NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ram 2500 scores 66 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 10 recalls, and 159 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ram 2500 earns a "Below Average" rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 66 out of 100. This assessment is significantly impacted by ten separate recall campaigns and a weak sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 for avoidance technology. These issues detract from the vehicle's otherwise solid performance in direct crash protection. Consumers considering this model should carefully evaluate the implications of its recall history and avoidance-tech limitations.
The 2020 Ram 2500 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, a Below Average result, based exclusively on 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 2500 ranks 104 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 66 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 10 |
| Owner complaints | 159 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 104 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ram 2500?
The 2020 Ram 2500 carries a 29 percent rollover risk probability, earning 3 out of 5 stars in that assessment. This figure stands out for buyers considering higher-center-of-gravity applications. The truck's overall NHTSA Safety Index score is 66 out of 100, a Below Average result. This assessment is the first for this generation, so no prior-year trend is available. Crash protection is a notable strength, scoring 57 out of 70. This sub-score is supported by a 4-star overall NHTSA rating, including a 5-star side-impact performance. In contrast, avoidance technology presents a significant weakness, with a score of 4.5 out of 10. This is due to the complete absence of lane departure warning and the optional, rather than standard, availability of forward collision warning. The defect record further contributes to the Below Average Safety Index, scoring 4.5 out of 20. This reflects a substantial 10 recall campaigns. These recalls address critical components including airbag inflators, tailgate latching hardware, automatic transmission pressure concerns, antilock braking control modules, and wiper linkages. Additionally, 159 consumer complaints have been filed, with a concentration in fuel, propulsion, and engine categories. The breadth of these recalls and the volume of owner complaints represent the clearest safety liability for the 2020 Ram 2500.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ram 2500 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ram 2500’s side-impact rating stands out, having earned a full 5 stars in NHTSA testing. Its frontal-impact rating was 4 stars, contributing to an overall 4-star safety rating. The 2500's rollover score, however, was 3 out of 5 stars, with a 29 percent rollover risk probability. This result included a "No Tip" finding in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14283
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes, 10 recall campaigns cover this exact model year. Named components include curtain airbag inflators, tailgate hinge and latch hardware, the automatic transmission, the antilock and traction-control module, and windshield wiper linkages. The airbag inflator campaign is particularly notable given the safety-critical nature of that system. Buyers should verify remedy completion for every open campaign by VIN before purchase.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR25V010000
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Reported 2025-01-16
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V835000
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Reported 2022-11-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE22V140000
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Reported 2022-03-10
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES22V035000
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.
Reported 2022-01-27
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V880000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Mar
Reported 2021-11-12
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
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
STRUCTURE20V207000
Risk: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.
Reported 2020-04-09
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V043000
Risk: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.
Reported 2020-01-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has logged 159 unverified consumer allegations for the 2020 Ram 2500. Reported problem areas include the Fuel and Propulsion System with 40 allegations, Engine with 31, Fuel System and Diesel each with 30, and Power Train with 20. These are unverified allegations only, not confirmed defects.
159 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ram 2500?
A significant concern for the 2020 Ram 2500 is its recall record: a notable 10 distinct campaigns have been issued. Prospective buyers of a used 2020 Ram 2500 should prioritize verifying the recall completion status for any specific vehicle. This is particularly crucial for the airbag inflator and transmission-related issues identified in these campaigns. Owners are advised to utilize the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and secure documentation from the seller confirming all necessary remedies have been performed.
- Ten separate NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Ram 2500, covering components as safety-critical as curtain airbag inflators and antilock braking control modules, making VIN-level remedy verification essential for any used purchase.
- The 2020 Ram 2500 received a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA with a 29 percent rollover risk probability, the weakest of its four crash-test scores and a meaningful consideration for heavy-load or off-road use cases.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard lane departure warning and the optional-only status of forward collision warning on this model year, limiting the active-safety profile compared to vehicles where these systems are standard.
- NHTSA received 159 unverified consumer allegations for this model year, with the Fuel and Propulsion System alone accounting for 40 of those reports, a concentration that prospective buyers should note when reviewing the vehicle's specific service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ram 2500 places
The 2020 Ram 2500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ram 2500 safety questions
Was the 2020 Ram 2500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ram 2500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 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 2500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ram 2500 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 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 2500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ram 2500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ram 2500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 159 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ram 2500. 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 2500 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 14283), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 2500 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 104 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.