2020 RAM 2500 Engine Problems
28 complaints about Engine
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Engine Complaints (28)
Subject: Fuel System Failure Resulting in Engine Damage – 2020 RAM 2500 Pickup VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am submitting this complaint to formally report a dangerous and costly fuel system defect in my 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup (VIN: [XXX] ) that has resulted in catastrophic engine damage. Although Chrysler has issued a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in many 2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine, I was told that my vehicle was not included in the recall—even though it exhibits all the classic symptoms of HPFP failure. This is a safety hazard and a potential emissions violation. Details of the Incident: In June 2025, I brought my truck to Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM after experiencing engine misfires, loss of power, and a knocking noise. The dealership diagnosed a P0303 cylinder misfire and noted a fuel smell in the engine oil, as documented in repair order #[XXX]. Despite extensive diagnostic work—including compression tests, leak-down, and injector swaps—the misfire remained unresolved, and a tapping noise persisted. The technician explicitly noted fuel contamination in the oil and suspected internal engine damage due to a fuel system issue. To further investigate, I submitted an oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories. The lab confirmed the engine oil was heavily diluted with diesel fuel—over 10% fuel contamination, which reduced the viscosity from 5W40 to the equivalent of 5W20. This is consistent with HPFP failure leaking fuel into the crankcase. The oil report also noted excessive steel wear and recommended immediate oil change and fuel system inspection. At no time was a check engine light present, nor was there a clear diagnostic code for HPFP failure. Chrysler continues to deny responsibility even though the evidence clearly points to a failed HPFP—a well-documented issue for this engine model and year. The cost of diagnosis and parts alone has exceeded $4,000, and the engine is likely destroy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
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.
I have a check engine light that came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a P0542 code for heating element relay. There is a technical service bulletin out for this known issue. I still have power train warranty left on my truck but they’re claiming it isn’t covered. I went as far as to add a bank ram air intake for over $1000 to help eliminate a complete engine failure. Any help would be appreciated
Throws code p2609 which is grid heater, this needs to be fixed at 38000 miles, I'm sure it'll cause a fire like the other model years that is being recalled for the same issue
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.
Mileage: 67,000
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was not properly aligned, and the tires were worn. The dashboard leather had detached. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers became inoperable. Additionally, after it had rained, the contact noticed there was water moving around in the engine bay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact completed an alignment. The vehicle was taken to the local, who broke an unknown part on the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Mileage: 10,000
Dealer unable to get recall parts since the inception of the recall. Dealer says they only receive a couple of DIPSTICKS a month. Long waiting list. I called Chrysler to no avail. Ridiculous wait for a dipstick!
There is a known issue with the vehicle surging during normal driving situations. Doge has an article about this but will not address or fix the issue. Their article states that it’s possible that this will not create a code. I have 42000 miles on this engine.
Cracked Exhaust manifold, cracked bolts, broken. 17k miles
My name is [XXX]. I have a 2020 Ram Laramie. I purchased the truck June 2nd 2022. So then, my truck did not come with a fitting spare tire. Currently I have 40/13.5r17 on the vehicle. That the manufacturer placed with this truck when I purchased it. The spare that came with the truck, is a 18 inch spare. That doesn’t fit my truck. Also it’s a major safety hazard. My left front tire split on the side so I went to use my spare and it was a wrong tire. Also, I purchase the vehicle with only 17000 miles on it, and No personal owners. Only dealerships. I paid $135,000 cash for it on the spot. Only had it 1 year. Also, now my truck won’t start. Something is wrong with my fuel pump and batteries or something. There suppose to come get it today. I live 30 miles up the mountain in WA state. So I do not do a whole turn of driving. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I’m kinda stuck without a vehicle now, til it gets fixed I suppose. But I thought I’d let you know, so you can double check you guys products and make sure there now like expired parts or something. Thank you and have a nice day. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
RECALL IS NOT BEING COMPLETD IN A TIMELY MANNER. We have not had any incidents but we have been waiting since August of 2022 for the dealer to receive the parts to complete the recall. We have been told that we are on a waiting list and we're actually on the waiting list at 2 different locations. I read online that I should file a complaint if the recall is not completed in a timely manner. We are driving the vehicle with the risks these recalls pose and do not want to have to go through any incident or accidents.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the ECU system was reset. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.
Mileage: 17,500
06/??/22 I CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ISSUE.SERVICE DEPT. STATED THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER NEW PUMP , WOULD BE IN AUGUST,, & TAKE 2 DAYS TO COMPLETE..WAITED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2022 TO CONTACT AGAIN ABOUT RECALL, BASICALLY HUNG UP ON. CONTACTED AGAIN A FEW WEEKS AGO . LEFT COMPLETE MESSAGE STATED ALL THAT TRANSPIRED SO FAR W/ VIN # & CALL BACK # NO RESPONSE A FAILURE OF THIS PART CAN CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE...
See dealer exhaust system exhaust required was on the display. This happened with me , wife, 2 year old and 6 year old in the truck. It just felt and sounded as if the truck dropped gears and slowed down in the middle of high traffic with big rigs on a busy interstate. I put on hazard immediately to warn the trucks behind me. Do to immediate loss of power and limp acceleration. As I tried to assess the situation safely and quickly as possible , I nearly got rear ended by several big rigs as they tried one by one to avoid me at the last second. Me and my family are safe but I am in shock still as we managed to get out of the way regained my composure to get my family safely off to the next ramp when traffic slowed to avoid having my family in high traffic danger. This issue is a severe danger to the general public and anyone in the road with this type of malfunction. I as so many other families who were in the same situation,stranded and barely avoided serious and substantial injuries and death. If this was due to the cp4 system, I would have these rigs of the road asap. I also had the dealership ,before, I left Nevada,to go and get my new concession trailer in Georgia had the fuel filters changed. The oil and filters changed, an update for the truck and asked and arranged for the new cpu unit to be installed. I also asked the dealership mechanic if it was advisable to drive out to Georgia to get my food truck and he said yes. I’m not sure if this is the issue, but my research point to this direction. There are forum on this. With stories like mine and the outrageous safety hazards this has caused. It is a defect that needs immediate action. This defect does not trump my family’s life or any other innocent lives. This puts me and my family out of a truck to get to Georgia to pull my concession trailer back home. We are literally stuck and stranded in Missouri. This defect has put me and my family in a vulnerable position which could be a serious hazard to us thanx
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be at risk of a rollover. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and continued driving 20 MPH. The contact veered to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer at a slower speed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) which he associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Mileage: 24,000
Wanted to explain what happened to the truck. Left the house as normal, pulled out of the driveway. Normal acceleration around 45mph, truck started to spit and sputter making loud knocking noises in the engine. Lost complete power. Truck shut off by itself. Was able to crank back up and drive it back home with vigorously vibrating and sputtering. I was only about 200 yards from my driveway when this happened. Truck is not driveable.
I have tried to get a new fuel pump from the dealer. No such luck yet. Now my truck is not drivable. It has multiple misfires and sounds just downright horrible. This truck has been serviced religiously. I have done everything the truck needs done at the times it needed done. Now the truck again is not drivable. The engine sounds like it is about to blow. I need someone to tell me what I need to do now. I do not have thousands of dollars to put into this truck, all because the fuel pump has not been available.
While driving up snow covered inclined driveway. Truck started to spin and stopped going forward. Starting to slide backwards the engine shut off and I lost power steering and power brakes. Managed to re-start while sliding backwards but the engine shut off again resulting in a sideways crash into a tree. Thus causing $5000.00 truck damage but no bodily injury. My insurance covers damage but I am out a $500.00 deductible. The engine shutting off happened the year before but I was able to stop the slide in time. I just received a recall ("Z20/NHTSA 22-140") and I'm not sure if that problem is a cause of my incident. I did not notice any warning indications during or before the incident. I have not contacted FCA or my dealer yet.
FCA started a recall in October of 2021 for the high-pressure fuel pump on 2020-2022 Ram 2500 trucks with the 6.7 Cummins turbo Diesel. This recall can and has been catastrophic to the fuel systems and engines. As of 3/30/2022 there still is no remedy. I am experiencing engine shutter and shaking and hard starts on a vehicle with only 24,000 miles on it which i believe is due to the failing fuel system and fuel pump. i would like to know if this recall can be expedited and the problem corrected before catastrophic failure happens.
Summary - 2020 RAM 2500 CP4 Fuel Pump failure We departed on Saturday Oct 16, 2020, for a trip from our home in Raleigh NC to Florida for our 35th anniversary. The truck sputtered then stalled on the side of interstate 95 (southbound) in South Carolina about 60 miles from the Georgia border. We were towed to the nearest RAM dealership (Butler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM) in Beaufort, SC. The earliest we could get a rental was the following Wednesday (10/20) so decided to stay nearby at a local beach. We came back through on Friday to finally get our rental and returned home. Today is 11/4 and we still don't have our truck. I was told the problem was the CP4 Fuel Pump. Apparently it disintegrated (their words) and threw metal shavings all through the fuel system. They told me they had to change everything from the fuel tank all the way to the injectors. The last of the parts are supposed to be in later today, so am looking at driving the 5 hours back down to Beaufort SC this or next weekend to pick up the truck depending on when the repairs are made.
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. I currently have not ETA on parts and no vehicle to drive. It is my understanding that NHTSA is already investigating this issue. Multiple attempts made to get help with a loaner vehicle, an ETA on parts/install have all been met with deflection from dealership and FCA customer care representatives. Any attempt made to inquire if the new fuel pump/system has been adequately updated to ensure this wont happen again has not been answered. Any attempt made to inquire if this issue has cause long lasting damage to the engine has not been answered. This is a serious problem and needs to be remedied. FCA needs to step up and take care of its customers.
I was driving on the freeway when the truck suddenly began surging the throttle. I began to make my way to the shoulder. By the time I was in the shoulder the truck lost all power. I came to a stop and the engine began shuddering and bogging down before I was able to safely shut it off. Fortunately traffic was light and I didn’t have a trailer, this could have been very dangerous had I needed to accelerate and lost all power to the truck. Dealer diagnosed with a failed CP4 injection pump, a know issue for this model year.
TRUCK DIED IN TRAFFIC. LOST ALL POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. ALMOST CAUSED A MULTIPLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT, AND LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD GET ASSISTANCE TO MOVE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR NOTICE BEFORE THE TRUCK JUST QUIT WORKING. A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE TRUCK DIED AND STATED "EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE. SEE DEALER IMMEDIATELY".
Mileage: 6,972
LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. LOSING POWER WHEN PUSHING ON GAS PEDAL. MAKES AWFUL NOISE WHEN STARTING. ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE A BAD STARTER
Mileage: 6,800
THE 2019 TO 2020 MODEL YEAR RAM 2500 HEAVY DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE HAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A STALL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE BOSCH CP4.2 FUEL INJECTION PUMP HAS A VERY HIGH RATE OF SUDDEN FAILURE LEADING TO IMMEDIATE STOPPAGE ON THE ENGINE AND ENGINE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE PUMP DESTROYS ITSELF AND TAKES OUT THE REST OF THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM LEADING TO REPAIRS IN THE $20,000 USD RANGE. FCA & RAM HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REVISE THE PUMP IN LATE (JULY) 2020 TO SOLVE THE ISSUE BUT THE FAILURES KEEP OCCURRING. FOR THE 2021 MODEL YEAR, FCA & RAM HAVE CHANGED THE PUMP ENTIRELY AND REVERTED BACK TO USING AN OLDER, SAFER, MORE RELIABLE DESIGN. NO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NEITHER THE PUMP REVISION IN 2020, NOR THE PUMP CHANGE IN 2021 HAVE BEEN MADE. THE ISSUE IS SO PREVALENT THAT THE REPLACEMENT PUMPS AND REPAIRS GENERALLY HAVE A 30-90 DAY WAIT PERIOD WHERE THE CUSTOMER IS WITHOUT THE PRIMARY VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM IS A SUBSTANTIATED SAFETY RISK. ACCORDING TO A TEXAS JUDGE IN A BOSCH CP4.2 LAWSUIT, WHEN ANOTHER AUTOMAKER, GM TRIED TO DISMISS THE CASE SAYING THE PUMP FAILURE IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, THE COURT RESPONDED: "THE WORST CASE SCENARIO OF A TRUCK SPONTANEOUSLY STALLING AT HIGH SPEEDS IS NOT A MERE INCONVENIENCE. NOR IS IT A MERE INCONVENIENCE TO SPEND BETWEEN $8,000 TO $20,000 ON REPAIRS TO MAKE THE TRUCKS FIT FOR THEIR ORDINARY PURPOSE. THE COURT REJECTS GM'S SUGGESTION THAT THE RISK OF SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IS NOT, AS A MATTER OF LAW, UNREASONABLY DANGEROUS, DEPRIVING THE VEHICLES OF FITNESS FOR THEIR PURPOSE OF TRANSPORTATION.". TOYOTA AGREES: "IF A VEHICLE STALL OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH". FCA & RAM HAVE REMEDIED THE SITUATION FOR THE 2021 MODEL YEAR, HOWEVER THE 2019 AND 2020 OWNERS ARE STILL AT RISK. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO FORCE THE HAND OF FCA TO RECALL.
THIS IS THE WORST TRUCK I'VE EVER PURCHASED, A SIMPLE FIX NEEDED TO THE PULLEY TENSIONER AND THE CLUTCH FAN IS NEEDED..BEEN TO DEALER TWICE GOING A 3RD TIME . THE FUEL PUMP CP4 IS A DANGER TO DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS AS THESE TRUCKS ARE MEANT FOR PULLING HEAVY LOADS AND MOSTLY ON INTERSTATES WHICH MAKES IT A DANGER. THE CP3 IS NEEDED BACK IN THE TRUCKS AS THERE IS A HORRIBLE FUEL PUMP CHATTER AT THIS POINT AND AN IMINANT FAILURE IS COMING SOON. ALSO THE TRUCK ROLLS IN PARK LIKE 5 FEET FOR NO REASON WHILE OFF IN PARK
Mileage: 6,500
ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2020, PURCHASED A VEHICLE AND TRADED IN A 2013 CHEV. ON 09/27 WE WERE DRIVING HOME ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 900 MILES.. ON 09/28 VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP( NOT PURCHASED FROM) IN WHICH NO ONE WOULD PAY TO HAVE TOWED. IT TOOK A WEEK TO BE TOLD A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. WAS GIVEN A RUN AROUND ON THE TIMEFRAME FOR REPAIR. CHRYSLER AND DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED. PROMISED TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION ON 10/14. CHRYSLER CALLED SEVERAL DAYS LATER AND STATED A TRANSMISSION WOULD BE EXPEDITED AND SHOULD ARRIVE ON 10/19. NO TRANSMISSION SHOWED UP. CHRYSLER STATED A 2ND TRANSMISSION WAS SHIPPED AND ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 11/28. THE TRUCK WAS RETURNED TO US ON 10/30. ON 11/07 WE WERE STOPPED AT A DRIVE-THRU, TRIED TO PUT THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE. WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. FINALLY SHIFTED BUT MADE A GRINDING SOUND THROUGH ALL GEARS. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP ON 11/10 DUE TO WINTER STORM AND WAS INFORMED ON 11/13 ANOTHER TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. I HAVE BEEN TREATED VERY POORLY IN THIS SITUATION AND THIS HAS COST ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO MY BUSINESS AND NOT HAVING A TRUCK. NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE OR WILL HELP JUST BEING TOLD THESE THINGS TAKE TIME. VERY UNACCEPTABLE. REPEATEDLY TOLD MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF A RECALL BUT ON THE SERVICE PAPERWORK FOR THE 1ST TRANSMISSION, IT LISTS THE CAUSE AS RECALL.
Mileage: 700
HAVE A SQUEAK THAT STARTED ABOUT 200 MILES AGO, (HAVE 4900 MILE ON TRUCK). DID SOME RESEARCH AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2019-2020 CUMMINS 6.7 MOTOR. IT SEEMS TO BE SOME SORT OF PULLEY OR THE BELT. THE TRUCK IS BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 4900 MILES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY SQUEAK COMING FROM THE BELTS OR PULLEY. PEOPLE ARE HAVING TO REPLACE PULLEYS AND BELTS 7 PLUS TIMES AND STILL THE PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN FIXED. DEALER I TOOK MY TRUCK TO COULDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. FCA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS.
Mileage: 4,500