causing Dashboard Malfunctions
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical system failures result in dashboard malfunctions, including check engine lights and other warning indicators.
- 5
Bearing Failure in MGU (Motor Generator Unit) Causing Electrical System Malfunction
9complaintsHigh severityElectricalFailure of the MGU bearing leads to electrical system malfunctions, including check engine lights and loss of power steering.
- 6
Steering System Malfunction
9complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe electric steering becomes inoperable or very hard to turn for brief periods during driving.
- 7
Engine Generator Unit (MGU) Failure
6complaintsHigh severityEngineThe MGU has repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall, lose power, and require replacement.
- 8
Power Steering Failure
6complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system intermittently fails, causing the steering wheel to become inoperative and requiring the vehicle to be driven inoperatively for short periods.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Steering System Malfunction Causing Loss of Control
6complaintsSafety riskSteeringSteering system malfunctions lead to loss of control, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
- 10
Brake System Failure
5complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake system can fail to function properly, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly accelerate or not stop as intended.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Electrical System Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical components such as the radio and power steering can malfunction, leading to loss of power steering and other electrical issues.
- 12
Fuel Delivery Issues Leading to Engine Shutdown
4complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel delivery issues cause the engine to shut down, often resulting in a loss of power and difficulty restarting the vehicle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Fuel System Overflow During Refueling
4complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe fuel pump shuts off repeatedly during refueling, causing fuel to spill out of the vehicle.
- 14
Powertrain Issues Resulting in Uncontrollable Vehicle Behavior
4complaintsSafety riskTransmissionPowertrain issues lead to uncontrollable vehicle behavior, such as rolling back or unexpected shifting, posing a safety risk.
- 15
Steering System Failure
4complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering system can fail, causing the vehicle to become uncontrollable.
- 16
Sun Visor Issues
4complaintsLow severityOtherThe sun visors repeatedly disconnect from their mounts, obstructing the driver's view and potentially causing accidents.
- 17
Tailgate Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe tailgate fails to operate correctly, either not opening or closing, posing a safety risk while driving.
- 18
Transmission Issues Resulting in Unpredictable Shifting
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission issues cause unpredictable shifting, including unexpected downshifting and transmission errors.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Water Intrusion Through Rear Window Seal
4complaintsMedium severityOtherWater leaks through the rear window seal, causing damage to the interior and potential electrical issues.
- 20
Defective Rear Window Frame
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear window frame can crack and leak water, potentially affecting visibility and airbag deployment.
- 21
Engine Stalling and Emergency Braking at Low Speeds
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls and triggers emergency braking at low speeds, risking rear-end collisions.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 22
Engine Throttle Response Lag
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences delayed throttle response, causing a noticeable lag when accelerating or changing lanes.
- 23
Fuel System Issues with Fuel Pumps and Fillers
3complaintsLow severityFuel systemFuel pumps and fillers have malfunctioned, causing fuel spillage and difficulty in refueling.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Powertrain Failures
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionPowertrain components such as the eTorque system can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and become uncontrollable.
- 25
Steering Lock-up
3complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up unexpectedly, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable until the engine is shut off and restarted.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 26
Steering System Malfunctions
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system has intermittently failed, causing loss of control and warning lights.
- 27
Tailgate Malfunction Causing Random Opening and Closing
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe tailgate opens and closes randomly while driving, potentially causing damage to cargo.
- 28
Air Bag Deployment Without Collision
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe air bags deploy without a collision occurring, posing a safety risk to passengers.
- 29
Alternator Failure
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe alternator fails, leading to a loss of electrical power and potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Back Over Prevention System Failure
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe back over prevention system fails, increasing the risk of accidents.
- 31
Driver Side Sun Visor Falling Out
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe driver side sun visor falls out of its socket, obstructing the driver’s view and potentially causing accidents.
- 32
Electrical System Issues with Rearview Camera
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe rearview camera has repeatedly failed, displaying black screens and requiring multiple repairs.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 33
Electrical System Malfunction Causing Dashboard Lights to Flash
2complaintsLow severityElectricalDashboard lights, including the instrument panel and radio screen, randomly flash and flicker.
- 34
Electrical System Warning Lights
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalMultiple warning lights appear on the dashboard, indicating potential electrical system failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 35
Engine Complete Failure During Highway Driving
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine completely fails during highway driving, leading to a sudden loss of power and control.
- 36
Engine Randomly Shutting Off
2complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine unexpectedly shuts off while driving, sometimes leading to complete vehicle failure.
- 37
Engine Shuddering and Vibrating During Towing
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine shudders and vibrates when towing a trailer, leading to reduced performance and power loss.
- 38
Exhaust Manifold Cracking and Leakage
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemExhaust manifolds crack and leak, potentially causing exhaust gases to enter the cabin.
- 39
Exhaust Manifold Failure Causing Exhaust Leaks
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe exhaust manifold bolts break, causing exhaust gases to leak, posing a safety risk due to toxic fumes in the cabin.
- 40
Exhaust Manifold Leak
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe exhaust manifold develops a leak, producing a loud ticking noise and potentially causing engine damage.
- 41
Exterior Lighting Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe left turn signal fails to function properly, and the right turn signal erroneously activates.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 42
Forward Collision Warning System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision warning system triggers false alarms, leading to unnecessary panic and potential accidents.
- 43
Fuel System Issues Leading to Overflow and Safety Risks
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel tank malfunctions lead to overflow during refueling, posing a safety risk to the driver and others.
- 44
Fuel System Leaks
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel leaks from the fuel system, posing a fire hazard and causing the vehicle to reek of fuel.
- 45
Fuel System Recall Issues with Delayed Repair Parts
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemIssues with the fuel system, including recalls, where repair parts are delayed, causing delays in addressing safety concerns.
- 46
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe high-pressure fuel pump fails, causing the vehicle to stall and become inoperable.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 47
Motor Generator Unit (MGU) Failure
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe MGU fails, leading to abnormal electrical behavior and impaired drivability.
- 48
Power Train Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe power train malfunctions, causing the vehicle to lose power and require a restart.
- 49
Rear Backup Camera Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rear backup camera intermittently stops working, reducing visibility when backing up.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 50
Steering Failure During Turns
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering becomes unresponsive or locks up during turns, posing a risk of loss of control.
- 51
Steering Rack and Pinion Failure
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering rack and pinion fail, causing a sudden loss of control and potential collisions.
$900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 4–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 52
Steering Vibration and Noise
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel vibrates and produces noise during turns, affecting handling and safety.
- 53
Steering Wheel Lockup During Operation
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up during operation, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 54
Structural Failures
2complaintsMedium severityOtherStructural components such as the tailgate and dashboard can fail, leading to safety concerns and loss of functionality.
- 55
Sunroof Malfunction
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sunroof can suddenly explode or break during operation, posing a risk of injury or damage to the vehicle.
- 56
Sunvisor Detachment
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe sunvisor detaches from the roof, obstructing the driver's view.
- 57
Sun Visor Failure Leading to Vision Obstruction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe sun visor unexpectedly drops out or fails, obstructing the driver’s view and potentially causing accidents.
- 58
Sun Visor Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherDriver and passenger side sun visors frequently disengage or break, causing temporary loss of vision.
- 59
Suspension Component Failure
2complaintsSafety riskSuspensionThe rear driver-side wheel detaches, causing immediate loss of vehicle control and potential rollover risk.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 60
Tailgate Opening Without Warning
2complaintsMedium severityOtherTailgate opens on its own while driving, potentially causing damage to cargo or other vehicles.
- 61
Throttle Response Delay
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThere is a significant delay in throttle response, especially in warm weather, making it difficult to accelerate smoothly.
- 62
Transmission Malfunction Causing Loss of Power
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral or fails to engage, causing the vehicle to lose power and potentially roll away.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 63
Transmission Stalling at Low Speeds
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionVehicle randomly stalls at low speeds, sometimes from a stopped position or at slow speeds.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 64
Water Intrusion Through Rear Window Causing Electrical Short and Damage
2complaintsHigh severityOtherWater leaks through the rear window, causing electrical shorts and damage to electronic components and airbags.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.