NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ram 1500 scores 68 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 14 recalls, and 603 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ram 1500 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 69/100, landing it in the Below Average category. This mixed assessment stems from a combination of strong federal crash-test scores and a substantial recall record. While demonstrating slight improvement over its 2019 predecessor, the model's overall safety profile is significantly hampered by a weak defect-record subscore.
The 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 69 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 101 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 68 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 14 |
| Owner complaints | 603 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 101 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ram 1500?
The 2020 Ram 1500 moved its NHTSA Safety Index from 67 to 69, a two-point gain that kept it in the Below Average band but signaled modest improvement. The gain is traceable primarily to the crash-protection subscore, which reached 61 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side result. Where the 2020 year stumbles is in its defect record: a subscore of just 1.5 out of 20 reflects the weight of 13 recall campaigns accumulated against this model year, a figure that directly suppresses the overall Index despite the competitive crash numbers. The avoidance-tech subscore of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard fitment, meaning safety-technology coverage varies by trim and configuration. The combination of a strong crash-test result and a burdened recall history is the defining tension of this specific model year, and it explains why the Index sits well below where the crash stars alone might suggest.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ram 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD secured a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-crash protection, a standout performance in federal testing. This strong result contributed to an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars for the vehicle. Frontal crash protection was assessed at 4 out of 5 stars. Rollover resistance also achieved 4 out of 5 stars; the dynamic tip test indicated "No Tip," despite a calculated rollover risk of 20 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14281
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 have any recalls?
The 2020 Ram 1500 is subject to 13 recall campaigns. Named components include the driver-side air bag connection, heated trailer tow rearview mirrors, tailgate latch and hinge hardware, a diesel fuel pump, and a rearview-camera display software error. No data-block entry designates a do-not-drive or park-outside directive, but the air bag recall warrants prompt attention.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE26V495000
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Reported 2026-07-30
AIR BAGS25V298000
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Reported 2025-05-08
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES24V754000
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Reported 2024-10-10
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS22V904000
Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Reported 2022-12-08
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP22V767000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Reported 2022-10-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V638000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Reported 2022-08-25
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR21V632000
Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Reported 2021-08-12
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR20V622000
Risk: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
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 at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.
Reported 2020-10-08
SEAT BELTS20V580000
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
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 service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Reported 2020-09-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V191000
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Reported 2020-09-10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL20V513000
Risk: A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.
Reported 2020-08-27
AIR BAGS20V374000
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.
Reported 2020-06-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has received 603 unverified consumer complaints against the 2020 Ram 1500. Alleged problem areas, reported by owners and not independently verified, are led by the Electrical System with 153 reports and the Engine with 151, followed by Power Train, Steering, and Visibility/Wiper concerns. Reported allegations include 24 crash events, 6 fire incidents, 14 injuries, and 1 death.
603 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ram 1500?
The 2020 Ram 1500 stands out with an elevated number of recalls: 13 campaigns are on record for this model year. Among these is an air bag connection issue, affecting multiple model years, underscoring the importance of verifying completed recall remedies via the VIN before any purchase.
- The 2020 Ram 1500 carries 13 NHTSA recall campaigns, including one addressing a potentially improper driver-side air bag connection that spans 2019 through 2024 model years - remedy completion should be verified by VIN before any purchase or continued operation.
- The defect-record subscore of 1.5 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 2020 Safety Index of 69, meaning the recall volume, not crash performance, is the primary reason this year lands in the Below Average band.
- NHTSA awarded the 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD a 5-star overall and a 5-star side crash rating, making crash protection the strongest dimension of this year's safety profile at 61 out of 70 possible points.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional for this model year, so buyers examining a specific used unit should confirm which active-safety features are actually installed on that vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ram 1500 places
The 2020 Ram 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ram 1500 safety questions
Was the 2020 Ram 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ram 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 68 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ram 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ram 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 14 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ram 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ram 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 603 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ram 1500. 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 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 14281), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 1500 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 101 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.