Problems · by component

2020 Ram 1500 service brakes problems

40 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 1500 cite service brakes, 6% of all 642 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
40
6% of all complaints
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The electronic gear selector on my 2020 Ram 1500 intermittently displays a "Shift to Park" warning while the vehicle is in motion, specifically during downshifting or braking. Each occurrence is accompanied by a physical jerk or lurch, consistent with the vehicle momentarily engaging an unintended gear. The warning clears without driver input. These events occur during active deceleration and represent a loss of predictable vehicle behavior, creating a serious risk of rear-end collision or loss of control. The problem has not been resolved. A dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended a Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update referencing TSB 21-019-24, to be performed at the owner's expense. No root-cause diagnosis was provided. The underlying hardware cause, most likely the gear selector position sensor or transmission range sensor, was not confirmed or ruled out. The dealer is insisting the owner pay for the software update without establishing whether the bulletin covers the reported symptom or whether the vehicle VIN falls within its scope. No warning lamps preceded the first occurrence. The symptom appeared without prior indication and has…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11747945
“ABS light keeps coming on and off. The 4WD keeps going on and off and the cruise control and traction keeps working then not working. There is a recall for other year models for the ABS system that basically is exactly what’s happening with my truck. I am worried that it will go out and my truck will stop and cause and accident which almost happened today. This should be a recall alongside those other year models.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 2, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11728834
“On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 20, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11712244
“I am submitting a report regarding the hacking of my vehicle that has persisted over the past five years. I have previously stated that my scammer, [XXX] , along with her associates, continues to remotely manipulate the gear of my vehicle while I am driving. Furthermore, they are targeting the lighting and dome lights in my vehicle in an attempt to jeopardize my safety. Additionally, the manufacturer experienced a data breach in September 2025. Please feel free to contact me at [XXX] .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2025Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11707429
“My truck was taken to the ram dealership in Conway, AR and they told me it needed an ABS Module and it was ordered and that was in January of 2025 so it has now been almost a year that the part (ABS Module) has been on back order and there is still no ETA. That is a serious issue and my truck that I have still been paying on is not fit to drive safely and hasn’t been since. Something needs to be done about that and time is very much of the essence!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 11, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11698863
“ABS module needs replaced. It was recalled in all trucks except for this year model. It is currently on back order and I have been waiting for the part for almost a year! All emergency lights in the dash are on all the time and now when I am driving, the accelerator goes completely dead. It happens randomly and has happened multiple times now. The dealership has accessed this and stated that the ABS module will fix the problem. This is very dangerous and needs to be looked into. Why can’t they fix my truck?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11695989

Showing 6 of 40 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.