2020 RAM 1500 Engine Problems

My 2020 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system has experienced repeated failures of the charging system due to the belt starter generator (BSG) / 48-volt hybrid system. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly while driving in traffic, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and loss of power steering assist. This created a dangerous situation where I had limited ability to control the vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road. The truck has also stalled at low speeds and intersections, requiring a restart while in traffic. When the failure occurs, warning messages related to the charging system or hybrid system may appear, and the vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver due to loss of steering assist. The underlying cause has been identified as failure of the eTorque belt starter generator (BSG) and/or associated 48-volt system components. The vehicle’s 12-volt battery is no longer properly...

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was riding very rough and unexpectedly idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,462.

While driving the power plant generator for my engine failed without warning, causing my truck to stop working. There has to be a major issue with the part due to the fact that there is 6000 part back order that has been in going for over 2 years. Someone is going to get seriously injured if this part isn’t recalled and corrected. Having your car shut off at highway speeds is unacceptable. Part number 68623194AC. Ram knows there is a serious issue with this etorque power generator and is not doing anything to resolve the issues, nor making parts available to correct the issue. People trucks are now worthless lawn ornaments

The generator bearings are making a wining noise. It was confirmed by an experienced independent mechanic that the E-torque generator needs replacement. The dealer said the generator is not in stock. Further research showed the part is on back order for months, with thousands of others waiting and in the same boat of no parts available.

This engine has failed by the head gaskets, literally all 4, cracking/breaking. This caused coolant to leak into the engine, mix with the oil, depleating the coolant, thereby causing the truck to overheat and break down. With repairs this continues to happen. 3 times to be exact! This cannot be normal for this engine especially when this happened with less than 90K miles on the engine.

On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead. Has it towed McQueeney tx . Contacted dealer next day engine generator kit unavailable. Contacted Mopar, order part on 9/16/2025. Still to dated no updated from Mopar. When engine generator shut down you have no steering control and very low braking power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this email to document a vehicle safety issue involving my 2020 Ram 1500 (5.7L eTorque). In November 2025, the vehicle experienced a failure of the eTorque motorized alternator / belt starter generator system, resulting in a loss of the electrical and charging system. As a result, the vehicle became non-drivable. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ram dealership on November 18, 2025, and has remained there continuously. The manufacturer (MOPAR / Stellantis) has confirmed the failure is warranty-covered, but has advised that the required part is on indefinite backorder with no firm ETA. As of the date of this email, the vehicle has been out of service for over 60 days and cannot be safely operated. This issue appears to be widely reported nationwide (I was told by Landers Dodge in Norman, OK that the part is on backorder, and that...

My 2020 Ram 1500 exhaust manifold leak often causes a loud ticking noise, especially on startup, due to broken bolts or a cracked manifold.

Smoke leaks into cabin when heat is on. Possibly coolant/heating core. I saw many complaints for the same issue on the internet and figured i would make an official complaint

After hearing a grinding noise coming from the engine, I took the vehicle (2020 RAM 1500 w/5.7L eTorque) to the dealer. It's been waiting for a replacement MGU (Motor Generator Unit) for over 3 weeks but I'm told it might take months to get a replacement part. Fortunately, I discovered this before having a breakdown on a busy highway or up in the mountains. Had that occured, I most certainly would have lost the ability to steer the truck and braking would have been diminished. I'm hoping this manufacturing defect is elevated to safety recall status in the hope of preventing future loss of life.

The e-Torque motor generator unit is failing, rendering the truck unsafe to drive. Catastrophic failure of this unit while in operation would likely cause loss of control. Signs of failure primarily have been increasing noise in the unit common to bearing failure. The component was inspected by an independent service center and confirmed to need immediate replacement. The part is currently unavailable from any source, and the manufacturer reports a back order with no known date of availability.

The etorque generator stopped working, I can’t find the part in any dealership since it’s back ordered with no release date on more than 10,000 parts according to all the dealerships

I leased this vehicle, brand new. I bought out the lease just over a year ago. The truck has under 113,000 miles. I drove the vehicle to New York for a trip. The motor started, knocking, ticking real bad so I pulled into the shop (Monroe) they looked at the engine and said it's blown. They was no waring/check engine light never came on. Gauges were fine (digital). It cost me 16 grand to put a new motor in and dodge will not cover it. The mechanic also stated, he sees these engine blown (V6) all the time in my RAM and in the Durango's.

ABS module needs replaced. It was recalled in all trucks except for this year model. It is currently on back order and I have been waiting for the part for almost a year! All emergency lights in the dash are on all the time and now when I am driving, the accelerator goes completely dead. It happens randomly and has happened multiple times now. The dealership has accessed this and stated that the ABS module will fix the problem. This is very dangerous and needs to be looked into. Why can’t they fix my truck?

The mgu/generator went out and left me stranded due to battery failure. I had no steering or power brakes. Everything electrical failed. Have been waiting for new mgu for 2 months.

I took my 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiese to a Chrysler-Dodge-Ram dealership on 9/23/25 for the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) safety recall. I was told a part had to be ordered to complete the recall and gave me a rental vehicle. After a few days I contacted the dealership about my repair. They said the wrong part was ordered and the new one was in route. After about a week, I called the dealership again and I was told "the truck won't start and they were working with Stellantis to figure out why." Several more days passed, I called again, they stated that after the new pump was installed and the truck was started it "blew a rod," but they had fixed it, test drove it, and it would be ready for pick up the next day. I picked up the truck on 10/16/25 and drove less than 50 miles...

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. While the vehicle was still on the road, the contact shifted to park(P) and then back to drive(D), and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. However, the contact stated that the failure had occurred six times. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear knob independently shifted gears. The contact stated that the gear knob was in drive(D) and...

The tensioner pulley seized up causing the serpentine belt to break and taking the MGU E Torque Alternator out. We have learned that there are no MGU parts available and we are one of 4000 waiting with no ETA available. You can’t buy a used one as they can not be reprogrammed to a different truck.

I purchased a brand new 2020 Ram 1500 with 5.7-liter hemi ETORQUE engine in 2020. The vehicle had been making a squealing noise since before 40k miles. Dealership was unable to identify issue on numerous occasions. On 4/8/2024, with vehicle mileage at 74k miles, the noise worsened to a point where the vehicle was not drivable. They identified the "Alternator" (MGU) to the etorque needed to be replaced. The part was on back order and did not arrive until 6/24/2025. At which the dealership replaced the part and expedited the return of the vehicle without proper assurance that the replaced part, fixed the vehicles problem. Less than 375 miles later, a system battery saver came up on the dash. Turning off all electronics in the vehicle including but not limited to A/C and radio. Temps were more than 100 at this time. Within less than 550 miles, the vehicle lost...

My 2020 Ram 1500 etorque had a major breakdown. My husband was driving down the highway in a construction zone when he lost power steering, power brakes and then the vehicle totally shut down. He had to steer it to the side of the highway, barely making it. We had the vehicle towed to the dealership who ran diagnostics on it and told us the Mechanical Generator Unit (MGU) needed to be replaced. The major issue: the MGU could not be found anywhere in the US. They wasn't able to order / backorder from anywhere. They said it could take months or longer to get the part. We couldn't go indefinitely without our truck so the dealer recommended we trade it in. That was our only option so that was what we were forced to do. We did not want another vehicle!! Ours was paid off.

2020 RAM 1500 with a bad MGU (Motor-Generator Unit). Dealer says they have 2 trucks already waiting on the same part since January. There is a massive backlog and Chrysler is not offering anything on when this will be available. It's on an "engineering hold". It will eventually fail in these trucks and render them inoperable. Waiting 8-9 months for a part should never be an option in any scenario. This is also covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty.

Generator/altenator. MGU system. Vehicle was hard to crank at store. After it cranked it seemed fine until I went to pull into traffic. Then it completely died In the middle of the road where I was nearly t boned by a garbage truck. All power was gone. No lights, no radio not a thing worked. After 10 minutes waiting in my wife, it cranked. I was driving home and it started smelling something burning like rubber in the cab. Apparently it was the battery in the back seat over heating. It never crunk again and is now in the shop after being towed. MGU failure and burnt batteries. On back order for months is what I am hearing.

RAM has a bad design on MGU's, new ones and old ones are failing, whining, causing engine spudder and no movement at times. Can't purchase one because RAM has them on "Engineering HOLD". Therefore they no they have an issue, not offer a replacement. I have been advised if they become available I'm looking at $2,000 for an alternator. That is insane.

The contact's mother owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the on/off switch and battery low level warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. The contact stated the engine seized while driving at 5 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failed motor generator unit. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed motor generator unit. The contact was informed that the motor generator unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU). This part is available for inspection and review. The failure of this component can result in complete immobilization of the vehicle which poses a significant safety risk for users and pedestrians alike. The problem has been a wide-spread issue for the Ram 1500 series. This issue was acknowledged by Ram and Stelantis. Ram has reviewed my MGU and confirmed that the component is faulty. The only warning was a whining noise and then the vehicle became completely incapacitated.

I own a 2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn 4WD with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. The vehicle began making a whining noise while running. A certified diagnosis confirmed the failure of the engine generator unit, part number 68623194AB, which is required to keep the eTorque system functional. This part has been on nationwide backorder for an extended period with no estimated time of arrival from Mopar or the dealership. The vehicle is currently undriveable and unsafe, and I have not been given a timeline or support for alternative transportation. The unavailability of this critical hybrid powertrain component has made my vehicle unusable for weeks, and I’ve seen numerous reports from other RAM owners experiencing the same issue with no resolution. There is a serious risk to safety and reliability if this continues to be ignored. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this widespread part shortage and potential manufacturer defect. There...

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the message "Service High Pressure Fuel Pump" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the right side of the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The failure reoccurred after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

I am writing to report a serious and dangerous issue with my 2020 Ram 1500. The vehicle has been randomly shutting off while I am driving, often accompanied by a strange acceleration or revving sound just before the engine dies. This has occurred multiple times without warning, creating an extremely unsafe driving situation. The issue happens at random and cannot be easily reproduced on demand, which I understand may make it difficult to diagnose. However, it is important to emphasize that this is a major safety risk that could easily result in a crash or injury.

Cracked exhaust manifold. I know of three people, besides myself, with the 2020 Ram with 5.7 literally Hemi that have had cracked exhaust manifold. Mopar has a technical service bulletin, but the cost to repair is on me.

My truck would engage the emergency braking without any objects near. Battery needed to be replaced due to not charging. The etorque is making noise and vibrating.

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH and towing a trailer, the traction control engaged, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The Police had aided with getting the vehicle off the roadway. The traction control and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and two unknown local dealers were unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The brake control was previously replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer and the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

Sitting in traffic, truck started overheating. Gauge was jumping all over. Truck had to be turned off

Exhaust manifold is ticking after only hitting 47k miles. Of course the warranty has been out for a month now. The dealership won’t cover it quoting me $3,200 to replace both of them.

Due to the recall Z96/NHTSA 22V-767 my fuel pump failed in 2023, causing my check engine light to come on due to a fuel injector warning. The dealership replaced the fuel pump, but nothing else was replaced or checked. In April 2025, my check engine light came back on for a #4 Glow Plug issue. The truck at this point had 56k miles on it, and was out of warranty. I took it to a local mechanic, who found the glow plug had shrapnel on it, causing it to fail. He believes it is due to the high pressure fuel pump failure the previous year, releasing debris into the fuel system. This is a safety issue due to the loss of engine power, and if multiple cylinders are affected could cause the vehicle to go limp.

So I am driving on the freeway 70mph and I get a message on my dash that says service shifter then every single light on the dash came on and started to make a beeping noise. I pulled over on the side of the freeway and then all the lights dissappear except check engine. I continued to drive to next exit and this time all lights came on again and truck appeared to be shutting off and turning back on while driving, steering wheel got hard to move all while all lights turning on, on dash. I have taken to shop 3 times first time they told me it was battery so I purchased battery and diagnostic fee for 600. Still continued to have issues even after replacing battery. Then they tell me they don't know what's causing this issue and the truck hasn't been fixed. I'll let the truck...

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the right side and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to Town and Country Garage. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.

Driving down the road, my auto start stop failure light appeared on dash, followed by a check engine light and a battery light. Tried to pull over on the side of the road when I lost all electrical components including power steering, ac, radio etc. the truck slammed itself into park abruptly and turned itself off. I was stranded on the side of the road and nearly got hit by passing cars several times as I was in a curve in the road. After further investigation it has been determined that the bearings inside of the generator (part number: 68623194AB) went out. The part needed to fix the truck is not being made by the supplier and I have been nearly 2 months and counting paying for a truck to sit and look pretty as the truck is completely unusable. One dealership told me this part was on back order...

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off; however, the vehicle kept running for several more feet. The contact attempted to bring the vehicle to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. While the vehicle was at the residence and turned off, the alarm sounded. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, but it was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. The VIN was not available.

The 48V Belt Starter Generator failed on my 2020 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L eTorque system. It caused my truck to stall in the middle of a busy intersection at a red light. The battery drained fast, and I couldn’t move the truck out of the way. I was stuck in a dangerous spot cars were coming around a turn at 45–55 mph, and since my hazard lights started dying too, I had to get out in the rain and wave people away so they wouldn’t hit me. I was honestly afraid for my life. I ended up calling 911 and my insurance to get towed out of there. Before it happened, I saw a battery warning and something about the battery system. A mechanic and a dealer confirmed the issue was the 48V generator. I started calling around for the part, and every dealer I spoke with told me...

1. Safety Issue 1: Cracked Exhaust Manifold & Exhaust Leak Description: Loud knocking noise on startup, strong exhaust fumes entering cabin. Dealer Diagnosis: Both exhaust manifolds cracked, multiple broken bolts. Risk: Potential carbon monoxide poisoning, engine damage, and fire hazard. Dealer Response: Refused repair, quoted $3,500. No assistance from Chrysler. Pattern Failure: Online forums show many owners with identical issues—clearly a manufacturing defect. 2. Safety Issue 2: Dashboard Delamination & Toxic Fumes Description: Dashboard surface peeling, strong chemical odor in cabin. Risk: Toxic off-gassing causes headaches/nausea; peeling material obstructs visibility. Pattern Failure: Widespread reports for this model/year—faulty adhesive is to blame. Manufacturer Negligence: Chrysler and dealerships are aware but refuse responsibility, blaming "wear and tear." Exhaust leaks and toxic interiors are unacceptable safety hazards—yet no recall exists. Request to NHTSA: Investigate these defects for potential recall. Force Chrysler to acknowledge and repair affected vehicles. Urgency: Driving this vehicle is a...

The Alternator Generator (MGU) failed and I was driving on the road when it happened causing the electronics to start going dark one after the other then dark screen and lost power steering. Thank God I was close to the side of the road and rolled out of traffic's way. The truck was towed to the mechanic who confirmed it is the MGU. The problem is that this part is on back order with no ETA. So I have a 2020 RAM Laramie with 39,000 miles only sitting in the shop. If this happened on the highway, an accident would have been guaranteed. I was simply lucky.

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, on several occasions the contact observed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Around 86,000 miles, a metallic like noise that one would associate with a worn bearing began within what i determine to be the E-torque MGU. Subtle at first, but you could tell something wasn't the same with the sounds you hear within the engine. Between then and my current 88,800 miles, the metallic sounds has gotten more aggressive, which is logical to assume that might happen if a bearing part is wearing down. Just today, 3/21/2025, an uncomfortable rattle sound and visible vibration of the MGU unit appeared suddenly, making me uncomfortable to drive the vehicle any further without immediate repair for fear of risking un-necessary damage to other critical engine componenets.

Smoke, burning smell entering cabin area while driving and using heater. Look up issue, found many people had the same problem involving heater core leaking/failing early.

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light and power train warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or right, and while pulling off the roadway the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated while attempting to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the E-Torque Alternator had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to repair the vehicle was on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of...

My 2020 Ram 1500 5.7L e-Torque started making a noise. I then received a "Battery" indicator Light, then received an "Engine" indicator light. I was losing voltage on my battery. The truck is now at the Dealership. The alternator has failed (87k miles). No one has the part. It's been on back order since November 2024. Online research indicates that over 3000 are on back order. I can't even place an order with Mopar (Genuine Ram Parts Supplier). I'm also told that the repair will be $2300 - seems like a lot for an alternator that you can't get that can be replace in about an hour.

I WAS DRIVING AND STARTED HEARING A NOISE, COME TO FIND OUT IT IS THE MGU. I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A RAISING PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after driving 35-45 MPH, the contact approached a stop sign, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after pushing the Push-to-Start button. The traction control warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the key fob not recognized message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the relay module and PCM and referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

MGU bearing failing, and no stock available, they suspect it may be months before the part is available

The DPF got so hot in a matter of a few miles (8 minutes driving) it blew a hole in it, and melted all the wiring under the truck, caused the engine to stop, automatically locking all the doors (thank God my child and husband had stopped and were out) before this happened.