2020 Ram 3500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 114 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 136 |
| 2016 | 133 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 775 |
| 2019 | 134 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2022 | 184 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
As I was preparing to travel for the holidays comÃng up, I was traveling to Texas to see family. I was driving around 65 mph when suddenly the truck started jerking and slowing down when the gas pedal would not give it power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211114
I was on my way home from the local RAM Dealer last night, where I wanted to sell my truck (after inspecting it, they offered me $82K for it), when, spontaneously, my truck started to smoke from under the hood and literally burst into flames!
NHTSA ODI report, 20211113
22% of complaints: engine — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
As I was driving the vehicle caught fire and I lost brakes. The vehicle had to be put into a retention pond to stop it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231205
TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON THE FREEWAY AND REACHED 70MPH WHEN I COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. PULLED OVER AND IT QUICKLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210417
18% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 20 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 20V043000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge...
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020.
Campaign 20V191000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 20V207000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 20V511000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
Campaign 21V439000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 21V398000 — check if this car was fixed
High pressure fuel pump failure
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 22V035000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Campaign 22V140000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 21V880000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 22V904000 — check if this car was fixed
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 22V835000 — check if this car was fixed
High pressure fuel pump failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Ram 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V043000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V191000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V207000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V511000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V439000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V398000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V035000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V140000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V880000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V904000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V835000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Ram 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Ram 3500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 3500?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 3500 have?
11 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.