Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling, the vehicle inadvertently rolled forward without warning. The vehicle rolled forward and pinned his brother to the front driver's side box located at the opening of the garage door. Medical attention was required. The contact's brother was later declared deceased. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Manufacturer Safety recall issued NHTSA #22V-904 Recall #ZB8 2019 - 2022 D TRUCK TAILGATE LATCH ALIGNMENT Status: Remedy available
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. While the vehicle was still on the road, the contact shifted to park(P) and then back to drive(D), and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. However, the contact stated that the failure had occurred six times. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear knob independently shifted gears. …
The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were observed at the scene by a volunteer firefighter, the responding officer, and the tow truck operator. Additionally, an independent witness reported that the truck appeared to abruptly lift off the roadway, as though something suddenly caused it to "go flying." Due to the sudden nature of the incident, no warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of control. All airbags deployed during the incident. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light and power train warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or right, and while pulling off the roadway the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated while attempting to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the E-Torque Alternator had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to repair the vehicle was on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. …
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving with the cruise control feature enabled at 70 MPH, the contact noticed a loud banging sound. The contact noticed in the rearview mirror that large parts were flying from underneath the rear of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle independently rolled backward. The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed drive shaft and damaged rear end. The contact was informed that the driveshaft and the rear of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,400.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after driving 35-45 MPH, the contact approached a stop sign, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after pushing the Push-to-Start button. The traction control warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the key fob not recognized message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the relay module and PCM and referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into reverse(R). Additionally, the rearview camera was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 15 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 4th to 1st gear. The contact stated that the "Shift to Park, and then Start" message was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off and coasted to a stop. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the highway to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact that the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to an electrical failure. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had been replaced three times, and the taillight bulbs and front headlight low beam bulbs were replaced several times. The contact stated that when the vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer for the electrical failure, the contact was informed that the front differential seal had failed and was allowing water to leak into the differential, causing the differential to rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Transmission complaints in other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2020 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2020 Ram 1500, 10% of the model year's 640 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ram 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2020 Ram 1500, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Ram 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 54% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.