How common are engine problems on the 2020 Ram 3500?

NHTSA lists 33 engine-related complaints for the 2020 Ram 3500, which is 28% of all 116 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2020 Ram 3500?

Yes. Two recalls, 21V439000 and 20V511000, cover the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine on 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks, addressing inadequate low-oil warning and warm-up protection through an engine calibration software update.

Have engine fires been reported on the 2020 Ram 3500?

Yes. Among the engine-area complaints, NHTSA records 5 fires and 1 crash, along with 2 injuries, for the 2020 model year.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2020 Ram 3500?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine-area complaints on the 2020 Ram 3500 is 30,900 miles.

Does the recall require owners to stop driving the truck?

No. Neither the 21V439000 nor the 20V511000 recall is marked do-not-drive or park-outside by NHTSA.

2020 Ram 3500 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 33 engine complaints for the 2020 Ram 3500, 28% of all complaints filed for the year. Five involved fires and one a crash. Two engine-related recalls (21V439000, 20V511000) address Cummins 6.7L High Output oil warning and warm-up protection issues.

Engine complaints: 33; 28% of 116
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 30,900 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine compartment fires reported while driving at highway speed, with smoke appearing suddenly before flames engulfed the engine bay.
Sudden loss of power or stalling while towing, including on hills and highway grades, sometimes with a diesel exhaust or engine stability warning light illuminated.
Oil warning light illumination paired with abnormal engine noise and visible smoke under the hood, in one case tied to oil leaking from the vehicle.
A reported rod-through-block failure at highway speed while towing, with no prior warning aside from a drop in fuel mileage.
High pressure fuel pump issues causing loss of power, described by one owner as a repeat problem also seen on a 2019 Ram 3500.
Vehicle becoming stuck at reduced speed and refusing to accelerate under full throttle after slowing to let another vehicle merge.

When 2020 Ram 3500 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 26, 2020, latest Sep 8, 2026.

33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2021 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Ram 3500

NHTSA 21V439000Jun 10, 2021Engine32,002 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
Risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
NHTSA 20V511000Aug 27, 2020Engine32,318 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.
Risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

Engine complaints by 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201341 (36%)
201445 (22%)
201533 (24%)
201629 (22%)
201761 (20%)
2018125 (16%)
201930 (22%)
202033 (28%)
202114 (23%)
202230 (16%)
20234 (24%)
20248 (18%)
20258 (19%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2020 Ram 3500?: NHTSA lists 33 engine-related complaints for the 2020 Ram 3500, which is 28% of all 116 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2020 Ram 3500?: Yes. Two recalls, 21V439000 and 20V511000, cover the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine on 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis trucks, addressing inadequate low-oil warning and warm-up protection through an engine calibration software update.
Have engine fires been reported on the 2020 Ram 3500?: Yes. Among the engine-area complaints, NHTSA records 5 fires and 1 crash, along with 2 injuries, for the 2020 model year.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2020 Ram 3500?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine-area complaints on the 2020 Ram 3500 is 30,900 miles.
Does the recall require owners to stop driving the truck?: No. Neither the 21V439000 nor the 20V511000 recall is marked do-not-drive or park-outside by NHTSA.