Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Performance Setting In The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 RAM 1500 engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 RAM 1500 have filed 70 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 1500 | 230 |
| 2017 1500 | 136 |
| 2018 1500 | 106 |
| 2019 1500 | 115 |
| 2020 1500 (this page) | 70 |
| 2021 1500 | 101 |
| 2024 1500 | 5 |
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 70 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
3-way valves are available in STAR Parts as two distinct components and must be selected correctly based on application. The High Temp 3-way valve (68309834AC) is located between the engine and the bulkhead at the rear of the engine compartment. The Low Temp 3-way valve (68448241AA) is located between the engine and the radiator at the front of the engine. When ordering or servicing, ensure the correct valve is identified and installed in the proper location, as incorrect part selection may lead to improper thermal system operation and repeat repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 Ram 1500s report a wide range of engine and related system failures. Turbo boost control problems under load—particularly while towing—trigger limp-mode power loss, check engine lights with codes P00AF and P0299, and require repeated ECM flashes, turbo hose replacements, and turbo swaps. The 48-volt eTorque hybrid system shows a pattern of belt starter generator (BSG) and motor generator unit (MGU) failures, often marked by whining noise followed by sudden stall, loss of power steering, and parts stuck on backorder nationwide. Exhaust manifold cracks appear as early as 40,000–60,000 miles, leaking fumes into the cabin and causing cabin temperatures to be a carbon monoxide hazard; cracked exhaust flange bolts break prematurely at under 30,000 miles. Engine stalls occur randomly at any speed—idle, stop, highway cruise—with no warning lights or diagnostic codes, sometimes triggering emergency braking and creating rear-end collision risks. Multiple owners report seized engines with no advance symptoms despite proper maintenance. Some experience sudden throttle lag or unresponsiveness lasting 3–5 seconds, dangerous during merges and turns. Fuel system issues include pump failures, fuel injector debris, and transmission cooling line disconnects causing fluid loss and smoking. Head gasket failures crack all four gaskets under 90,000 miles, mixing coolant and oil. A few catastrophic events include dash fires from electrical faults and oil cooler failures damaging engines.
Same RAM 1500 engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Turbo boost control loss under towing load
Engine enters limp mode during towing, cutting power from 65 mph to 32 mph or lower. Check engine light and service throttle body messages appear repeatedly. Owners report 12+ occurrences on a single vehicle, forcing emergency shoulder stops.
When: Occurs under load while towing 5,500–12,000 lbs; first vehicle had 21,726 miles, all towing miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power loss during towing; Check engine light and service throttle body warning; Vehicle speed drops dramatically; Power returns after engine restart
Codes mentioned: P00AF (turbo boost control A module performance / overboost), P0299 (turbo underboost)
Repairs/costs cited: ECM flash reprogramming, turbo hose replacement, turbo replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA opened 4 cases (77583210, 78338328, 79796818, 86383024); case 77583210 immediately closed. No documented repairs resolved all occurrences.
eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt motor generator unit (MGU) failure
Failure of hybrid system charging component causes sudden loss of propulsion and power steering assist while driving. Vehicle stalls or becomes immobilized. Part shortages leave trucks inoperable for weeks or months; Mopar part 68623194AB/AC on nationwide backorder with no ETA.
When: 5 months duration on one vehicle with 39,000 miles; another at 95,000 miles; common early-failure pattern reported
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise from generator unit; Sudden engine stall without warning; Loss of power steering assist; Inability to control vehicle while coasting to shoulder; Warning lights for charging/hybrid system; Daily battery recharging required
Codes mentioned: Charging system / hybrid system warnings (text vary)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete MGU replacement (Mopar 68623194AB or superseding 68623194AC); parts unavailable nationally; some trucks idle for months awaiting parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ram and Stellantis acknowledged the defect. No recall issued. No temporary transportation support offered.
Exhaust manifold cracks with in-cabin fume leakage
Both exhaust manifolds crack, allowing hot exhaust fumes to enter cabin through HVAC system. Owners report rich, pre-cat exhaust smell while idling. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if vehicle sits with windows up and heater on.
When: Failures documented at 40,000–60,000 miles; some by 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rich, pre-catalytic converter exhaust odor in cabin; Loud exhaust noise on cold start; No warning lights; Fumes drawn in through HVAC while idling; Headaches during extended idling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced both exhaust manifolds under warranty in documented case; manifolds warp if replaced rather than resurfaced; bolts require replacement; cost ~$1,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty on some vehicles. Dealers report replacing manifolds daily and parts are hard to get due to frequency of failure.
Exhaust flange bolt failure and corrosion
Exhaust flange bolts rust prematurely and break at low mileage, creating risk of exhaust pipe striking ground and causing accident hazard.
When: Under 30,000 miles; under 4 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Premature bolt rusting and breaking; Exhaust leaks; Risk of pipe contact with ground
Repairs/costs cited: Bolts must be replaced; manifolds may also warp
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner requests and frequency of failure
Random engine stall at any speed
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving at idle, low speed, highway cruise, or coasting. No warning lights, codes, or diagnostic history captured. Some occurrences trigger emergency braking or loss of steering control.
When: Reported at 27,000, 30,000, 49,000, 57,000, 76,000, and 97,000 miles; one vehicle with 5+ stalls in 30 days at 1,078 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; No diagnostic codes present; No warning lights (in many cases); Vehicle requires restart; Emergency braking may engage at low speeds; Loss of steering assist on some events; Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers state 'cannot replicate,' 'no codes found,' 'no history of codes'; vehicle remains unrepaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided; owners report dealers give 'runaround' despite forum evidence of widespread issue
Throttle lag and unresponsive acceleration
Dangerous delay of 3–5 seconds between accelerator input and engine response, particularly at low speeds and during traffic maneuvers. Owners report vehicle seems to 'coast' or 'wait' before responding.
When: 3.0L EcoDiesel and turbo gasoline engines; issue worsens with mileage; one vehicle at 1,078 miles experienced 5–6 occurrences in 30 days; another at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: 3–5 second delay between throttle input and acceleration; Vehicle appears to 'coast' or 'hang'; Sudden acceleration burst after delay; Occurs mainly at slower speeds and during lane changes; Hazardous during merges, lane changes, and turns; More frequent in warmer weather and as mileage increases
Codes mentioned: Service Electronic Throttle warning (one case; cleared itself)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to determine cause; issue persists; likely turbo lag and/or transmission downshift delay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance documented
Engine seizure with no warning signs
Engine seizes suddenly with no check engine light, dashboard warnings, or prior symptoms despite proper maintenance. Owners report knocking, ticking, or rattling at low speed, then complete failure. Replacement required.
When: Documented at 61,000, 95,000, 106,000, and other mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking or ticking before seizure; Engine stall at low speed (e.g., 5 mph); No warning lights until after failure; Immobility; requires towing; One case: no symptoms, engine simply 'blown' (V6)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; costs ~$16,000; dealerships refuse to perform failure analysis unless customer pays
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered; RAM corporate states 'no one available to evaluate'; one owner also notified of open powertrain control module recall they never received notice of
Head gasket failure (all four gaskets)
All four head gaskets crack or break, causing coolant to leak into the crankcase and mix with oil, depleting coolant and causing overheating. Failure pattern recurs after repair.
When: Under 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Coolant mixed with oil; Rough running; Stalling; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement required; owner reported 3 recurrences of failure after repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented
Fuel pump and injector debris contamination
High-pressure fuel pump failure (recall Z96/NHTSA 22V-767) releases debris into fuel system, damaging fuel injectors and injecting shrapnel into cylinders. Glow plug failure results from contamination.
When: Pump failed in 2023 under recall; debris damage discovered in 2025 at 56,000 miles when truck out of warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for fuel injector warning; Check engine light for glow plug failure; Loss of engine power; Risk of limp mode or multiple-cylinder failure
Codes mentioned: Fuel injector warning (from pump failure), Glow plug fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced fuel pump under recall but did not inspect or replace injectors or other fuel system components; local mechanic found shrapnel on glow plug
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Z96/NHTSA 22V-767 issued for pump failure but repairs do not address downstream contamination
Oil filter cracking and oil leakage
Oil filter cracks, causing oil to leak inside the engine compartment and triggering low oil pressure warning.
When: 31,124 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light; Oil leakage into engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Radiator seal failure and coolant leakage
Radiator seal fails, causing coolant to accumulate on the fender and ground. Abnormal radiator fan noise present.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant fluid stains on ground; Abnormal radiator fan noise at 40 mph; Coolant accumulation on fender
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement required; owner did not repair due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Notified but no assistance offered
Oil cooler failure with engine damage
Oil cooler fails while driving at 55 mph, causing violent shaking, motive power loss, and engine damage requiring replacement.
When: 131,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking at 55 mph; Loss of motive power; Engine stability warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline
Transmission cooling line spontaneous disconnect
Transmission cooling line disconnects without warning while accelerating, causing catastrophic transmission fluid loss and fire hazard. Owner suspects factory assembly error.
When: Occurred when pushing accelerator after stop sign
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound; Immediate loss of power; Check engine light; Transmission fluid explosion onto exhaust manifold; Smoking and fire hazard; Loss of propulsion
Repairs/costs cited: Confirmed at dealership; suspected inadequate factory connection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Problem confirmed at dealership; no further assistance documented
Electrical fire in dashboard
Fire starts in dash area and spreads, destroying entire vehicle. Smoke and sparks visible from vents and under dashboard. Electrical system suspected.
When: Unknown mileage; vehicle traveling at 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic windshield wiper operation; Lights flashing; Emergency lights inoperative; Door locks inoperative; Smoke from vents and dashboard; Sparks and flames (~5 feet high) from dashboard; Fire Department required to extinguish
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; fire report filed
Intake manifold fracture
Intake manifold fractures, causing abnormal clunking sound during cold starts. Failure detected by independent mechanic after dealer could not diagnose.
When: Unknown mileage; failure recurred with increasing frequency
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clunking sound during starting; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold fracture identified; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance provided
Camshaft failure
Camshaft fails, causing rough riding, engine misfire, and stalling with check engine light.
When: 64,462 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough riding; Engine misfire; Vehicle stalling; Check engine light; Ability to restart after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no further details provided
Fuel injector noise and excessive fuel consumption
Abnormal sound from fuel injectors and excessive gasoline consumption in a short period. Not diagnosed or repaired.
When: 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from fuel injectors; Excessive gasoline consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not made aware
Rear electrical wiring harness corrosion
Rear electrical wiring harness corrodes due to water intrusion, causing loss of motive power and stalling at low speed with no warning lights.
When: 5,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power; Vehicle stalling; No warning lights; Door alarm engages when opened
Repairs/costs cited: Harness replacement required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Post-recall engine failure after software update
Engine quits 10 weeks after recall software update and dealer service. Vehicle stranded in desert heat for extended period. Engine cannot be restarted or diagnosed; dealership unable to identify cause after 10 weeks.
When: Less than 200 miles after recall software update and 15,000 mile service
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine failure; Unable to restart; Vehicle immobility
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to identify problem or restore function after 10 weeks; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM customer service provided 'platitudes'; refused to buy back vehicle or provide assistance to dealer
Synthesized from 70 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2020 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2020 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 70 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 43,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.