Problems · by component

2020 Ram 1500 electrical system problems

165 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 1500 cite electrical system, 26% of all 642 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
165
26% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent starting failures. In addition, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated and the message "Please Put the Car in Park" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to a gas station, shut off, and refueled; however, the vehicle failed to start immediately and only restarted after approximately 30 minutes. The battery was replaced by AAA. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where the contact was informed that no failure was found and the failure could not be duplicated. Several messages and warning lights, including "Key Fob Not Detected", "Parking Brake Error", the ABS warning light, and the traction control warning light were illuminated during the failure. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, and the technicians advised the dealer to replace the key fob; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was undergoing further diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11774464
“On August 11, 2026, following substantial rain, the engine unexpectedly stalled three times while the vehicle was being driven. The most serious occurrence happened at approximately 70 mph in heavy highway traffic. The engine stopped and gauges dropped to zero, while electrical accessories and infotainment remained powered. The vehicle restarted immediately but would stall again if shifted out of park. This occurred several times before staying on. No check engine light appeared at any point indicating an issue. Other stalls occurred at lower speeds. I subsequently discovered significant recurring water intrusion into the rear cab. Water visibly drips from both upper corners of the rear-window area during rain and has saturated the rear seat and reached the floor under the rear seats up to the front passenger footwell. My children’s car seats have been soaked. Moisture meter (pin based) readings confirm elevated moisture, visible mold has developed, and the interior has a strong odor. My VIN currently shows the manufacturer’s XG1 extended warranty related to CHMSL water intrusion. I am concerned that water intrusion may have affected the RF hub, wiring,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical system, Structure, SeatsODI 11769572
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11768931
“"Factory rear window/brake light leak allowed water to flood the interior cabin, destroying the RF Hub module. This caused the vehicle to dynamically stall at 40 mph in traffic, creating a severe safety hazard."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Electrical systemODI 11766583
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Ram 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 95,205, and at the time of reviewing the documents, it was discovered that the mileage was 95,911.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026Electrical systemODI 11764988
“While traveling at 40mph, total los of steering. Vehicle veered off the road and was uncontrollable. Power steering service light illuminated seconds before steering was inoperable. Turned off vehicle and restarted. Issue was not present after restart. Vehicle was recovered, sent to dealership for diagnostic. Problem could not be replicated at dealership. The next day, vehicle had the same issue. This time in a school zone. Vehicle is now parked and not driven out of fear.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11764828

Showing 6 of 165 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.