Problems · by component

2020 Ram 1500 power train problems

63 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 1500 cite power train, 10% of all 642 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
63
10% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“MGU Failed, 48v code P0DAF had early signs of premature failure. when on the highway, vehicle shut off completely, no power what so ever. Couldn't steer correctly and vehicle was going highway speeds (approximately 70mph) dealer has confirmed the issue being there MGU gone bad, but I have records of water intrusion multiple times on the rear seats, headliner & back glass (XL1) and water intrusion can cause BPCM to go bad along with the MGU to go bad. they first appeared on or around December 2025, most likely way before that but just never noticed it. check engine light came on and showed a code for the BPCM going bad and then I had the CHMSL replaced 3 times under warranty & then the 4th visit they did they urethane warranty superseded the XL1 and even after that fix, there water leak still occurred and dealership wouldn't fix it they stated Stellantis denied the back glass replacement and further repairs because im out of warranty but the warranty expires 8 Years/150,000 miles and my vehicle is only 6 years old and sitting at 118,350 miles. but the entire problem with water intrusion most likely started anywhere from 60-70,000 miles ago. even when I purchased…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11755103
“I PCSd from Springfield, MO to Fort Bliss Texas. I bought the truck [XXX]. I make it to TX. Driving the first Saturday in TX on [XXX] it just shuts down and put me in a very scary situation. I was stuck in the middle of the high way. It does not drive. The Etorque/generator is bad and is now on order from my local Dodge dealership. It literally shut down my truck and will not start, run, nothing. It’s been in the shop for 40 days with a no ETA on the part ordered. This should definitely be a safety recall as it just stalled me on the highway.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11746568
“At 60mph the vehie suddenly did a 180 and went backwards down the road. Fortunately it was a straight stretch and no oncoming traffic. Rear axle sized up, drive shaft shrown, and rear shaft froze resulting in equivalent of rear brakes onky thus the 180. Rear axle lost all lubrication and this is very similar to existing safety recall on other Ram models but not this one.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2026Power trainCrash reportedODI 11744184
“While coming to a stop at an intersection, vehicle engine stalled and transmission automatically slammed itself into park, with no warning, nearly causing a collision. This issue has previously been recalled for other Ram Trucks - some were not appropriately recalled and pose a major safety risk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11738937
“Vehicle Info •2020 Ram 1500 •Approximately 70,000 miles •eTorque system ________________________________________ Complaint: I am reporting a failure of the eTorque system in my 2020 Ram 1500 that has rendered the vehicle inoperable for an extended period of time. The vehicle experienced an eTorque system failure and has been out of service since December 23, 2025. The vehicle is covered under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. After a prolonged delay in obtaining replacement parts, a replacement component was installed; however, the replacement part was defective, leaving the vehicle in the same inoperable condition and restarting the repair process. As a result, the vehicle has been out of service for over three months. The failure of a drivetrain-related system, combined with the installation of a defective replacement part, raises concerns regarding reliability and potential safety risks. A sudden loss of system function while the vehicle is in operation could present a safety hazard. The extended delay in repair, along with the defective replacement component, raises concern that this may not be an isolated incident but could indicate a broader component…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2026Power trainODI 11727055

Showing 6 of 63 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.