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
View on NHTSA →2020 RAM 2500 powertrain problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 RAM 2500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
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.
Driveline Vibration. Prop Shaft Diagnostic Information.
View on NHTSA →When customer complaint is related to inoperative 4 Wheel Drive shifter, loss of 4WD function and/or 4WD related MIL please reference SOL Case #S2508000062 prior to replacement of Transfer Case shift motor.
View on NHTSA →TRANSFER CASE BW 44-46 If fluid leak is present between the transfer case and the rear driveshaft on a 4WD vehicle the Output Shaft Seal should be considered in lieu of entire transfer case or driveshaft replacement. In the case of major damage to components,
View on NHTSA →SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2020 Ram 2500 describe multiple powertrain problems across 17 complaints. Transmission failures dominate: complete inability to shift into Drive, refusal to shift out of Park without restarting, grinding through all gears, and slipping that kicks hard at 3000 RPM. One owner's transmission failed under 900 miles; they ultimately needed three separate replacement transmissions because the second also failed with grinding sounds. Another's transmission dipstick ejected while driving, spraying fluid and throwing codes for 3rd and 5th gears.
Loss of engine power is recurring and dangerous: multiple owners lost power on highways or in intersections, nearly causing collisions. One truck dropped gears during acceleration and nearly got rear-ended by big rigs on an interstate. Vehicles enter limp mode capped at 50–65 MPH, unresponsive to throttle.
Other critical failures include unintended shifts (truck shifted from Drive to Park at 40 MPH on its own), sudden surges forward while stopped, and one catastrophic engine fire at 5,000 miles that totaled the vehicle.
Owners repeatedly cite NHTSA Campaign 22V835000 (Powertrain), but report parts unavailability and lengthy dealer backlogs—some visited the dealership 5–6+ times over months without resolution. One owner has carried the recall since November 2021 with no fix. Dealership diagnostics often find no problem despite obvious failures.
Same RAM 2500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure—complete loss of shift capability, grinding, fluid loss
Multiple owners report catastrophic transmission failures requiring replacement. Cases include inability to shift into drive, refusal to shift out of park without engine restart, grinding noises through all gears, and one instance where the transmission dipstick ejected while driving, causing transmission fluid loss and fault codes for 3rd and 5th gears. In one case, a transmission failed at under 900 miles; the owner ultimately needed a third transmission replacement after the second also failed with grinding sounds. One narrative mentions the dealership's service paperwork listed the cause as a recall despite denials.
When: Between 900 and 26,689 miles; one case at approximately 5,000 miles (fire-related); another at 16,000 miles (slipping/catching)
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into drive; requires engine restart; Grinding sounds through all gears; Transmission slipping and catching aggressively at 3000 RPM before slamming into next gear; Vehicle will not shift to higher gears; tachometer reaches 5500 RPM while stuck in third; Transmission dipstick ejects from vehicle while driving; Loss of forward power; vehicle limited to 50 MPH at 3000 RPM with elevated transmission temperature (227°F)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated (unspecified codes), Codes for 3rd and 5th gear malfunction (post-dipstick ejection)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple complete transmission replacements performed; one owner required three separate transmissions due to repeated failures. Parts availability and scheduling delays reported—some owners waited 5–6+ dealer visits and months for repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign Number 22V835000 (Powertrain recall) issued; however, owners report parts were not available and manufacturers exceeded reasonable timeframes for repair. Some owners not notified of recall; one was denied recall status despite service paperwork indicating recall as the cause.
Unexpected surge forward while stopped; erroneous 'Shift to Park' message
Owner reports truck surges forward randomly (approximately twice a month) while stopped at traffic light with vehicle in Drive and brake engaged. Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park to Start' message despite engine already running with brake only applied. Owner notes dealership found no problem when vehicle was brought in and declined to diagnose without extended shop time. Issue persists over one year despite throttle body service at 30,000 miles.
When: Recurring over one year; still occurring after 30,000 mile service
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward surge while stopped (brake engaged, in Drive); Erroneous dash message 'Shift to Park to Start' while vehicle running; Occurs randomly, approximately twice per month; Hazard if full brake pressure not applied
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis made. Dealership stated 'no problem found' and suggested extended diagnostic monitoring without clear resolution path.
Loss of power while driving; limp-mode limitation and gear reduction
Multiple owners report sudden, severe loss of engine power while actively driving, often on highways or during acceleration. Vehicles enter a limp mode, limiting speed to 50–65 MPH regardless of throttle input. In one case, the truck dropped gears, slowed dramatically, and nearly caused multi-vehicle collision with big rigs on busy interstate. Another owner lost power midway across a highway intersection, almost colliding with oncoming traffic. Throttle unresponsiveness occurs intermittently. One truck stuck in second gear and refused higher shifts; another climbed RPM to 5500+ without upshifting. Transmission temperature rose to 227°F in one instance.
When: Varying mileage; one case within first 900 miles; another at 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, complete loss of power output; Vehicle limited to 50–65 MPH regardless of throttle input (limp mode); Engine dropped gears mid-acceleration; Truck would not shift out of 2nd gear; RPMs climb with no transmission upshift; Transmission temperature elevated (227°F); Throttle became unresponsive intermittently; would 'stop working' at random; Severe sputtering, vibration, and loud knocking in engine prior to power loss
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not documented)
Repairs/costs cited: One truck declared roadside dead and was subsequently towed. Owners report temporary regaining of partial function after shutdown and restart, but failures recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner referenced NHTSA Campaign Number 22V835000 (Powertrain). Owner suspects CP4 fuel pump system defect.
Engine fire under hood; total loss vehicle
Vehicle caught fire under the hood while being driven at low grade uphill at 35 MPH while towing a light trailer. White smoke issued from under hood prior to flames; no warning lights observed. Vehicle burst into flames seconds after driver exited, engulfing cabin and trailer. Fire spread to road surface and shoulder. Vehicle declared total loss by insurance. Owner relates failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V835000 (Powertrain). Owner was unable to schedule recall appointment due to dealer staffing shortage.
When: Approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from under hood while towing uphill at 35 MPH; No warning lights observed prior to fire; Rapid progression to flames engulfing hood, cabin, and trailer
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to impound and declared total loss. Fire marshal issued report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V835000 (Powertrain) notification received; owner unable to schedule recall due to dealer understaffing.
Unwanted gear selection change; vehicle shifts into park or reverse on its own
Two separate cases: one owner's truck shifted from Drive to Park by itself at 40 MPH, simultaneously activating four-way flashers; second owner placed vehicle in Park with 'P' flashing, vehicle moved backward when driver exited, shifted into Reverse, and struck object when repositioned to Park. Dealer found no issue in second case.
When: Unspecified mileage for both cases
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended shift from Drive to Park at 40 MPH with simultaneous four-way flasher activation; Vehicle moving backward while parked (P flashing); Automatic shift into Reverse when owner exited vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Second case: door, hinges, and fender damaged when vehicle rolled backward. First case self-corrected after manual shift back to Drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer found no issue in second case.
Fuel pump system issues—chatter and imminent failure risk
Owner reports urgent need for pulley tensioner and clutch fan replacement after two dealer visits. Specifically cites CP4 fuel pump as a safety hazard given truck's intended use for towing heavy loads on interstates. States CP3 pump should be reinstated due to horrible fuel pump chatter and imminent failure concern. Owner reports truck also rolls 5 feet in Park when engine off, with no apparent cause.
When: Unspecified; ongoing after multiple dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump chatter (CP4 system); Truck rolls approximately 5 feet while parked and engine off; Pulley tensioner and clutch fan dysfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Pulley tensioner and clutch fan replacement needed; attending dealer appointments (third scheduled).
Check engine light with ECU system issues; recall parts unavailability
Owner received check engine light illumination; dealership reset ECU system. Owner subsequently received NHTSA Campaign Number 22V835000 (Powertrain) recall notification but parts were not available for recall repair. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for repair completion.
When: Approximately 17,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Unspecified diagnostic codes requiring ECU reset
Repairs/costs cited: ECU system reset performed at dealer; recall repair parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V835000 (Powertrain) notification issued; recall repair parts not available; manufacturer exceeded reasonable repair timeframe.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Transmission dipstick threw out of the truck while moving and causes transmission fluid to spray out and now the truck will not move. It’s throwing 2 codes for the 3rd and 5th gears malfunctioning. There is a recall on the transmission we were not notified about until we called the dealership to explain what happened.
This is the worst truck I've ever purchased, a simple fix needed to the pulley tensioner and the clutch fan is needed..been to dealer twice going a 3rd time . The fuel pump cp4 is a danger to drivers and pedestrians as these trucks are meant for pulling heavy loads and mostly on interstates which makes it a danger. The cp3 is needed back in the trucks as there is a horrible fuel pump chatter at…
Went to cross a highway, started accelerating and about halfway across the road, the accelerator acted as if if just stopped working, and almost caused a collision with oncoming traffic. Managed to coast across the road, and get out of harms way. Tried to take off again and got to approximately 20mph and the accelerator stopped working again. Took off again and the truck seemed to be ok, then at…
On september 19, 2020, purchased a vehicle and traded in a 2013 chev. On 09/27 we were driving home engine light comes on, the vehicle has less than 900 miles.. On 09/28 vehicle taken to the nearest dealership( not purchased from) in which no one would pay to have towed. It took a week to be told a new transmission was needed. Was given a run around on the timeframe for repair. Chrysler and…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 RAM 2500?
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 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 9,250 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2500.
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.