2020 Ram 3500 Electrical system Problems

“On 12/4/23, at 6:37 am PST, we initiated remote start via the key fob. At 6:40 am pst, a flash and fire erupted from under the hood of the truck. We immediately worked to control the fire using extinguishers and garden hoses until the fire department arrived a few minutes later. They worked to put the fire out that engulfed the engine compartment and then worked to get the hood open to finish putting the fire out. The fire didn’t fully go out until the battery cables were cut.”

“This Laramie trim level truck has an electronic drop tailgate with a button to drop the tailgate on the overhead console and one on the key fob. The tailgate on my truck was closed during my pre-trip and entering the vehicle. I had a trailer hooked to the receiver hitch and drove ten miles before realizing the tailgate was now in the down position and caused significant damage to the tailgate because the tailgate made contact with the trailer. With the electronic release tailgate on this particular year truck there is not a warning message alerting the driver that the tailgate is ajar. …”

“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that she locked the vehicle with the key fob, and the auto start system started the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the manufacturer of the battery be contacted. The manufacturer provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 16,000.”

“The contact owns a 2020 RAM 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, he depressed the START/STOP button several times however, the vehicle failed to start. After waiting for approximately 45 minutes the vehicle started. The contact also stated the vehicle failed to recognize the key fob inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”

“The contact owns a 2020 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the oil warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Additionally, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and refilled the oil reservoir; however, the failure recurred with oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine damage and connecting rod failure, which punctured the engine block. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. …”