2020 RAM 3500 engine problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 RAM 3500 — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cooling fan module had failed, and the engine needed to be…”
filed Feb 26, 2026
“Codes: P2002, P242F, P2463, P1451 Failures: DPF, Charge air cooler leak, PM sensors, EGR internally cracked, Catalytic Convertor, Pink tinged oil, strong diesel odor in oil - post failures. Erratic def gauge readings, unstable idling, clunking downshift when exhaust brake decelerates, warm up…”
filed Feb 21, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volumeCampaign 21V439000 · Jun 10, 2021
- Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod…Campaign 20V511000 · Aug 27, 2020
Related service bulletins
Sensor - turbocharger speed
113744 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2026Bearing - crankshaft thrust and kit
112906 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2026
Engine problems in other 3500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 2 | 9% |
| 2025 3500 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 3500 | 5 | 13% |
| 2022 3500 | 23 | 12% |
| 2021 3500 | 10 | 16% |
| 2019 3500 | 21 | 16% |
| 2018 3500 | 15 | 2% |
| 2017 3500 | 28 | 9% |
| 2016 3500 | 21 | 16% |
| 2015 3500 | 27 | 20% |
| 2014 3500 | 29 | 14% |
| 2013 3500 | 27 | 24% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 RAM 3500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.