The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
critical Owners of the 2020 RAM 1500 have filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 35,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 1500 | 188 |
| 2017 1500 | 81 |
| 2018 1500 | 50 |
| 2019 1500 | 183 |
| 2020 1500 (this page) | 59 |
| 2021 1500 | 91 |
| 2024 1500 | 13 |
2crashes
1fatality
What stands out
Owners have filed 59 powertrain 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 powertrain 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.
Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Rear Axle Vibration Shudder Or Chatter Customers may experience the following: ● A chatter, shudder, or vibration from the rear axle during turns. NOTE: This may happen more as the vehicle ages, especially if the vehicle is used extensively for towing or hauling heavy loads. The cause of the concern may be due to degradation of the rear axle fluid. It is very important to follow the routine maintenance schedules on these vehicles when it comes to changing the rear axle fluid if the vehicle is used primarily for towing or hauling heavy loads. If you experience a vehicle with the above condition, please perform the proper maintenance procedures for the rear axle and replace the fluid first bef
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗To inform dealers about the 850RE valve body PN: R8348504A connector: the original 16-pin connector included six pins that were not used in this application. To simplify the design, the connector has been optimized and updated to a 10-pin configuration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗850RE D Clutch Repair Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must have at least 11,265 km (7,000 mi.) and exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0733-00 - Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio. ● P1DA8-00 - Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A B or D Defective. ● P1D92-00 - Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective. Customers may also comment on one or more of the following: ● Transmission slips when shifting. ● Vehicle will not move in reverse. ● Vehicle will not shift higher than third gear This bulletin involves replacing the D clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a wide range of powertrain failures on 2020 Ram 1500s. Turbocharger failures occur with check engine lights and loss of power, sometimes recurring after dealer replacement. Transmission problems dominate complaints: slipping into neutral or park without warning while driving, delayed or complete loss of throttle response (1–3 second lag), refusing to shift out of first gear, harsh jerks when downshifting, and sudden stalling with "shift to park, then start" messages. Several owners describe 2–3 second delays when resuming acceleration after coasting or turning, creating hazardous situations in traffic.
The eTorque system (motor generator unit / alternator / belt starter generator) is widely reported as failing, leaving vehicles immobile. Multiple owners cite national backorders with no ETA—one dealer quoted 4,678 units on backorder nationwide. Owners report loss of electrical charging, power steering, and power brakes when MGU fails.
Engine failures include valve spring breakage at low mileage (reported at 83k miles), cylinder damage requiring $11,000 rebuilds, and stalling during acceleration. Owners also report throttle lag and hesitation, particularly on EcoDiesel models. Other issues include driveshaft failure with loud noise and parts flying from the vehicle, rear differential grinding during turns, transmission control faults, and relay/PDC melting. One owner reported a fatal rollaway incident at 20k miles. Parts backorders are chronic—dealers report extended out-of-service periods spanning months.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger Failure
Turbocharger loses ability to boost engine; recurs even after dealer replacement. Check engine light illuminates.
When: 34,115 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of response to accelerator pedal; Vehicle jerked and stalled; Vehicle unable to exceed 40 mph after initial restart; Sputtering on restart
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replaced by dealer, then replaced again with harness
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened, no further assistance
Transmission Slipping into Neutral or Park
Transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral or park while driving without warning. Display shows 'shift to park, then desired gear' message. Occurs at various speeds and traffic conditions.
When: 23k, 47k, 62k, 113k, 140k miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden shift to neutral with loss of motive power; Unexpected shift to park causing abrupt stop; Vehicle slowing dramatically; Display message 'shift to park and restart required'; Traction control warning light
Codes mentioned: P0733000 (3rd gear ratio issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement needed; parts availability reported as delayed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V301000 issued for transmission replacement; part availability not met in reasonable timeframe
Throttle Response Lag and Hesitation
Significant delay (1–3 seconds) between pressing accelerator and engine response. Occurs during normal acceleration and when resuming speed after coasting or turning. Dangerous in traffic and turning situations.
When: Various mileages; 3,800 miles reported for EcoDiesel
Symptoms owners cite: 1–1.5 second lag from standstill; Up to 3 second lag during rolling acceleration; Complete dead throttle pedal in warm weather after stops (5–10 second delay); Pedal becomes 'mush' with no power response; Harsh jerk when power finally engages
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports software issue; no over-the-air updates available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory remedy documented; owners report issue remains unresolved
Motor Generator Unit (eTorque System) Failure
MGU/alternator/belt starter generator fails, resulting in loss of charging and electrical power. Vehicle becomes immobile or unsafe to operate. National backorders reported with no ETA.
When: 74,553 miles; 79k miles; 87k miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of electrical charging system; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Engine stalling or failure to restart; Battery indicator light; Engine indicator light; Abnormal electrical behavior; Vehicle immobilization in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: MGU replacement required; part on indefinite national backorder. Repair cost reported as $2,300. One dealer reported 4,678 units on backorder; another reported vehicle stranded since October 2025.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covers failure but replacement parts unavailable; Stellantis confirms backorder with no firm ETA
Transmission Refuses to Shift Out of First Gear
Transmission gets stuck in first gear, unable to upshift. Engine revs to 5,000–6,000 RPM without power delivery. Occurs after stops or during acceleration.
When: Various mileages reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in first gear; Engine revving to 5,000–6,000 rpm with no power delivery; Rough or abrupt downshift followed by delayed throttle response; Loss of power during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Manual gear selector shift to neutral then back to drive temporarily restores function
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented factory remedy
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or idling. Vehicle loses motive power without warning. Check engine light may illuminate.
When: 35k, 40–45 mph situations, during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during acceleration; Stalls on cold start while depressing accelerator; Intermittent stalling at various speeds; Check engine light and 'shift to park' message flashing; Vehicle shuts down without warning while driving; Loss of power steering and brakes during event
Repairs/costs cited: Cause often undiagnosed; some attributed to PCM or relay module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened but no assistance provided in some instances
Valve Spring Failure
Valve spring breaks on 5.7L HEMI engine, requiring engine rebuild. Low-mileage failure documented.
When: 83,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure requiring rebuild
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine removal, overhaul, and rebuild required, cost approximately $11,000. Independent repair shop reports this as common failure affecting 12–15 HEMI engines at a time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage documented; owner reports 5.7L HEMI valve train issues documented for years with prior lawsuits
Cylinder Failure (Cylinder #7)
Cylinder #7 fails on 5.7L HEMI V8, requiring engine replacement. Safety hazard when vehicle rapidly slows on freeway during rush hour.
When: First occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputters; Vehicle rapidly slows on freeway; Check engine lamp flashing; Nearly caused rear-end collision
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement cost nearly $11,000; owner found independent shop offering complete rebuild with 24-month warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory remedy documented
Transmission Hard Shift and Limp Mode
Transmission jolts harshly into 3rd gear and enters limp mode if shift fails. Restricts vehicle to 2nd-gear speed.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jolt into 3rd gear; Transmission enters limp mode; Vehicle speed restricted to 2nd-gear capability
Repairs/costs cited: Requires service to electronic throttle body, stop/start system, and electronic stability control
Driveshaft Failure
Driveshaft separates while driving on highway with cruise control enabled. Large parts fly from vehicle, creating hazard.
When: 62,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging sound from rear; Large parts flying from underneath rear of vehicle; Vehicle independently rolls backward; Damaged rear end
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft and rear end replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case filed; no repair performed by owner
Rear Differential Grinding and Binding
Rear differential gears bind up and grind during turns, especially full left or right. Sounds like gears are failing.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from rear differential during turns; Sounds of binding gears
Repairs/costs cited: Full differential rebuild required
Power Distribution Center / Relay Module Melting
Power distribution center relay contacts melt or socket loses contacts. ASD relay socket damaged. Occurs while driving on highway at highway speeds.
When: During highway driving at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power to accelerator; Vehicle downshifts gears without command; Dashboard message 'park and restart required'; Engine crank with no start; Vehicle restarts intermittently then stalls again; No warning lamps or diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: ASD relay socket missing internal contacts; relay can be moved to reproduce issue
Engine Vibration at 1,800–2,000 RPM
Strong vibration throughout cabin at specific RPM range under load. Vibration felt in steering wheel, pedals, floor, and seat. Creates booming sounds and discomfort. Worse in 4WD than 2WD.
When: After approximately 2,000 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Strong vibration at 1,800–2,000 RPM in all gears and speeds under load; No vibration in park or neutral; Vibration in 4WD auto worse than 2WD or 4WD high; Booming sounds in cabin; Vibration intensifies at highway cruising speeds; Causes headaches and nausea
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA refuses to diagnose or repair; states issue is 'operating as designed' and 'characteristic of vehicle'
PCM / Relay Module Failure
Powertrain control module or relay module fails, causing vehicle to stall and fail to restart. Key fob not recognized.
When: 35–45 mph approaching stop sign; 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls on approach to stop; Fails to restart after push-to-start button; Traction control warning light; 'Key fob not recognized' message; Relay module and PCM fault
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case but provided no additional assistance
Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Failure
OCS sensor fails, triggering check engine light and other warning lights. Causes hesitation on acceleration.
When: 34,115 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and unknown warning lights; Hesitation on accelerator depression
Repairs/costs cited: OCS sensor and electronic throttle body replaced by dealer
Electronic Throttle Body Failure
Electronic throttle body fails, causing acceleration hesitation and warning lights.
When: 34,115 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when depressing accelerator pedal; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic throttle body replaced
Tone Wheel and Crankshaft Sensor Failure
Tone wheel and crankshaft sensor fail while on highway, presenting same safety risk as known issue in 2014–2019 models. Same failure mode as previous recall 66A.
When: Highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure mode requiring repair
Repairs/costs cited: Tone wheel and crankshaft sensor replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Same issue as previous recall 66A on 2014–2019 models
Transmission Shift Delay After Coasting
When coasting or slowing (e.g., making turn, approaching stop), transmission hesitates 2–3 seconds before engaging when driver resumes acceleration. Abrupt engagement follows delay.
When: Various driving situations
Symptoms owners cite: 2–3 second delay during downshift and reacceleration; Abrupt gear engagement after delay; Late response to throttle input after hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected software issue; no updates available
Rollaway While Parked and Idling
Vehicle rolls forward without warning while parked and idling. Fatal incident reported.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; fatality resulted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tailgate latch recall 22V-904 (ZB8) issued but unrelated to rollaway cause
Transmission Failure to Respond in Reverse
Vehicle fails to respond when shifted into reverse gear. Rearview camera also inoperable.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No response when shifted to reverse; Rearview camera inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required under recall 23V301000; parts not yet available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V301000 repair parts delayed beyond reasonable timeframe
Rear Differential Seal Failure and Corrosion
Front differential seal fails, allowing water to leak into differential. Differential rusts as result.
When: 107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking into differential; Differential rusting; 12-volt battery failures (replaced three times); Taillight and headlight bulb failures
Repairs/costs cited: Differential seal replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; not yet repaired
Abrupt Stop When Reversing
Vehicle abruptly stops without warning when reversing at various occasions. Early failure.
When: Approximately 700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle abruptly stops when reversing
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired or diagnosed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Oil Filter Housing Assembly Leak
Oil leaks from plastic oil filter housing assembly. Widespread design defect. Aftermarket aluminum versions exist to prevent recurrence.
When: After oil change at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak under truck
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing assembly replacement required; cost $1,000. Aftermarket aluminum alternatives available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage; known issue not covered
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer case fails, causing jerking and burning smell. Parts on backorder for weeks.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights; Burning smell inside and outside vehicle; Vehicle jerks intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case parts on backorder several weeks; dealer says vehicle drivable despite serious failure risk
Engine Start-Stop System Malfunction
Motor generator affects engine start-stop (eSS) system. Vehicle does not restart automatically when driver releases brake at stop.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to restart when brake released at stop; Engine starts then lurches forward abruptly; Safety hazard with vehicles in front or pedestrians in crosswalk
Repairs/costs cited: System requires diagnosis
eTorque Assembly Bearing Loose / Failure
eTorque assembly bearing fails or comes loose, causing whirring and whining noise. Bearing reported as loose at 2025 service. Part on backorder for months due to commonality of issue.
When: At 2025 service; reported as common issue
Symptoms owners cite: Whirring noise; Whining noise
Repairs/costs cited: eTorque assembly bearing replacement; cost over $1,400 for part alone. Reported as common issue with parts on backorder for months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty per dealer; reportedly recalled on 2021 Ram 1500 but 2020 not covered
Exhaust Fastener Corrosion and Separation
Bolts holding exhaust together corrode and fail. One bolt completely corroded off; second heavily corroded. Flange holds front and back exhaust sections; complete separation risk.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Bolt corrosion; Risk of complete exhaust separation while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust fastener replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Reported as common issue on Ram 1500 HEMI trucks; no documented fix
Random Engine Shutoff While Driving
Engine randomly shuts off while driving without warning. Preceded by strange acceleration or revving sound.
When: Multiple random occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Strange acceleration or revving sound before stall; Random, difficult to reproduce
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet diagnosed
Water Leak Through Third Brake Light
Water leaks inside vehicle through third brake light assembly.
When: 34,115 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking inside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Third brake light repaired by dealer
Ram Air Dam System Failure
Ram air dam system fails, triggering check engine light. Codes clear but failure persists.
When: 34,115 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Codes cleared but failure persisted; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened; no further assistance provided
Transmission Stuck in Gear Despite Shifting Command
Transmission enters and remains in specific gear despite driver command. Requires vehicle restart to resolve temporarily.
When: Various mileages; early failure reported at 22k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips from 35–40 mph; Engine bogs down when releasing gas
Repairs/costs cited: Only 22,000 miles when reported
Front Passenger Mirror Independent Movement
Front passenger-side mirror moves inward independently while driving, obstructing driver visibility. Occurs during forward acceleration after reversing.
When: 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Mirror moves inward without command; Obstructs driver visibility; Prevents safe vehicle operation
Repairs/costs cited: Driver manually pulled mirror outward; not formally repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My 2020 Ram 1500 exhaust manifold leak often causes a loud ticking noise, especially on startup, due to broken bolts or a cracked manifold.
After driving in a few inches of wet snow for about 20 minutes enough snow built up around the transmission that when I went to shift it into park it failed to do so. The dash displayed that there was an error with the transmission and it was unable to determine what gear I was in. The truck was not able to fully turn off and was stuck in accessory mode as a result. After changing gears multiple…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 RAM 1500?
It's a serious issue. 59 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 6,500 and 74,553 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,500; a quarter make it past 74,553. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.