2020 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Ram 3500 has a complaint index of 80, ranking 4th worst out of 16 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 116 complaints, 11 recalls, and 7 fires, with Fuel System problems making up 49% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #4 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 116
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2020 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System57 (49%)
- Engine33 (28%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (10%)
- Electrical System9 (8%)
- Brakes8 (7%)
- Steering7 (6%)
- Other6 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
- Structure & Body4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment fires starting suddenly while driving or during remote start, sometimes filling the cabin with smoke before flames spread.
- Some describe the truck losing power or jerking at highway speed when the fuel system apparently failed, forcing an abrupt slowdown in traffic.
- One owner reported an oil warning light and abnormal engine noise followed by smoke and oil leaking from the engine at high mileage.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in head-on and single-vehicle crashes, resulting in injuries.
- A tailgate reportedly dropped open on its own mid-drive on a Laramie trim, causing damage.
- One report described the gear shifter moving into drive on its own while parked, leading to a rollaway collision.
2020 Ram 3500 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V904000Dec 8, 2022Structure & Body1,224,078 vehicles
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
- NHTSA 22V835000Nov 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain250,079 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
- NHTSA 22V140000Mar 10, 2022Brakes370,437 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
2020 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ram 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Ram 3500 a complaint index of 80, the 4th worst of 16 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Ram 3500 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Ram 3500?
- Fuel System complaints are the largest category, making up 49% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 22,000 miles.
- Does the 2020 Ram 3500 have engine fire issues?
- NHTSA logged 7 fire reports for the 2020 Ram 3500, and Engine problems account for 28% of complaints with 5 fires among them.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 3500, covering areas including the fuel system, engine, brakes, suspension, and structure/body.
- Which Ram 3500 years are worse than 2020?
- Among the years with data, 2018 (complaint index 100), 2017 (87), and 2022 (93) rank worse than 2020's index of 80.