Vehicle Guide

2020 RAM 2500 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2020 RAM 2500, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2020 RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty full-size pickup built for towing, hauling, and hard daily use, positioned between light-duty half-tons and the most extreme commercial-grade trucks. It’s ideal for owners who need serious capability for trailers, jobsite equipment, or large campers, but still want modern comfort and technology. The 2020 model continues the redesigned heavy-duty RAM platform introduced for 2019, bringing a more refined cabin, available advanced driver aids, and strong powertrain options. In the HD segment, it competes directly with the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, emphasizing ride quality and interior usability.

Key Features

- Engine choices for different workloads: a 6.4L HEMI V8 gasoline engine (known for strong low-end power and simpler ownership) and an available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 for high-torque towing. - Heavy-duty towing and payload capability when properly equipped, with trailer-focused hardware such as integrated trailer brake control and available fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep on many configurations. - Available 4x4 drivetrains and multiple cab/bed combinations, letting buyers tailor the truck for work fleets, towing builds, or mixed daily driving. - Modern interior and infotainment for its class, including available large touchscreen systems, smartphone integration, and useful storage throughout the cabin. - Available driver-assistance and safety tech (depending on trim and options), such as blind-spot monitoring and parking aids that make a large truck easier to maneuver.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers often search “2020 RAM 2500 problems” and “2020 RAM 2500 reliability” because heavy-duty trucks see demanding use. Overall, many owners report strong capability and durability when maintained, but a few common issues show up in complaints and service discussions: 1) Steering and front-end “death wobble”/shimmy: Some owners report a violent front-end shake after hitting a bump at highway speeds, more commonly on 4x4 trucks or those with larger tires/aftermarket wheels. This can appear anywhere from 10,000–60,000 miles and may involve steering stabilizer wear, track bar/ball joint play, tire balance, or alignment. 2) Electrical/infotainment glitches: Intermittent issues with the Uconnect system (freezing, rebooting, camera dropouts) and occasional warning lights or sensor faults are reported. These problems can show up early (often within the first 5,000–30,000 miles) and are frequently resolved with software updates, module resets, or component replacement. 3) Diesel emissions system concerns (6.7L Cummins): Some owners experience check-engine lights tied to EGR/DPF/NOx sensors, soot loading, or DEF-related faults. These concerns are more likely with lots of short trips or extended idling and can occur in the 20,000–80,000-mile range depending on driving patterns and fuel/DEF quality. 4) Brake wear and noise under load: Heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, and mountainous driving can accelerate pad/rotor wear and cause vibration or squeal. While not unique to RAM, it’s a common real-world ownership note, especially for trucks used hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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