Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after starting the engine, moments later the contact came back to discover fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact and co-workers used fire extinguishers to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was later towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
On the date of 11/11/2022 the vehicle experienced an electrical fire in the engine compartment. This happened after the vehicle completed a heater grid cycle before starting remotely. All signs of the fire from photographs clearly show the fire starting from the ground bolt location of the heater grid. This seems to be a common issue when researching forums among other owners of the same vehicle with the same engine options. There were no warning lights or other indications of a problem with the vehicle before this happened. Thankfully I keep a fire extinguisher in my vehicle and was able to save the vehicle. It is currently at a dealership awaiting parts and further confirmation of the fire source.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to start the vehicle by banging on the starter underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the starter needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer confirmed the failure as a common issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,500.
As I was operating my vehicle on I95 northbound smoke began to pour out of my vents. I was able to pull over and was able to determine there was a fire behind the radio in my truck. I immediately grabbed the personal affects that I could grab and called 911. However within 5 minutes the cab of the truck.was engulfed im flames.
I was driving my truck on 10/26 approximately 9 am when the engine made a loud knocking noise and then proceed to make a erratic clanking noise. The truck proceeded to completely shut off while driving, rendering me unable to control the vehicle as all systems shut down. There were no warning lights present or any other warning signs. It coasted to a stop on the side of the road. The safety of myself and anyone around me was at high risk as I had no ability to control the vehicle. The vehicle only has 12,000 miles on it so I had it towed to the closest dealership, Autostar of Hendersonville NC. It took a week to get a diagnosis because their solitary diesel tech was on vacation. They offered my no loaner vehicle and FCA has not made an adequate offer to cover the full cost of a loaner vehicle. The diagnosis on the vehicle was a high pressure fuel pump failure. …
2nd visit to dodge dealership, While towing a trailer with the trailer electrical plug in use, the trailer breaks keep going out, I am driving down the road and the dash warning comes on saying the trailer breaks are disconnected. When trying to stop, at first I will not have trailer breaks, so I have to bare down on the truck brakes to stop the trailer, then the trailer brakes start working and jerks the truck back. Also, when not towing a trailer the dash warning comes on saying incompatible trailer?? No trailer is plugged in. At the dealership all day, they are telling me nothing is wrong. It is NOT the 5th wheel trailer, I spent $1,200 on new brakes, electrical and plug for trailer. It is the truck.
Vehicle randomly shuts off during normal operation. Same as if the Start / Stop button were activated. Vehicle coasts until it self applies the emergency brake at about 3mph causing a sudden, jerky complete stop. Switches itself to Park. Dash indicates "sterp on brake to restart". Vehicle restarts normally but may randomly shut down again. Safety risk is loss of steering, loss of power brake control, and total loss of power in traffic. Taking it to dealer today. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. No messages or warning lights display. This is a recent problem but recurring with increasing frequency.
My driver was driving 25mph when the whole dash and interior lights started flashing and the dash said electric steering was unavailable and 4wd disabled and braking disabled , the truck could not be steered or braked , my driver had to use the emergency brake to stop the truck and gooseneck trailer attached . The electrical disabled all electrical braking including trailer brakes and steering and 4wd . The transmission is also randomly doing a hard downshift into 4th gear and slamming him into the dash and will be stuck in that gear .
2500 Truck randomly activates emergency braking for no reason. Occurs a couple times a month. Every occurrence has zero obstructions in front. I took it to the Tate Ram dealer (frederick MD) and they refused to update their software unless I pay them +$285.00. The Ram dealer is even aware of the software issue. I told them this is a life safety issue and not my fault. I requested the fix immediately but refused. I also have an active full MOPAR warranty, and they still said it's not covered. This is insane
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Electrical System), 21V880000(Fuel System, Diesel), and 22V904000 (Structure). The dealer was made aware if the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2020 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Ram 2500, 12% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is starter assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ram 2500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2020 Ram 2500, though it has 10 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 2500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.