Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Ram 1500
The 2020 Ram 1500 has a significant number of recalls and owner complaints, which could indicate potential reliability issues. Recalls focus on airbag deployment, seat belt anchorages, mirror visibility, and fuel pump failures, among others. The high number of electrical and engine complaints further suggests caution. Buyers should conduct a thorough inspection and consult recall data before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Ram 1500 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 643 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V495000 Improperly Installed Seat Belt Buckle Anchor/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V298000 Improperly Connected Air Bag/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V754000 Rearview Mirror Glass May Detach/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V904000 Tailgate May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V767000 Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V638000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V632000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V622000 Driver Side Mirror Glass Can Detach/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V580000 Seat Belt Retractor May Not Slow Movement NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V191000 Rearview Image Can Remain on Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V513000 All Weather Floor Mats may Interfere with Pedals NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V374000 Side Curtain Air Bag May Not Properly Inflate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V208000 Windshield Wipers May Not Operate Properly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V407000 ORC May Malfunction and Disable Safety Functions NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 165 complaints
- Engine 155 complaints
- Unknown or Other 113 complaints
- Steering 65 complaints
- Power Train 63 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 54 complaints
Of the 643 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 643 complaints, owners report 15 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Improper seat belt anchorages
How to check: Examine seat belt anchors for secure installation
Airbag deployment issues
How to check: Verify airbag recall completion
Fuel pump failure
How to check: Ask for documentation of fuel system recall repair
Rear view camera display errors
How to check: Test rear view camera functionality
Tailgate not latching properly
How to check: Check tailgate latching and alignment
Loose rearview mirror glass
How to check: Inspect mirror stability and attachment
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from engine
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent engine or airbag lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and noise
Red flag: Stiff or noisy steering
- 04
Moderate acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth power delivery
Red flag: Hesitation or surging
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for engine noise and vibration
Red flag: Excessive noise or vibration
- 06
Highway cruising
What to check: Monitor for alignment issues
Red flag: Pulling to one side
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been addressed?
- Are there any electrical issues or warning lights?
- Have you experienced airbag deployment issues?
- Has the rearview camera always functioned properly?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle inspection report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Ram 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 Ram 1500? Check the actual car
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