The new Ram, after its first-year bugs
Complaints fall by half from 2019. The main reports cover engine trouble on some trucks and rear sliding windows that leak or shatter. Recalls cover mirrors, seat belts and the backup camera.
Updated November 2026 · based on 643 owner complaints and 14 recalls
152 51% below the 1500 average
14 free to fix at a dealer
Every 1500 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2020 1500
Top problems and what they cost
Engine and head gasket trouble
A small number of owners report coolant loss or engine damage.
Fix: Varies; covered by powertrain warranty to 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Engine
Rear window leaks or breaks
The power sliding rear window leaks or shatters.
Fix: Rear window $500 to $1,200.
Body
Backup camera
Camera display fault covered by recall.
Fix: Recall 20V191, free.
Backup camera
Recalls
Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the ve...
Show all 14 recalls
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of i...
A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2020 Ram 1500
- Confirm recalls 20V191, 20V622 and 20V580 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2020 1500 has 14 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the coolant level and look for leaks.Coolant keeps the engine from overheating. A dropping level, drips, white smoke or residue can mean leaks or a failing head gasket, which can ruin the engine.155 of the 643 owner complaints about the 2020 1500 involve the engine and cooling system (24%).
- Open and close the rear sliding window; look for water stains on the headliner.Water stains or a musty smell mean a leak from the sunroof, rear window or a clogged A/C drain. Leaks can damage wiring and cause mold.Owners filed 29 complaints about tailgate opening by itself on the 2020 1500, one of the worst years for it.
- Ask for oil change records.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.155 of the 643 owner complaints about the 2020 1500 involve the engine (24%).
Questions
Is the 2020 Ram 1500 reliable?
The new Ram, after its first-year bugs. Complaints fall by half from 2019. The main reports cover engine trouble on some trucks and rear sliding windows that leak or shatter. Recalls cover mirrors, seat belts and the backup camera.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 have?
14 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2020 Ram 1500 problems?
Engine and head gasket trouble; Rear window leaks or breaks; Backup camera.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.