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2020 Ram 1500 Classic
Common Problems

Ranked from 180 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

6
Safety
21
High severity
27
Medium
10
Low
6 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

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.

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  1. 1

    Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure

    17complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.

    $150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Electrical System Issues with Alternators and MGUs

    11complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Alternators and MGUs have failed, leading to loss of power and warning lights, requiring frequent repairs.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.54 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Alternator Failure Causing Electrical System Malfunction

    10complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The alternator fails, leading to a complete electrical system failure, including loss of power steering and other electronic functions.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.54 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Electrical System Failure Causing Dashboard Malfunctions

    10complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Electrical system failures result in dashboard malfunctions, including check engine lights and other warning indicators.

  5. 5

    Bearing Failure in MGU (Motor Generator Unit) Causing Electrical System Malfunction

    9complaints
    High severityElectrical

    Failure of the MGU bearing leads to electrical system malfunctions, including check engine lights and loss of power steering.

  6. 6

    Steering System Malfunction

    9complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The electric steering becomes inoperable or very hard to turn for brief periods during driving.

  7. 7

    Engine Generator Unit (MGU) Failure

    6complaints
    High severityEngine

    The MGU has repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall, lose power, and require replacement.

  8. 8

    Power Steering Failure

    6complaints
    High severitySteering

    The 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 · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Steering System Malfunction Causing Loss of Control

    6complaints
    Safety riskSteering

    Steering system malfunctions lead to loss of control, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.

  10. 10

    Brake System Failure

    5complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The 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 · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  11. 11

    Electrical System Malfunctions

    5complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Electrical components such as the radio and power steering can malfunction, leading to loss of power steering and other electrical issues.

  12. 12

    Fuel Delivery Issues Leading to Engine Shutdown

    4complaints
    High severityFuel system

    Fuel 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 · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  13. 13

    Fuel System Overflow During Refueling

    4complaints
    Low severityFuel system

    The fuel pump shuts off repeatedly during refueling, causing fuel to spill out of the vehicle.

  14. 14

    Powertrain Issues Resulting in Uncontrollable Vehicle Behavior

    4complaints
    Safety riskTransmission

    Powertrain issues lead to uncontrollable vehicle behavior, such as rolling back or unexpected shifting, posing a safety risk.

  15. 15

    Steering System Failure

    4complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering system can fail, causing the vehicle to become uncontrollable.

  16. 16

    Sun Visor Issues

    4complaints
    Low severityOther

    The sun visors repeatedly disconnect from their mounts, obstructing the driver's view and potentially causing accidents.

  17. 17

    Tailgate Malfunction

    4complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The tailgate fails to operate correctly, either not opening or closing, posing a safety risk while driving.

  18. 18

    Transmission Issues Resulting in Unpredictable Shifting

    4complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    Transmission issues cause unpredictable shifting, including unexpected downshifting and transmission errors.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  19. 19

    Water Intrusion Through Rear Window Seal

    4complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Water leaks through the rear window seal, causing damage to the interior and potential electrical issues.

  20. 20

    Defective Rear Window Frame

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The rear window frame can crack and leak water, potentially affecting visibility and airbag deployment.

  21. 21

    Engine Stalling and Emergency Braking at Low Speeds

    3complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine stalls and triggers emergency braking at low speeds, risking rear-end collisions.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  22. 22

    Engine Throttle Response Lag

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine experiences delayed throttle response, causing a noticeable lag when accelerating or changing lanes.

  23. 23

    Fuel System Issues with Fuel Pumps and Fillers

    3complaints
    Low severityFuel system

    Fuel pumps and fillers have malfunctioned, causing fuel spillage and difficulty in refueling.

    $500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 25 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  24. 24

    Powertrain Failures

    3complaints
    High severityTransmission

    Powertrain components such as the eTorque system can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and become uncontrollable.

  25. 25

    Steering Lock-up

    3complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering wheel locks up unexpectedly, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable until the engine is shut off and restarted.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  26. 26

    Steering System Malfunctions

    3complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The power steering system has intermittently failed, causing loss of control and warning lights.

  27. 27

    Tailgate Malfunction Causing Random Opening and Closing

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The tailgate opens and closes randomly while driving, potentially causing damage to cargo.

  28. 28

    Air Bag Deployment Without Collision

    2complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The air bags deploy without a collision occurring, posing a safety risk to passengers.

  29. 29

    Alternator Failure

    2complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The alternator fails, leading to a loss of electrical power and potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.54 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  30. 30

    Back Over Prevention System Failure

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The back over prevention system fails, increasing the risk of accidents.

  31. 31

    Driver Side Sun Visor Falling Out

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The driver side sun visor falls out of its socket, obstructing the driver’s view and potentially causing accidents.

  32. 32

    Electrical System Issues with Rearview Camera

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The rearview camera has repeatedly failed, displaying black screens and requiring multiple repairs.

    $250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 13 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  33. 33

    Electrical System Malfunction Causing Dashboard Lights to Flash

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    Dashboard lights, including the instrument panel and radio screen, randomly flash and flicker.

  34. 34

    Electrical System Warning Lights

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Multiple warning lights appear on the dashboard, indicating potential electrical system failures.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 12 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  35. 35

    Engine Complete Failure During Highway Driving

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine completely fails during highway driving, leading to a sudden loss of power and control.

  36. 36

    Engine Randomly Shutting Off

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    Engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving, sometimes leading to complete vehicle failure.

  37. 37

    Engine Shuddering and Vibrating During Towing

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine shudders and vibrates when towing a trailer, leading to reduced performance and power loss.

  38. 38

    Exhaust Manifold Cracking and Leakage

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    Exhaust manifolds crack and leak, potentially causing exhaust gases to enter the cabin.

  39. 39

    Exhaust Manifold Failure Causing Exhaust Leaks

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    The exhaust manifold bolts break, causing exhaust gases to leak, posing a safety risk due to toxic fumes in the cabin.

  40. 40

    Exhaust Manifold Leak

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The exhaust manifold develops a leak, producing a loud ticking noise and potentially causing engine damage.

  41. 41

    Exterior Lighting Malfunction

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The left turn signal fails to function properly, and the right turn signal erroneously activates.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.52 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  42. 42

    Forward Collision Warning System Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The forward collision warning system triggers false alarms, leading to unnecessary panic and potential accidents.

  43. 43

    Fuel System Issues Leading to Overflow and Safety Risks

    2complaints
    High severityFuel system

    Fuel tank malfunctions lead to overflow during refueling, posing a safety risk to the driver and others.

  44. 44

    Fuel System Leaks

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    Fuel leaks from the fuel system, posing a fire hazard and causing the vehicle to reek of fuel.

  45. 45

    Fuel System Recall Issues with Delayed Repair Parts

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    Issues with the fuel system, including recalls, where repair parts are delayed, causing delays in addressing safety concerns.

  46. 46

    High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

    2complaints
    High severityFuel system

    The high-pressure fuel pump fails, causing the vehicle to stall and become inoperable.

    $500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 25 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  47. 47

    Motor Generator Unit (MGU) Failure

    2complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The MGU fails, leading to abnormal electrical behavior and impaired drivability.

  48. 48

    Power Train Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The power train malfunctions, causing the vehicle to lose power and require a restart.

  49. 49

    Rear Backup Camera Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The rear backup camera intermittently stops working, reducing visibility when backing up.

    $250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 13 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  50. 50

    Steering Failure During Turns

    2complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering becomes unresponsive or locks up during turns, posing a risk of loss of control.

  51. 51

    Steering Rack and Pinion Failure

    2complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering rack and pinion fail, causing a sudden loss of control and potential collisions.

    $900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 48 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  52. 52

    Steering Vibration and Noise

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering wheel vibrates and produces noise during turns, affecting handling and safety.

  53. 53

    Steering Wheel Lockup During Operation

    2complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering wheel locks up during operation, posing a significant safety risk.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  54. 54

    Structural Failures

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Structural components such as the tailgate and dashboard can fail, leading to safety concerns and loss of functionality.

  55. 55

    Sunroof Malfunction

    2complaints
    Safety riskOther

    The sunroof can suddenly explode or break during operation, posing a risk of injury or damage to the vehicle.

  56. 56

    Sunvisor Detachment

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The sunvisor detaches from the roof, obstructing the driver's view.

  57. 57

    Sun Visor Failure Leading to Vision Obstruction

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The sun visor unexpectedly drops out or fails, obstructing the driver’s view and potentially causing accidents.

  58. 58

    Sun Visor Malfunction

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    Driver and passenger side sun visors frequently disengage or break, causing temporary loss of vision.

  59. 59

    Suspension Component Failure

    2complaints
    Safety riskSuspension

    The rear driver-side wheel detaches, causing immediate loss of vehicle control and potential rollover risk.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  60. 60

    Tailgate Opening Without Warning

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Tailgate opens on its own while driving, potentially causing damage to cargo or other vehicles.

  61. 61

    Throttle Response Delay

    2complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    There is a significant delay in throttle response, especially in warm weather, making it difficult to accelerate smoothly.

  62. 62

    Transmission Malfunction Causing Loss of Power

    2complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The 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 · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  63. 63

    Transmission Stalling at Low Speeds

    2complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    Vehicle randomly stalls at low speeds, sometimes from a stopped position or at slow speeds.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  64. 64

    Water Intrusion Through Rear Window Causing Electrical Short and Damage

    2complaints
    High severityOther

    Water leaks through the rear window, causing electrical shorts and damage to electronic components and airbags.

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.

2020 Ram 1500 Classic Problems & Recalls | WrenchConnect