Buying a used 2020 RAM 3500? Check these 11 recalls first
Recalls here concentrate on fire risk: two separate transmission fluid leak campaigns, diesel engine damage, a missed low-oil warning, and stalling without warning. Wheel studs, wiper arms, a stability control warning light, a tailgate that may open while driving and an accessory bed step round it out. No stop-driving or park-outside orders were issued. NHTSA received 116 unverified owner complaints — seven fires, six crashes, four injuries — mostly fuel, propulsion and engine.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Confirm both transmission fluid leak recalls were closed, not just one
- Look under the truck for fluid residue or heat marks near the transmission and exhaust
- Test the tailgate latch and check whether the accessory bed step recall applies
- Open recalls are repaired free at any RAM dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2020 RAM 3500
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 and 3500 transmission fluid can leak and burn | Power Train | critical |
| Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 diesel engine damage, fire risk | Engine And Engine Cooling | critical |
| Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 may miss low-oil warning | Engine And Engine Cooling | critical |
| Ram Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks Can Stall Without Warning | Fuel System, Diesel | critical |
| Ram 2500 and 3500 transmission fluid leak fire risk | Power Train | critical |
| Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 wheel studs may break | Wheels | high |
| Jeep, Ram and Dodge backup camera image stays on screen | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| Ram heavy-duty trucks: windshield wiper arms can come loose | Visibility | medium |
| Ram and Durango stability control warning light may not work | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | medium |
| Ram pickup tailgate may open while you drive | Structure | medium |
| Ram 2500 and 3500 accessory bed step can break | Structure | low |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
116 complaints filed for this model year, including 6 mentioning a crash, 7 a fire and 4 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 57 | Yes |
| Engine | 27 | Yes |
| Power Train | 12 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 9 | None found |
| Brakes | 8 | Yes |
| Wheels | 7 | Yes |