2020 Ram 1500 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 177 engine complaints for the 2020 Ram 1500, 28% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 47,883. Two related recalls cover the 3.0L diesel high pressure fuel pump and an accelerator pedal floormat interference issue.
- Engine complaints
- 177
- 28% of 628
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 47,884 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners of 3.0L EcoDiesel trucks describe a multi-second lag between pressing the accelerator and the engine responding, especially when merging or turning across traffic.
- After the delay, the engine can suddenly deliver a burst of power, causing unintended surges into occupied lanes.
- Some owners report unexpected acceleration at low speed or from a stop, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Reports describe under-hood fires, including cases where the engine compartment ignited while the truck was parked and unattended.
- One complaint describes all four head gaskets cracking, allowing coolant to mix with oil and causing repeated overheating and breakdowns.
- A check engine light triggered a lifter-related diagnostic code early in the vehicle's life, before other symptoms appeared.
When 2020 Ram 1500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 6, 2020, latest Sep 16, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 Ram 1500
- NHTSA 22V767000Oct 13, 2022Engine60,413 vehicles
Engine
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
- NHTSA 20V513000Aug 27, 2020Engine160,229 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.
Risk: A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.
Engine complaints by 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2020 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 177 engine complaints for the 2020 Ram 1500, which is 28% of the 628 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2020 Ram 1500 engine?
- Yes. Recall 22V767000 covers 3.0L diesel engines with a high pressure fuel pump that may fail and cause engine stalling. A separate recall, 20V513000, addresses floormats interfering with the accelerator pedal.
- At what mileage do 2020 Ram 1500 engine problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 47,883 at the time engine failures were reported.
- Does the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel have throttle lag problems?
- Multiple owners report a multi-second delay between pressing the accelerator and the engine responding, followed by a sudden burst of power, particularly at low mileage.
- Are engine fires a concern for the 2020 Ram 1500?
- NHTSA data for this engine complaint category includes 4 fire reports and 3 injuries out of 177 total engine complaints for the 2020 Ram 1500.