repaired · 2024 Q3
Tailgate: hinge and attachments
Risk. 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.
2020 Ram 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 116 owner complaints about the 2020 Ram 3500, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-398 the manufacturer reports only 44% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 10, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Ram 3500 has problems
116 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
27Engine4 crash/fire/injury
23Fuel system, diesel
12Power train2 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system
7Wheels
7Service brakes
7Steering
5Tires
2210 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 33 | 2 |
| Engine | 27 | 4 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 23 | 0 |
| Power train | 12 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 3 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 1 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 22 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2020 Ram 3500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Risk. Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Engine: oil/lubrication
Risk. Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Structure
Risk. A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other 3500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 3500 median. How we score
'07'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Ram 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- High pressure fuel pump failureLed to recall 24V-957
- High pressure fuel pump failureNo recall
In owners' words
What 3500 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
High pressure fuel pump recall failed and put my life in danger ⚠️ Terrible experience not only for me but it put in danger a Semi truck driver and others almost got killed
Codes: P2002, P242F, P2463, P1451 Failures: DPF, Charge air cooler leak, PM sensors, EGR internally cracked, Catalytic Convertor, Pink tinged oil, strong diesel odor in oil - post failures. Erratic def gauge readings, unstable idling, clunking downshift when exhaust brake decelerates, warm up…
While driving Down a paved roadway on 6/30/23 @ 5pm doing approximately 20 miles per hour the vehicle died and the dash lite up with every single message possible such as 4WD inactive, oil change due, fuel filter service required and etc. Attempted to restart the vehicle for about 25 minutes when…
Own a 2020 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.