2020 Ram 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 190 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
12 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
88complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Generator Unit (MGU) Failure
67complaintsSafety riskEngineThe MGU has repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall, lose power, and require replacement.
- 3
Electrical System Issues with Alternators and MGUs
29complaintsHigh severityElectricalAlternators and MGUs have failed, leading to loss of power and vehicle shutdowns.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Steering Issues Causing Loss of Control
18complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering becomes unresponsive or locks up during turns, posing a risk of loss of vehicle control.
- 5
Backup Camera and Sensors Not Working
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe backup camera and proximity sensors fail to function properly, reducing safety.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Powertrain Bearing Failure Causing Whining Noise
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe powertrain bearing fails, producing a whining noise and potentially causing the vehicle to stall.
- 7
Electrical System Issues with Rearview Camera
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rearview camera has repeatedly failed, displaying a black screen or malfunctioning.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine Defects
2complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine defects can cause the vehicle to stall, lose power, or fail entirely, posing a safety risk.
- 9
Fuel System Leaks
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel leaks from the fuel system, posing a fire risk and causing the vehicle to reek of fuel.
Related recall: 22V767000
- 10
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
2complaintsMedium 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 quotesRelated recall: 22V767000
- 11
Structural Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherStructural issues such as tailgate failures can lead to safety concerns and inconvenience.
- 12
Transmission Failure Causing Loss of Power
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionVehicle loses power and fails to respond when accelerating from a stop.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes
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.