FaultScore

2020 RAM 1500 brake problems

42 of the 900 complaints about the 2020 RAM 1500 are about the braking system — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 2,800 miles.

D

42

Complaints

8

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 40 95.2%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 1 2.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1 2.4%

Brakes across every RAM 1500 year

2013 79 6.4%
2014 178 14.4%
2015 152 12.3%
2016 275 22.3%
2017 97 7.9%
2018 45 3.6%
2019 130 10.5%
2020 42 3.4%
2021 76 6.2%
2022 70 5.7%
2023 37 3.0%
2024 13 1.1%
2025 41 3.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Land o Lakes, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

The electronic gear selector on my 2020 Ram 1500 intermittently displays a "Shift to Park" warning while the vehicle is in motion, specifically during downshifting or braking. Each occurrence is accompanied by a physical jerk or lurch, consistent with the vehicle momentarily engaging an unintended gear. The warning clears without driver input. These events occur during active deceleration and represent a loss of predictable vehicle behavior, creating a serious risk of rear-end collision or loss of control. The problem has not been resolved. A dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended a Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update referencing TSB 21-019-24, to be performed at the owner's expense. No root-cause diagnosis was provided. The underlying hardware cause, most likely the gear selector position sensor or transmission range sensor, was not confirmed or ruled out. The dealer is insisting the owner pay for the software update without establishing whether the bulletin covers the reported symptom or whether the vehicle VIN falls within its scope. No warning lamps preceded the first occurrence. The symptom appeared without prior indication and has recurred across multiple drive cycles.

NHTSA complaint #11747945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksville, TN

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS light keeps coming on and off. The 4WD keeps going on and off and the cruise control and traction keeps working then not working. There is a recall for other year models for the ABS system that basically is exactly what’s happening with my truck. I am worried that it will go out and my truck will stop and cause and accident which almost happened today. This should be a recall alongside those other year models.

NHTSA complaint #11728834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

One day five different warning lights appeared. Since, air bags, seat belt tensioners,traction control,abs,and 4x4 have been disabled

NHTSA complaint #11718381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

MC Queeney, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11712244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brookshire, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I am submitting a report regarding the hacking of my vehicle that has persisted over the past five years. I have previously stated that my scammer, [XXX] , along with her associates, continues to remotely manipulate the gear of my vehicle while I am driving. Furthermore, they are targeting the lighting and dome lights in my vehicle in an attempt to jeopardize my safety. Additionally, the manufacturer experienced a data breach in September 2025. Please feel free to contact me at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11707429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mayflower, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

My truck was taken to the ram dealership in Conway, AR and they told me it needed an ABS Module and it was ordered and that was in January of 2025 so it has now been almost a year that the part (ABS Module) has been on back order and there is still no ETA. That is a serious issue and my truck that I have still been paying on is not fit to drive safely and hasn’t been since. Something needs to be done about that and time is very much of the essence!

NHTSA complaint #11698863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mayflower, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS module needs replaced. It was recalled in all trucks except for this year model. It is currently on back order and I have been waiting for the part for almost a year! All emergency lights in the dash are on all the time and now when I am driving, the accelerator goes completely dead. It happens randomly and has happened multiple times now. The dealership has accessed this and stated that the ABS module will fix the problem. This is very dangerous and needs to be looked into. Why can’t they fix my truck?

NHTSA complaint #11695989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

King George, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

My truck would engage the emergency braking without any objects near. Battery needed to be replaced due to not charging. The etorque is making noise and vibrating.

NHTSA complaint #11664468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Campti, LA

SERVICE BRAKES

Loss of stability control,power steering,anti lock brake system,air bags,speed control. Has been at Dodge Dealer multiple times with the exact reoccurring problem.

NHTSA complaint #11663718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 2,500 miles Galesburg, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH and towing a trailer, the traction control engaged, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The Police had aided with getting the vehicle off the roadway. The traction control and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and two unknown local dealers were unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The brake control was previously replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer and the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

NHTSA complaint #11661908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flemington, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

The alternator generator is making us squeaky noise. I’m afraid that it’s gonna seize as I drive and I’ll lose power of the brakes and the steering checked with the dealer. They don’t have the part. They don’t know when they’re gonna be able to get it the part. I called junkyards call other auto parts stores. No one has got it’ I also went in the Mopar website and they also don’t have it

NHTSA complaint #11655595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

This is the second time this has happened (03APR25). The first time this occurred, 20JUL25, I had to pay (Bill attached) to have the ABS Module replaced. Today several service lights came on not limited to: Service 4wd, 4wd Trans Case overheat, stabilization system, and the traction control light came on along with the 4wd High light and both the 4wd High and 4wd Low indicator lights were all flashing. When parked the emergency parking brake was automatically set. (break) I have all the documentation from the first occurrence and an additional recall notice (Attached) of which states contact the dealer, whom said that it was not their responsibility. Then I contacted Stellantis recall office, and they said they would get back with me and never have and today most all the sensor faults flashed on the display. The truck locked in 4 high up until I parked it.

NHTSA complaint #11652458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hastings, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

Installed trailer brake assist. When we shut the truck off, the brake lights came on and stayed on. Assured by B&B trailer of St Augustine, Fl that it was an issue with the truck and not the part. Other issues have come up- dash lights also come on when turned off, backup camera, remote start, rear defrost, cig lighter plug, rear speakers, and A/C stopped working. Took it to Daytona Dodge on 1/29/25 where they diagnosed the ABS module had failed. They did a system reset and everything was ok until we had to disconnect the battery again- had to install a switch on the battery so lights staying on doesn’t kill the battery. Was told they’d let us know when a new part came in- mid February. Called Ram HQ on 2/17- case # [XXX] and that was no help. Referenced recall 85B and she said it was for a 2d row seating issue and said no ETA on new parts being made. My truck was mfg 2/2020 so how the software update recall doesn’t apply makes no sense. Would it have prevented this, who knows. Then called the dealer up and spoke to Stephen, a svc mgr, who recommended buying a used one ( he said aftermarket but I don’t think there is such a thing) and they would put it in. Got one from eBay and went on [XXX]. After I sat there all morning, I was told they couldn’t override the Vin that’s already on a used part. I have tried calling and emailing the service management team for follow up since then with no response. This is an abomination of customer care and needs attention. I’m hoping these parts are coming soon and that people like me are reimbursed and compensated for time lost and diagnostic fees and parts and labor. Also hoping this recall is expanded/redone to include my truck as there’s no reason it shouldn’t. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11648040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Escondido, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, the "Depress the Brake pedal" warning light illuminated and the message "Brake Inactive" was displayed. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. An unknown brake part was replaced, and brake fluid was added. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the ABS module was not available, and it was unknown when the part would be available. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #11645992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Haysville, KS

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS module/hcu failure Jan 13, 2025. No indication of problem prior to failure. When failure occurred, vehicle was traveling around curve in road at 50 mph when all warning lights on dash lit, loss of power steering, engine shutdown, loss of power brakes. Vehicle had to be towed home then to dealer (Davis Moore Ram Wichita Ks). Dealer diagnosed as ABS module with possible HCU failure. Told by dealer no parts available for repair, I confirmed with on-line search with other dealers. ABS Module Part # 68728132AA is not being made available to any dealers (backordered) for the repair. FCA is calling it under review, has been years for many people who still have no fix. Dealer had me prepay for part.

NHTSA complaint #11638636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Augusta, GA

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake warning lamp is on for low fluid but fluid is okay. Electronic stability control not functioning.

NHTSA complaint #11630481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crawfordsville, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

Electronic stabilitac light is on and 4 wheel drive light is on as well. matches the recalls for 2019 and 2021-2024

NHTSA complaint #11617142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bakersfield, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS & service electronic brake system constantly going off. Known issues with faulty ABS module on braking system which at times can malfunction while braking or driving.

NHTSA complaint #11602505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Corpus Christi, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

Abs and tracking control lights come on and “service electronic brake system” when on, cruise control not functional and traction control off very dangerous as I did more research it is a very common occurrence for Dodge Ram truck 2017-2021 please help us

NHTSA complaint #11565485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moosic, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

Service electronic braking system stop working. Light and message on dashboard.

NHTSA complaint #11551138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

Driving on highway at 70mph. Truck shut completely off and lost all power. Almost caused major accident which could’ve resulted in serious injury.

NHTSA complaint #11550837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 24,000 miles Chesapeake, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the "parking brake temporarily unavailable" and "ABS" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle regained motive power and the warning lights ceased; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred eight times in one day. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA complaint #11521375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Petoskey, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes grind at random and brake pedal when pressed goes to the floor resulting in having to let off brake pedal and pump it back up which has caused me to nearly hit vehicles at stop signs, stop lights or heavy traffic. Information center also keeps going out and when that happens my power steering has also went out causing issues with steering.

NHTSA complaint #11466589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aberdeen, SD

SERVICE BRAKES

When vehicle drives in reverse, the rear brakes/ calibers having a loading moaning noise. The maoning noise is louder when the brakes aren't compressed and get a little quieter when they are compressed. It happens when it's cold out and the vehicle has been sitting for awhile. I'm afraid over time I will start causing issues for the rear brakes and make them malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11456402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Livonia, MI Crash 3 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

Truck was going at 40 MPH and power steering went out, brakes went out and truck started to accelerate resulting in a serious crash. Vehicle was totaled out but not inspected by Dodge. There was no warning of any problems with truck.

NHTSA complaint #11452810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Erie, CO

SERVICE BRAKES

At a speed of 45mph, my truck completely shut down. No power on anything. I was able to pull off the road and come to a stop; power brakes and steering were not operable. Once stopped, the truck would not start. "Push to Start" indicator on dash did come on, but the brake pedal was stiff and the push to start button did nothing. Got out of the truck, exterior door lock button was inoperable and both key fobs did nothing. Had to have the vehicle towed.

NHTSA complaint #11451981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Franklin, WI

SERVICE BRAKES

While I was driving warning lights came up on the dash. Traction control, parking brake warning, red voltage. When I exited the freeway, and used the brakes to slow down , the truck was accelerating at the same time . I let go of all the pedals, and the acceleration continued with no feet on pedals . When I got to work, I put it in park . Took it out of park, and the truck started accelerating again on its own at a fast rate. Put it in park, put it in reverse, and the truck started accelerating fast again, in reverse, until I slammed on the brakes to stop the acceleration and put it into park . This is the second time. First time was few months ago, same issue. Dealer looked at it, couldn’t duplicate it, cleared the codes and said if it happens again they’ll have to call an engineer from Chrysler. Contacted dealer today , said nothing about an engineer and that they can’t look at it until next week.

NHTSA complaint #11444662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 500 miles Washington (Riverton), UT Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

PURCHASED 2020 RAM LIMITED ON JULY 14, 2020. MSRP WAS $70,355. ON JULY 16 WAS TRAVELING ON I-15 WHEN ALL TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRAVELING OVER 70 MPH. I APPLIED BRAKES AND NOTHING, DIDN'T EVEN SLOW ME DOWN. TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH ANY OF THE STOPPED CARS I LEFT THE ROADWAY AND DROVE ONTO THE SHOULDER AND INTO THE BAR DITCH. TOOK ME APPROX HALF MILE TO GET STOPPED. STOPPED BY GOING UP AN EXIT. WHEN I FINALLY STOPPED, I WAS TERRIFIED. I CHECKED BRAKE PEDAL FOR OBSTRUCTION AND IT WAS CLEAR. BEING AN AVERAGE COMMON CITIZEN, NO MATTER NEW OR USED VEHICLE, WE EXPECT THE VEHICLE TO STOP WHEN WE PUSH ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN IT DOES NOT IT IS TERRIFYING. VEHICLE HAD APPROX 500 MILES AT THE TIME. OVER $1700 DAMAGE TO MY NEW TRUCK. FORWARD TO DECEMBER 29, 2020: WENT TO MY LOCAL POST OFFICE, PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, AGAIN, NO BRAKES. HOWEVER WAS GOING VERY SLOW (5 MPH OR LESS. CRASHED STRAIGHT INTO BRICK BUILDING. ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE FROM BRAKES NOR DID THE "AUTO STOP" ENGAGE. OVER $5000 DAMAGE TO TRUCK AND $???? DAMAGE TO BUILDING. FORWARD TO JAN 1, 2021: PULLED INTO PARKING LOT, TRIED STOPPING, AGAIN NO BRAKES. AS IT WAS A HOLIDAY AND THE EVENING, NOT MANY CARS IN PARKING LOT. WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH AID OF PARKING BRAKE. HAS BEEN TO LOCAL DEALER, I TOLD THEM TO KEEP IT AS LONG AS NEEDED AND DRIVE AS MUCH AS NEEDED. THEY KEPT IT FOR ONE WEEK, SAID NO CODES ON COMPUTER, DROVE 8 MILES SAID NOTHING WRONG. HAVE NOT DRIVEN FOR 2 MONTHS (SCARES ME). AWAITING ANOTHER DEALER (NEXT CLOSEST 250 MILES AWAY) TO PICK IT UP TO CHECK IT OUT SOME MORE. VEHICLE NOW HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES. ABSOLUTELY NO SUPPORT OR HELP FROM RAM. BEEN FIGHTING WITH THEM FOR 2 MONTHS. HAVE GOTTEN NOWHERE! I'M NOT A ROOKIE, HAVE BOUGHT AND OWNED BETWEEN 75-100 CARS IN MY LIFE. NEVER A PROBLEM WITH A DEALER OR A MANUFACTURER, UNTIL NOW!!! SEE ALSO 11397598

NHTSA complaint #11402784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 500 miles Washington, UT Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING ON I-15 BETWEEN CEDAR CITY, UT AND ST GEORGE, UT. DRIVING APPROX 75MPH WHEN SUDDENLY TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME IN BOTH LANES. APPLIED BRAKES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO RESULTS. DROVE OFF OF PAVED PORTION OF HIGHWAY TO AVOID HITTING STOPPED CARS. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 500 MILES ON IT AND I HAD OWNED IT FOR 3 DAYS. FINALLY GOT VEHICLE STOPPED APPROX 3/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD. APPROX $1700 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. APPROX 5 MONTHS LATER I PULLED INTO U.S POST OFFICE TO PARK. BRAKES AGAIN FAILED AND I HIT BRICK BUILDING AT APPROX 5MPH OR LESS. APPROX $5000 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND UNCERTAIN OF DOLLAR DAMAGE TO P.O. BUILDING. THREE DAYS LATER I PULLED INTO MA PARKING LOT, BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY PARKED CARS, MAINLY BECAUSE PARKING LOT WAS ALMOST EMPTY. I WAS ABLE TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY I TOOK IT TO STEPHEN WADE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS, CHECKED FOR CODES, DROVE IT APPROX 8 MILES AND TOLD ME TO COME GET IT. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. FACTORY CUSTOMER CARE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP. CALLED FOR APPT AND WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO SAFETY PROBLEM AND ACCIDENT, THEY WOULD NOT TOUCH IT. CALLED RAM CUSTOMER CARE BACK, TOLD THEM DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT. CUSTOMER CARE SAID TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. NEXT CLOSEST DEALERSHIP IS OVER 120 MILES AWAY. THEY SAID DEALERSHIP HAS RIGHT TO REFUSE TO WORK ON IT AND THEN TOLD ME THAT RAM FACTORY TECH GAVE ORDERS NOT TO TOUCH IT. NOW I HAVE A RAM TRUCK WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS THAT NEITHER LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR FACTORY TECH WILL ACCEPT TO WORK ON. I HAVE A $70,000 MSRP, 5,400 LB "PAPER WEIGHT". NO HELP FROM FACTORY. TRUCK DOES NOT HAVE 4,000 MILES AND APPARENTLY THE FACTORY WARRANTY IS WORTHLESS. SEE ALSO 11402784

NHTSA complaint #11397598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Lacey, WA

SERVICE BRAKES

AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT, WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, BRAKES HOWL/GROWL WHEN APPLIED. HAPPENS ONCE EACH DAY. MANY COMPLAINTS ON-LINE OF SAME THING HAPPENING TO DODGE RAM 1500 5TH GEN. SEE SERVICE BULLETIN 05-001-19. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. BOUGHT IT WITH 5600 MILES ON IT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING DAILY SINCE I BOUGHT IT.

NHTSA complaint #11397413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2020 RAM 1500 problems

← Full 2020 RAM 1500 report