2020 Ram 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2020 1500
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (162 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 162 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (155 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 155 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (62 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 62 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (61 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 61 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (52 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 52 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
69 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
14
Visibility Red flag
Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
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.
Air Bags Red flag
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.
Vehicle Speed Control Check
A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
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.
Visibility Check
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2020 1500–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2020 1500. The most serious involve Visibility (20V622000) and Seat Belts (20V580000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2020 1500?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (162 complaints) and Engine (155 complaints), out of 628 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 1500?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 162 complaints for this model-year.