2020 RAM 1500 electrical problems

The 48V motor generator unit that serves as the alternator in eTorque-equipped 1500s fails prematurely, usually with grinding or squealing noise preceding total failure. Failure causes complete loss of electrical power, including power steering, power brakes, headlights, and all instrumentation. Vehicle stalls, sometimes on highways at traffic speeds. Owners report this is a widespread issue affecting thousands of vehicles, with parts on national backorder with no ETA (dealers report 2,600–5,000+ customers waiting). Repair estimates exceed $2,000 when parts are available.

When: 40k–88k miles; failures occur suddenly after noise starts or during normal driving

Symptoms owners cite: Grinding, squealing, or metallic bearing-noise under the hood, getting progressively louder; Battery light, check engine light, or voltage warning on dashboard; Complete loss of power while driving (vehicle goes dead); loss of power steering and brakes; Engine stall or limp mode; Hazard lights inoperable or dimming; Vehicle shuts off at traffic lights, on highways, or in intersections

Codes mentioned: U0594 (Invalid Data Received From Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module)

Repairs/costs cited: Part on national backorder; dealers report 45–90 days or longer for replacement. One owner purchased part from eBay at 4× normal price due to unavailability. No OEM supply clarity. Repair costs $2,000+; owners report replacing part multiple times (5–8+ replacements) before truck operates correctly.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall issued as of complaint dates. Recall 85B mentioned but deemed not applicable by Ram HQ. Federal emissions warranty (8yr/80k) may cover some failures. Extended Mopar warranties (XL1) apply only if purchased separately. Ram customer service has been unresponsive or unhelpful; dealers unable to expedite parts or provide reimbursement for rental or out-of-pocket purchases.

Crack or seal failure in rear sliding backlite (window) frame allows water to enter the cabin during rain, snow, or car washes. When rear defroster is used, trapped moisture near or in the window heats rapidly, causing the glass to shatter suddenly—sometimes while vehicle is parked or in motion. Multiple reports of window exploding while driving at 40–70 mph. Shattered glass poses injury risk to rear-seat occupants (children in car seats noted). Water intrusion near electrical components (RF Hub, eTorque battery under rear seat) causes secondary electrical failures.

When: Can occur immediately after defroster use or during precipitation; one report at 61k miles, others on relatively new vehicles; one report at parked state

Symptoms owners cite: Cracking or buckling in rear window frame, visible or hairline; Water pooling on rear seat or interior trim during or after rain/snow; Sudden glass shattering (explosive) with or without warning; Burning smell near rear window (overheating grid lines); Sticker on window appears burnt or damaged

Repairs/costs cited: Sealant repair by dealers has been ineffective; crack persists. Glass replacement cost $1,300–$1,500 or covered under glass insurance (if held; deductibles $250–$0 reported). Dealers have replaced third brake light seal (part of broader backlit light assembly). One dealer replaced backlite seal under extended warranty (XL1) for $25 service, charged owner $936.71 out-of-pocket for RFHub water damage repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny covering under standard or extended warranty, citing customer negligence or normal wear. Engineer consultation declined when water damage appeared minor. One extended warranty (XL1) covered backlite seal replacement after second water intrusion event. No formal recall or TSB issued for seal defect, though dealers acknowledge this is a known issue affecting multiple Ram 1500s (one shop reported seeing three 2020 Ram/Ford/Chevy trucks with same heated rear window failure in one week).

Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, with no warning or sporadic warning lights appearing 20 minutes to hours before failure. Complete shutdown occurs at traffic lights, on highways at 50–70 mph, and during normal driving. Vehicle loses power steering, power brakes, headlights, hazard lights, dash instrumentation, and engine management. Engine stalls and transmission defaults to park. Vehicle becomes a dead weight on roadway. Recovery requires towing; no codes stored or lights illuminate to warn driver in advance.

When: Occurs across various mileages (35k–110k) with no apparent pattern; one incident at 850 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights (navigation, stop/start, climate control, adaptive cruise) cease function 20+ minutes before total failure; Sudden total loss of electrical power while driving; Loss of power steering and power brakes simultaneously; Loss of headlights, turn signals, hazard lights; Complete loss of dash and UConnect instrumentation; Vehicle stalls and transmission thrown into park; No warning lights or minimal warning (sometimes voltage warning appears shortly before)

Codes mentioned: 13 error codes for loss of communication with PCM (reported in one case)

Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair identified in narratives. One dealer reset ABS module (temporary fix). Another recommended purchasing used ABS module from eBay but installation failed due to VIN mismatch. No parts ordered or received; diagnosis unclear.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform electrical connector cleaning and module replacement (hit-or-miss success). Refer owners to insurance and external towing. One case involved Stellantis investigator who declined to provide diagnostic report and denied further assistance, citing 'things like this happen.' Recall 85B mentioned but not deemed applicable. No TSB or recall issued for total power loss.

The eTorque auto start-stop feature malfunctions, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving or at traffic lights. Stalls occur with or without the start-stop system engaged. Engine cuts out with little warning (sometimes only a check engine light or auto start-stop warning light appears briefly). Vehicle lurches forward or rolls backward after stall. In some cases, engine restarts on its own; in others, driver must manually restart. Multiple stalls on the same vehicle over days or weeks.

When: Occurs at various mileages (700 miles to 36k+ miles); stalls at traffic lights, stop signs, intersections, and while decelerating on highways

Symptoms owners cite: Auto start-stop warning light illuminated on dash; Check engine light and/or battery warning light; Engine stalls at idle, traffic light, or while decelerating; Engine shakes or vibrates before stalling; Vehicle lurches forward or rolls backward after stall; Vehicle resumes operation after waiting minutes or manual restart; No codes stored in computer or codes clear after restart

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced steering column module but stalls persisted. Another replaced eTorque/alternator (MGU) but stalls continued after repair. Dealers cannot replicate issue in shop and claim no codes are present, leaving repair incomplete. One mechanic suggested eTorque battery malfunction but dealer refused to inspect battery, claiming insufficient evidence.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 131k trucks and Wranglers for stalling issued (per one owner), but this vehicle not included. Dealers claim inability to diagnose without stored codes. Advised owner to bring to purchasing dealer, which refused further inspection. Ram customer service case opened but no resolution provided.

Electrical components catch fire spontaneously. Reported failures: passenger-side headlight assembly with wire harness fire (flames 4 feet high); 7-way trailer connector fire while vehicle parked in garage; rear defrost heating grid overheating or short-circuiting and igniting, burning sticker on window. No external ignition source. Fires occur at parked state or during normal driving. One vehicle re-ignited while being driven to dealership after initial fire.

When: Occurs across mileages (67k miles, parked in garage, remote start); one incident during remote start on cold morning (35°F–40°F)

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke or flame visible under hood or in electrical assembly; Burning smell in cabin or under hood; Burnt or scorched sticker near rear defrost grid; Flames visible in headlight assembly; Fire in trailer connector 7-way pin area

Repairs/costs cited: Headlight fire blamed on wire harness and headlight assembly (independent mechanic diagnosis). 7-way connector fire—no root cause determined. Rear defrost fire—dealer initially blamed on inadequate voltage/heat, then declined investigation when owner provided photos of failed components. Vehicle re-smoked during drive to dealership (part #68623194AB mentioned as possible generator issue in separate narratives, but not confirmed for fire cases).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis investigator declined to provide diagnostic report and declined to cover under warranty. Manufacturer stated 'things like this happen' and offered no reimbursement or recall. Dealers refused to investigate or document failure. Owner still has physical failed parts in possession but no manufacturer follow-up.

UConnect 8.4 infotainment screen turns off randomly and reboots repeatedly (3–4 times back-to-back within 10–20 minutes). Screen goes black during driving. Navigation cursor displays vehicle 6 miles away from actual location. Screen locks up when searching for SiriusXM signal. Can occur while driving, parked, remote starting, or sitting still. Dealer software update attempted but did not resolve. Safety issue because radio volume and navigation controls become inaccessible during operation.

When: Occurs since new (day 1 on some vehicles); persists over 1–2 years of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: UConnect screen turns off and reboots randomly; Navigation, media, and phone systems become unavailable when screen is black; Screen locks up when searching for SiriusXM signal; Navigation GPS shows location 6 miles away from actual position; All system reboots reset user settings

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted software update; issue persisted same day. One owner has gone to dealership multiple times and had radio replaced without success. No permanent fix identified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer applied software update but acknowledged update was necessary despite UConnect saying none was available. No TSB or recall addressing UConnect 8.4 reboot issue. One owner mentioned this is widespread discussion online but no manufacturer recall or guidance issued.

Battery drains completely (0 volts) overnight with no chargers or accessories plugged in and vehicle not in use. Happens repeatedly (multiple times per year since new). Full charging takes all day. Battery takes permanent damage from repeated full drain cycles. Owners forced to carry jump boxes or install battery disconnect switches.

When: Began first week of ownership; occurs sporadically and repeatedly throughout ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Complete battery drain overnight with no electrical load present; Vehicle will not start without jump or charge; Battery fully discharged (0 volts) after short periods of inactivity; Full recharge cycle takes 8+ hours

Repairs/costs cited: One owner purchased new battery from Walmart; issue recurred within weeks. Dealers have not diagnosed source of drain. No parasitic draw identified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or TSB identified. Online communities report similar widespread complaints but no official acknowledgment or recall.

Rear defrost activates automatically during remote start, even in mild weather (35°F–40°F). Once activated, climate control system becomes locked or malfunctions: defroster stays on at maximum heat with windows unable to lower (controls disabled), AC becomes inoperable. Window controls disabled, preventing driver from lowering windows. System reverts to defrost-only mode after sensor or tail light assembly fault is triggered (BSM service light for tail light sensor). Climate control defaults to maximum heat and maximum fan with no manual override possible while driving.

When: Occurs during remote start or during normal driving after sensor fault triggers BSM service notice

Symptoms owners cite: Rear defrost engages automatically during remote start; Defroster stays on at maximum heat; Climate control front windows unable to lower (controls disabled); AC system becomes inoperable; UConnect infotainment system shuts down completely; Vehicle becomes extremely hot (driver describes 'cooking inside'); No manual override available to turn off heat while driving; System resets after 12+ hours of sitting

Repairs/costs cited: BSM service light triggered by tail light sensor fault; repair of tail light assembly sensor required. Dealer repair attempted but exact parts replaced not specified in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer guidance on auto-defrost activation or climate control lockout. One dealer attributed initial defrost failure to insufficient voltage/heat to cause damage (contradicted by reports of thermal shattering).

Water intrusion from cracked rear window frame or defective third brake light seal damages the RF (radio frequency) Hub control module located under the rear seat. RFHub failure causes power loss, stalling, electrical component malfunction, and requires expensive replacement ($936–$1,081 out-of-pocket). eTorque lithium battery also located under rear seat and exposed to water intrusion, creating fire and short-circuit risk. This is a known issue but not formally recalled.

When: Occurs after heavy rain or snow events; can happen multiple times over vehicle's life

Symptoms owners cite: Stalling and inability to start after water intrusion; Electrical warning lights and system failures; Battery drain or power loss after water leak

Repairs/costs cited: First RFHub replacement under original warranty; second replacement out-of-pocket at $936.71 + $144 tow (total $1,080.71). Dealers have replaced backlite seal (third brake light) under extended warranty (XL1) for $25 service charge as root fix.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty (XL1) covers backlite seal replacement on second occurrence only; original issue not covered. Formal window seal recall extended by manufacturer to certain models but not to all affected 2020 Ram 1500s. Owner filed reimbursement case with FCA (Case #93175918) but received no response. One owner noted cost difference: used to charge $1,300 for rear window seal fix, now charging $25 for backlite seal replacement, shifting $1,000+ cost to owners.

Right turn signal blinker remains constantly on even when blinker arm is in neutral position. Activating left turn signal (blinker down) briefly turns off the right signal, but disables the left signal. No left turn signal available. Issue appears related to defective Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). Dangerous for highway lane changes and turns.

When: Discovered during ownership; no warning light or prior indication

Symptoms owners cite: Right turn signal blinks continuously with blinker in neutral; Left turn signal does not work independently; Depressing blinker down briefly cancels right signal but disables left signal

Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Owner has not brought to dealer yet.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall A2B/NHTSA 24E-082 identifies two part numbers for SCCM defect, but states 'similar parts (SCCM) may be affected.' Owner's vehicle (2020 manufacture) not included on recall list. No TSB or recall expansion noted.

Multiple critical driver assistance and safety systems fail intermittently or do not work at all: forward collision warning, rear collision warning, lane keep assist, auto high beams, rear cross-traffic alert, rain sense wipers, front and rear cameras, parking sensors. Systems work sporadically and owner cannot rely on them. Backup sensors disable themselves, brake lock up when nothing is detected, cameras stay on when disabled. Rear detectors turn off by themselves. Parking brake does not engage when opening door (inconsistent). Infotainment system blamed for all failures by dealer.

When: Issues present since new (over 1 year of complaints); ongoing after multiple dealer visits and software updates

Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision warning does not work or triggers sporadically; Rear collision warning fails or works intermittently; Lane keep assist disables or malfunctions; Auto high beams do not activate properly; Rear cross-traffic alert fails or triggers falsely; Rain sense wipers do not activate; Front and rear cameras fail or display intermittently; Parking sensors trigger false braking without obstruction; Sensors disable themselves without user action; Navigation systems malfunction

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle brought to dealer 7–8 times. Radio replaced. Numerous Ram software upgrades applied over-the-air and at dealership. No permanent resolution achieved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blame all issues on infotainment system electronics and have replaced radio without success. Multiple OTA updates attempted. Manufacturer has not issued recall or TSB addressing the systemic failures of multiple independent safety systems.

Vehicle accelerates on its own while driver is not applying gas pedal. Occurs while decelerating, at stop signs, and in park. Vehicle continues to accelerate even when foot is completely off pedal. Brakes become unresponsive or ineffective during acceleration events. Transmission shifted between gears does not arrest acceleration. Traction control, parking brake warning, and voltage lights illuminate when acceleration occurs.

When: Occurs at least twice, months apart; one incident during stop-and-go traffic, another after exiting freeway

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without foot on gas pedal; Brakes ineffective in preventing acceleration; Acceleration continues even in park or reverse; Traction control warning light; Red voltage warning light; Parking brake warning light; Check engine light

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate issue. Codes were cleared after first incident. Dealer references need to call Chrysler engineer but no engineer consultation has occurred.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer cleared codes and stated if problem recurs they will contact Chrysler engineer. No formal recall or TSB for unintended acceleration. Owner contacted dealer repeatedly and was told investigation cannot occur until next week (as of complaint date).

Engine seizes, runs away at maximum RPM uncontrollably, or fails completely while driving or being tested by dealer. One case of engine blowing at 72k miles after multiple alternator and fuel system repairs. Another case of oil pressure loss and loud engine noise, followed by dealer claiming engine seizure and requiring full engine replacement ($15,000 estimate) at 7,500 miles. Dealers blame owners for improper maintenance but failures occur early in ownership.

When: One incident at 72k miles (after extensive prior repairs); another at 7,500 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Metallic grinding or loud noise from engine; Oil pressure warning light; Loss of power while driving; Engine does not turn over or stalls completely; Engine runs away at uncontrollable RPM when started; Vehicle cannot be tested because engine will max out RPM

Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle has required complete engine replacement at 72k miles (eco-diesel, after 8 attempts to repair fuel pump and electrical issues). Another owner's engine seized at 7,500 miles; dealer quoted $15,000 for replacement. One narrative mentions truck blowing engine on freeway at 72k miles after previous alternator/electrical repairs.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially blamed owner for maintenance failure; no warranty coverage offered. High-pressure fuel pump recall applied to earlier incident but did not prevent subsequent failures. No TSB for premature engine failure or seizure.

Dashboard lights, instrument panel, and radio screen randomly flash bright to dark repeatedly, creating distraction and safety hazard (especially at night). Flashing occurs at random intervals throughout the day or continuously for hours. No error codes present in system.

When: Occurs daily or intermittently throughout ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flash bright then dark repeatedly and rapidly; Instrument panel flickers; Radio screen flashes on and off; Flashing changes quickly and unpredictably; Occurs while driving, parked, or at various speeds; No warning lights or codes indicate the problem

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer kept truck for one week but could not determine or fix the problem. No error codes present in computer. Multiple video recordings provided to dealer, showing flashing, but no diagnosis achieved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or TSB issued for dashboard/instrument panel flashing issue.