Electrical, fuel system, and structure problems among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Driving a heavy-duty pickup truck should be enjoyable and full of adventure. It should also be safe, which is what the manufacturers of the 2020 Dodge Ram 3500 claim when they say owners can
“stay protected.” With a defective electrical system, faulty fuel system and poorly-built structure, customers have been taking to the Internet to raise awareness about how dangerous this truck actually is, thereby negating what the company claims.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018
When the electrical system begins to malfunction, every ride becomes a burden. That’s what is seen with the 2020 Ram 3500 models.
One Edmunds review states, “This is our 2nd Ram, first was a two year battle with numerous issues. Finally hired a lawyer and Dodge bought it back. So we upgraded as I still love the truck…Bad mistake, left on the side of the road in the dessert with livestock and my family. Power steering just turned off. 3 days stuck in a hotel with livestock in a trailer, 1 hr after they fixed it, it failed again. Now we are going on 3 weeks with no communication from FCA, just a run around. No answers and no support..meanwhile we lose money on rentals and canceling things because we have no truck.”
It’s clear that Ram no longer knows how to build trucks. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V191000 shows that the company can’t even create a backup camera system. The image on these cameras continues to display when it shouldn’t, creating quite the distraction for drivers. Additionally, the powertrain seems to be an issue as well. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V043000 says that there’s a build-up of pressure and heat inside the six-speed automatic transmission that can cause a fluid leak. There’s nothing better than showing how superior a truck is than to have a trail of fluid following behind.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Engine | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | |
| Power Train | |
| Steering | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Wheels | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Structure:body |
The fuel system is clearly just as bad, with customers complaining about how the Ram 3500 is letting them down.
Another Edmunds user wrote, “We have owned this truck for three months. It has about 2500 miles. The fuel pump came apart, mechanic’s words. The truck left use on the side of the road with a load of cows. It is now in the shop awaiting repair. 5hey have to replace the entire fuel system, but cannot obtain all of the parts. It’s been in the shop for weeks. Needless to say we are not happy, it’s a brand new truck!”
How can the fuel system be right when the engine isn’t? NHTSA Campaign Number 21V439000 says that the engine calibration software doesn’t alert drivers to low oil volume. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V511000 says that there could be a lack of oil film on the connecting rod bearing resulting in catastrophic engine damage and rod failure. It could even cause the rods to puncture the block, which would require an engine replacement. Because no one wants an expensive truck that needs a new engine, this Ram is going to find itself at the bottom of America’s favorite trucks very soon. Quite frankly, the defects are only going to make the Blue Oval even stronger.
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One look at how the 2020 Ram 3500 was built and it becomes clear that very little thought was put into the design and assembly.
One final Edmunds review states, “I’ve been in my 2020 Ram 3500 Tradesmen now for about three months. Just a few issues so far, drive side headlight holding water, rear drivers side rear shock leaking fluid, front brakes squeaking at all speeds, front hood shaking at interstate speeds and as low as 60 mph. Rear auto leveling air suspension not working properly. Drivers side seat to high, they could at least put manual adjustable seats in a vehicle priced above 65k. Now, the last thing to let you know. The chrome hubcaps on the front wheel make a clicking noise and will drive you crazy if your window is down.”
There are even more recalls on this heavy-duty truck. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V398000 states that some flanged lug nuts were over-tightened from the factory, leading to broken wheel studs or even wheel separation. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V207000 shows that the accessory bed step can fail while people are standing on it. This truck is literally falling apart at the seams, but customers are left to believe that they can “stay protected” behind the wheel.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Dodge pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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