NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ram 1500 Classic Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 603 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, positioning it in the Average safety band. A notable strength for this model year is its absence of any recalls. However, its overall safety assessment is tempered by a weak rollover rating and the limited integration of crash-avoidance technology.
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic received a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, derived from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic ranks 95 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 603 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 95 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic carries a 22 percent rollover risk, a figure directly relevant to its truck body style. The model year earns a Safety Index of 73 out of 100, matching the 2019 model year. This flat year-over-year score indicates no significant changes in crash protection, avoidance technology, or defect history from its predecessor. Crash protection for the 2020 1500 Classic contributes 57 of 70 possible points. This is supported by a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star frontal crash rating. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology score is a low 2 out of 10. This reflects the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. Electronic stability control is standard equipment, which accounts for the points earned in this area. The defect record sub-score is 14 out of 20, bolstered by a zero-recall count for this specific model year. While 603 unverified owner complaints have been filed, with notable concentrations in electrical and engine categories, these do not directly influence the Safety Index calculation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD achieved a strong 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side-crash assessment. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 stars. The overall rating for the vehicle is 4 out of 5 stars. Its rollover performance, however, was noted as a weaker point, earning 3 stars with a 22 percent rollover risk. Despite this, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14279
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic have any recalls?
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisories are associated with this model year. While a clean recall record is a positive data point, used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after a vehicle leaves production.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
NHTSA has received 603 unverified owner complaints against the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 153 reports and the Engine with 151 reports. These are unverified consumer allegations only and do not represent confirmed defects.
603 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
For shoppers considering this 6-year-old truck, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic shows zero open recalls at this time, but recall campaigns can be added after a vehicle leaves production, and remedy completion by a prior owner is never guaranteed.
- The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic is the only model year in this analysis to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a distinction that directly supports its 14/20 defect record sub-score.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the specific absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, both of which are listed as not equipped.
- NHTSA recorded a rollover risk of 22 percent for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD, earning 3 out of 5 stars in that category, the lowest individual rating this vehicle received across all crash-test dimensions.
- The 603 unverified complaints on file include alleged reports of 24 crashes, 6 fires, 14 injuries, and 1 death. These are unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA and have not been independently confirmed as defect-related.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic places
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ram 1500 Classic safety questions
Was the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 603 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 1500 Classic years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14279), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 1500 Classic 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 95 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.