VehicleVerdict

2020 Ram 3500 engine problems

The 2020 Ram 3500 has 29 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 19% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

29

Engine complaints

19%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

21V439000EngineJune 10, 2021 · 32,002 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.

Consequence

Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.

20V511000EngineAugust 27, 2020 · 32,318 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.

Consequence

A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

What owners report

TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON THE FREEWAY AND REACHED 70MPH WHEN I COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. PULLED OVER AND IT QUICKLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. STATE FARM CLAIM 28-18Q6-12R ELIZABETH ANDERSON, CLAIM SPECIALIST, [PHONE]X2539126712

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2021 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2020 Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA has 29 complaints about the 2020 Ram 3500 engine — 19% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Ram 3500 engine?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the engine: 20V511000, 21V439000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.