The 2020 RAM 1500 has 623 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 126 complaints (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
What the defect is, what it can cause, and the free dealer fix — from the NHTSA campaign record. Check your own VIN before you buy or drive.
Reliability score
4.2 / 10
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
14
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2020 1500?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 2 crash-related complaints on the powertrain
Steering: 59 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 4.2/10 — below the segment average
14 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2020 RAM 1500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 126 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
engine — 70 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 60 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 59 owner reports
· ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
critical on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 14 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2020 1500· electrical
complete engine failure driving on hiway in 65mpr traffic.. it was a sudden total stop no power no control. after 30 sec. or so i pushed restart button stepped on gas, no error code was shown but restarted. we were almost rearended as busy traffic going that speed. this has…
I am submitting a report regarding the hacking of my vehicle that has persisted over the past five years. I have previously stated that my scammer, [XXX] , along with her associates, continues to remotely manipulate the gear of my vehicle while I am driving. Furthermore, they…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle veered off the road. The contact stated that the passenger's and driver's side curtains airbags and the front driver's seat and front passenger's seat side…
Had a problem with your 2020 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.2 out of 10 based on 623 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 RAM 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2020 RAM 1500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2020 RAM 1500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 2 crash-related complaints on the powertrain; Steering: 59 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 4.2/10 — below the segment average; 14 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 RAM 1500?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 126 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2020 RAM 1500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 623 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2020 RAM 1500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 126 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 1500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 RAM 1500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 623 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 12 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/RAM/1500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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