Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 622 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ram 1500, and it carries 14 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 69 | 11% |
| Engine | 56 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 52 | 8% |
| Steering | 39 | 6% |
| Visibility/wiper | 35 | 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 33 | 5% |
| Structure | 31 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 25 | 4% |
| Power train | 25 | 4% |
| Fuel system | 19 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
While driving on I 75 steam began coming through our vents while we were 50 miles from home. There was also a very strong smell of coolant, which gave everyone headaches and made them feel nauseous. After taking it to a
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Twice in the past two years, the eTorque system had failed will driving on the highest. When the unit fails, you lose all power asks if you're battery is low, you can pose the ability to even steer. The first time, I was
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The power steering goes out at random times after the steering warning light comes on. This usually happens after the secondary cooling system kicks in. I have had it looked at by one mechanic who thinks it's the rack an
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Three dealers, in
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
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
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Loud whining sound coming from engine. The dealership confirmed a MGU Alternator failure.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Fuel pump failure and fortunately it failed when I had stopped to get fuel.
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled with the ch
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 1500. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbe
Risk: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-14
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 Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio di
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 avai
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.
Risk: Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-
| Reliability raw | 57 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| Maintenance | 71 | good |
| Depreciation | 71 | good |
| Performance | 68 | good |
| Efficiency | 39 | below average |
| Safety | 56 | average |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 622 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and unknown or other is the most reported area with 69 of them (11%). There are 14 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 57/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2020 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 56/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.