The 2020 Ram 2500 is a workhorse with two very different personalities: the 6.4L Hemi is generally reliable but thirsty, while the 6.7L Cummins has specific weaknesses in emissions systems and lift pump longevity. The Aisin transmission behind the diesel is stout, but the 68RFE behind the Hemi sees cooler and mount failures.
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with coolant, pink or milky coolant in overflow tank, Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Hard shifts or loss of gears after coolant contamination
Fix: Replace cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely. If contamination went unnoticed, expect internal trans damage requiring rebuild. 4-6 hours labor for cooler only, 12-18 hours if transmission needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 cooler only; $3,500-5,500 with rebuild
Cummins CP4 Lift Pump Failure (Diesel)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended crank time, Loss of power under load, limp mode, Metal shavings in fuel filter, fuel system contamination when pump grenades
Fix: CP4 pump itself is the weak link—when it fails catastrophically, metal debris circulates through entire fuel system. Requires pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank cleaning. Preventive upgrade to aftermarket lift pump recommended. 8-12 hours labor for pump only, 20-30 hours for full contamination cleanup.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,500 pump replacement; $8,000-12,000 full system contamination
DEF System Faults and NOx Sensor Failures (Diesel)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P20EE or P2201 codes, DEF quality warnings on dash, Derate warnings, eventual speed limitation if ignored
Fix: Upstream or downstream NOx sensors fail, DEF injector clogs, or DEF pump quits. Diagnosis takes 1 hour, sensor replacement 2-3 hours, DEF injector or pump 3-4 hours. Use only quality DEF and don't let it sit in tank for months.
Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke under load, Check engine light with EGR flow codes, Excessive soot buildup visible in intake
Fix: EGR cooler plugs with soot, especially on trucks doing short trips or excessive idling. Delete kits are illegal for street use; proper fix is cooler replacement and cleaning intake. 6-8 hours labor. Some owners opt for more frequent EGR cleaning intervals.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transmission Mount Failure (All)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount inspection
Fix: Rubber transmission mount deteriorates, especially on trucks used for towing. Simple replacement, 1.5-2 hours labor. Aftermarket polyurethane mounts last longer but transmit more vibration.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Backup Camera Failures and Mirror Defects
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Backup camera image freezing, going black, or distorted lines, Mirror glass detaching from power-fold assemblies, Camera lens fogging internally
Fix: Recall issued for camera harness issues; dealers reflash module or replace camera. Mirror glass separates from heating element on power-fold mirrors, requires mirror cap replacement. 1-2 hours labor.
Symptoms: 4WD will not engage, dash indicator blinks, Grinding noise from front end when attempting 4WD engagement, Service 4WD system message on display
Fix: Electric actuator on front axle seizes or motor burns out. Requires actuator replacement, sometimes with updated revision. 2-3 hours labor, but access is tight.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
Diesel owners: install an aftermarket lift pump as insurance against CP4 failure—it's far cheaper than cleaning up the carnage.
Change transmission fluid at 60k miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims, especially if towing regularly.
Use quality DEF from high-turnover stations and don't let it sit in the tank over winter—it degrades and crystallizes.
Hemi owners: check coolant overflow tank monthly for pink/milky contamination to catch cooler failure early before it kills the transmission.
If you see EGR or DEF codes, address them immediately—ignoring emissions faults leads to derate and expensive multi-component repairs.
Buy the diesel if you tow heavy and can handle emissions-system maintenance costs; buy the Hemi if you want simpler ownership and don't need maximum torque—but budget for the trans cooler eventually on either.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS · 22V904000
2022-12-08
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Consequence: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 22V835000
2022-11-10
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Consequence: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 22V140000
2022-03-10
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V191000
2020-09-10
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
STRUCTURE · 20V207000
2020-04-09
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.
Consequence: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 20V043000
2020-01-24
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Consequence: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.
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