2020 Ram 2500: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints for the 2020 Ram 2500 that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11748863 (filed 07/07/2026): “The contact owns a 2020 ram 2500. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. no warning lights were illuminated. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11748901 (filed 07/07/2026): “The contact owns a 2020 ram 2500. the contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. the next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engi…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11722748 (filed 03/07/2026): “Massive oil leak that everyone has issues with also has a grid heater bolt that fails and causes engine damage. the oil leaks are terrible for the environment and causing leaks all over every road…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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