2020 Ram 1500 ClassicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 644 owner complaints for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic. Most complaints involve electrical system (166) and engine (156). The EPA rates it 17–20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“Truck burned down. Reported problems earlier to you with stellantis/ram having issues with the etorque and not helping to resolve, along with not producing parts. Etorque failed in beginning of 2026, replaced OEM for $5,000(5 times the price it should have been) with no help of ram/stellantis. Now, somewhere in the engine caught on fire and burned the whole truck. Insurance has done investigation and I have received the claim. Safety concern:my wife and [XXX] were in the vehicle, started it and it caught fire. Lucky to have gotten out safe. Total loss of vehicle. The ram rebel 2020 and specifically etorque and electrical all should be looked into and proper action be taken with ram/stellantis to its customers.”
Engine
“I bought this used truck with 60K miles on it in 2024. It is a 2020 truck. At 136K the engine failed.........with the infamous [XXX]. I have an excel summary spread sheet on all maintenance I had done since I owned this truck and I did not pull or haul anything. I heard a tick for about 10 days before I took it to my dealer whom I bought it from and they stated after "scoping" that the # 8 cylinder misfired and cylinder wall scored and the lifter pin bearing failed thus cam shaft damaged and exhaust manifold cracked. They had to replace the engine with a remanufactured engine from [XXX] and replaced intake and exhaust Manifold at a cost of $ 15,021 out of my pocket. I was stuck with no options logically. I do not have a problem with the Dealership - [XXX]. I have a problem with Ram Engineering, Stalantis design. To me there is no excuse to have a big cast iron block v-8 fail at 136K miles. There are many more ram owners who have this same problem I just stated that I had. If I knew then what I know now i would have never bought this truck with this 5.7L engine. There were no warnings, messages or anything displayed to alert there was a problem. I expect that…”
Steering
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages “Power Steering Unavailable - Service Required”, “Service Air Suspension Immediately”, and “Blind Spot Unavailable” were displayed. The contact stated that after the messages were displayed, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission intermittently surged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken or towed to the dealer on several occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed with transaxle failure and steering column failures. The battery, transmission, and the radio were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,959.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 450 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 475 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 513 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,200 | 526 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2020 1500 Classic questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Ram 1500 Classic problems?
Owners filed 644 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (166), engine (156), steering (65). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic at 17–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic 4 out of 5 stars overall.