Ram15002020Overview/ram/1500/2020/base/

2020 Ram 1500

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 1500.

The 2020 Ram 1500 sits within a model line that recorded owner complaints ranging from 37 in its first year (2009) to a peak of 1,737 in 2014, with the 2020 model accounting for 610 complaints and 13 recalls. These numbers place the 2020 year toward the lower‑mid end of the historical complaint spectrum, indicating a reliability profile that is neither the best nor the worst for the nameplate. The data therefore frame the 2020 Ram 1500 as a contemporary iteration that reflects the mid‑range reliability trends observed across its 2009‑2021 history.

Model year2026202520242023202220212020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeLT275/65R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE alt 68191349AC
Engine air filter68386779AA alt 68441763AA
Fuel filter68436631AA
Spark plugSP143877AB alt SP225755AB
BatteryBBH8A001AA alt BBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades68339036AC
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 68490088AA
Cabin air filter68535623AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length233.1 in
Overall width79.5 in
Overall height77.6 in
Wheelbase144.5 in
Curb weight4971 lb
Track (front / rear)68.5 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the 1500 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.7–8.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.70 sec — 2020 Limited EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020Limited EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 3.0L Turbo Diesel V67.70 sec15.90 sec260 hp4x4
2020Rebel EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 3.0L Turbo Diesel V68.10 sec16.10 sec260 hp4x4
2020Rebel EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 3.0L Turbo Diesel V68.10 sec16.10 sec260 hp4x4
2019Big Horn Quad Cab (6'4.3" Bed) 5.7L V8 + Elec 0.4-kWh5.90 sec14.40 sec305 hpRWD
2019Laramie Crew Cab (Chrome) (5'7.4" Bed) 5.7L V86.10 sec14.70 sec395 hp4x4
2019Laramie Crew Cab (Chrome) (5'7.4" Bed) 5.7L V86.10 sec14.70 sec395 hp4x4
2019Limited Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 5.7L V8 + Elec 0.4-kWh6.20 sec14.80 sec395 hp4x4
2019Long Horn Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 5.7L V86.30 sec14.80 sec395 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs.

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs97.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs89.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or StudsThrust Plate Bolts: 115.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) BearingsOnce removed fasteners must be replaced.
Connecting Rod (Large End) BearingsUse new fasteners only.
Engine Flywheel Bolts70.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs124.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs106.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca
Standard BCI Group Number49 Must use a AGM VRLA Battery
Standard BCI Cranking Performance800 cca
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 60,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 model year marks a significant stabilization following elevated 2019 figures, with consumer complaints dropping sharply from 1,450 to 612 and recalls falling by more than half from 29 to 13, though the data does not specify the root cause for the prior year’s spike. Relative to the 2021 model that followed, 2020 maintains a marginal advantage with fewer complaints (612 versus 657) and one fewer recall (13 versus 14), while technical service bulletins remain elevated at 1,222—consistent with the high 2019-2021 range. The top complaint categories of "Unknown or Other" (68), engine (56), and electrical system (51) indicate scattered quality issues rather than a dominant systemic defect pattern, supported by relatively low crash-related (24) and fire-related (6) complaint counts. Situated within the broader generational arc that saw prior model years peak at 1,737 complaints in 2014, the 2020 figures represent a pronounced improvement over the problematic 2019 period and offer lower complaint volume than the subsequent 2021 model. Given the substantial year-over-year reduction in recalls and consumer complaints compared to its immediate predecessor, the 2020 Ram 1500 represents a favorable vintage for a used truck purchase within this generation.

13
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1219
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
610
Owner complaints
24 involved a crash · 6 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 610 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other68
Engine56
Electrical System51
Steering37
Visibility/Wiper35
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Structure31
Power Train25

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 13 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V622000Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:ExteriorReported 08/10/2020

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… 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…

20V580000Seat BeltsReported 24/09/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1219 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1130702026-06-29Electrical SystemSWITCH – HEADLAMP
1130692026-06-29Electrical SystemSWITCH – HEADLAMP
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
1130652026-06-25Unknown Or OtherOUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER
1130662026-06-25Unknown Or OtherOUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 1500. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2020 1500 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.