Transmission Shudder (8-Speed Automatic)
medium- Typically appears
- 25–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $3,500
2020 Ram
1500 Crew CabPickup
5.7L V8 HEMI · Pickup
The 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab is the fifth-generation Ram half-ton, and it landed as one of the most refined full-size pickups on the market. Ram's combination of a coil-spring rear suspension (unique in the segment), a luxurious interior, and a stout 5.7L HEMI V8 gave it a real edge over its rivals in ride comfort and interior quality. Available in a wide range of trims from work-truck basics to near-luxury Laramie Longhorn and Limited builds, it can serve as a daily commuter or a serious towing rig. The 2020 model year carried over the extensively redesigned 2019 platform, adding minor refinements. The standard 5.7L HEMI produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the optional eTorque mild-hybrid system adds a belt-driven motor-generator for improved fuel economy and low-RPM torque. Towing is rated up to 12,750 lbs with the proper package — competitive with the best in class. Ownership is generally positive, but this generation has a handful of known trouble spots: transmission shudder in the 8-speed, oil cooler leaks, and Uconnect infotainment glitches. None of these are deal-breakers, but buyers and current owners should know what to watch for.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Engine
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Drivetrain
4WD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
15 city / 21 hwy / 17 combined
Seats
5
Doors
4
Body
Pickup
MSRP
$47,075
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab is the fifth-generation Ram half-ton, and it landed as one of the most refined full-size pickups on the market. Ram's combination of a coil-spring rear suspension (unique in the segment), a luxurious interior, and a stout 5.7L HEMI V8 gave it a real edge over its rivals in ride comfort and interior quality. Available in a wide range of trims from work-truck basics to near-luxury Laramie Longhorn and Limited builds, it can serve as a daily commuter or a serious towing rig. The 2020 model year carried over the extensively redesigned 2019 platform, adding minor refinements. The standard 5.7L HEMI produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the optional eTorque mild-hybrid system adds a belt-driven motor-generator for improved fuel economy and low-RPM torque. Towing is rated up to 12,750 lbs with the proper package — competitive with the best in class. Ownership is generally positive, but this generation has a handful of known trouble spots: transmission shudder in the 8-speed, oil cooler leaks, and Uconnect infotainment glitches. None of these are deal-breakers, but buyers and current owners should know what to watch for.
Known for
- Best-in-class ride quality thanks to coil-spring rear suspension
- 5.7L HEMI V8 with strong towing and proven long-term durability
- Class-leading interior comfort and materials in upper trims
- Wide range of configurations and trims to suit nearly any need
- Strong resale value among full-size trucks
Best for
- Towing trailers and boats (up to 12,750 lbs)
- Daily driving where ride comfort matters
- Families needing a spacious crew cab with back-seat room
- Contractors and tradespeople needing up to 2,300 lbs payload
- Buyers who want truck capability without sacrificing interior quality
Watch for
- Transmission shudder on 8-speed units, especially 30k–60k miles
- Oil cooler leaks — can cause serious engine damage if caught late
- Uconnect infotainment freezing or failing, common on 2019–2020
- Air suspension (if equipped) adds significant long-term repair cost
- Frame rust accelerates quickly in Wisconsin salt-belt conditions
Common issues by mileage
6 knownEngine Oil Cooler Leak
medium- Typically appears
- 50–90k mi
- Estimated repair
- $600 – $1,500
Uconnect Infotainment Freezing / Failure
high- Typically appears
- 20–70k mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $600
Lost Communication With Body Control Module
low- Typically appears
- 30–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Backup Camera Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 40–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $500
Air Suspension Compressor / Ride Height Sensor Failure
low- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $600 – $2,000
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Engine Oil & Filter Change
The 5.7L HEMI requires 7 quarts of 5W-20 synthetic blend. The eTorque system (if equipped) puts additional load on the oil. Don't stretch this interval — the oil cooler leak risk makes clean, full-level oil critical to catching problems early.
- 2 Every 7,500 miles Tire Rotation
4WD trucks with aggressive towing wear front tires unevenly. Regular rotation extends tire life and keeps handling predictable, especially important on Wisconsin winter roads.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles Transmission Fluid Change (Mopar ATF+4)
The 8-speed ZF-sourced transmission is sensitive to fluid condition. Using only Mopar ATF+4 is non-negotiable — incorrect fluid is a direct contributor to the shudder problem. If you bought this truck used and the history is unknown, change it now regardless of mileage.
- 4 Every oil change after 50,000 miles Engine Oil Cooler Inspection
Visually inspect the oil cooler housing and lines for seepage. This is a known failure point and catching it early is a $600 repair; catching it late can mean a $5,000+ engine repair.
- 5 Every 30,000 miles or 36 months Air Filter Replacement
Wisconsin's dusty summer construction seasons and winter road grit can load up the air filter faster than the interval suggests. Inspect annually and replace as needed.
- 6 Every 20,000 miles Cabin Air Filter Replacement
A clogged cabin filter reduces defrost and A/C effectiveness — both matter in Wisconsin winters and summers. Easy DIY swap.
- 7 Every 60,000 miles, or after any deep water crossing Differential & Transfer Case Fluid Service
Front and rear differentials use 75W-85 GL-5; transfer case uses 75W-90 GL-4. These are often overlooked until a whine or clunk develops. Particularly important in 4WD trucks used for winter towing.
- 8 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Brake Fluid Flush
DOT 3 fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering boiling point. Wisconsin's long downhill grades in loaded-towing scenarios make fresh brake fluid a safety item, not just a maintenance checkbox.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,400
Fuel
At 17 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $2,500–$3,200/year in fuel at current Wisconsin pump prices for regular 87-octane. Frequent towing will push that higher.
Insurance
Typically $1,400–$2,000/year for a 2020 Ram 1500 in Wisconsin for a driver with a clean record, varying by trim level and coverage. Higher trims with air suspension or premium packages cost more to insure.
Routine annual costs — oil changes, tire rotations, filters — run $600–$900 in a normal year. Budget an extra $400–$600 in years when transmission fluid, differential service, or brake fluid is due. The big wildcard is the transmission shudder and oil cooler: if either hits and isn't covered by warranty or an extended service contract, you could be looking at $1,000–$3,500 in one shot. Fuel and insurance are the dominant costs most years.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to or verify you're running 5W-20 synthetic blend — cold cranking on the 5.7L HEMI is demanding on the battery and starter; a quality synthetic handles sub-zero starts much better than conventional oil.
- Test the battery before November. This truck's electrical load (heated seats, defrost, eTorque system if equipped) is substantial; a marginal battery will fail in a Wisconsin cold snap. Replace anything below 500 CCA.
- Apply an undercoating or annual underbody wash every 2 weeks during salt season. Frame rust is a documented issue in the salt belt — preventive washing is far cheaper than frame repair.
- Stock up on -40°F rated washer fluid. The Ram's large windshield and tow mirrors create a lot of spray surface on winter highway runs.
- Swap to dedicated winter tires if you tow or haul heavy loads in snow. All-season tires on a 5,200+ lb truck are marginal on ice.
- Check 4WD engagement before the first snowfall — don't find out the transfer case shift motor is slow on the first icy morning of the season.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — a truck this heavy loses meaningful handling and fuel economy with under-inflated tires, and pressure drops ~1 PSI for every 10°F of temperature drop between summer fills and winter cold.
- Inspect and recharge the A/C system before summer towing trips. Heavy towing in July heat puts the compressor under sustained load; verify it's functioning at full capacity.
- Check coolant concentration (should be 50/50 Mopar OAT) — a 14.7-quart cooling system with a marginal mix will run hotter under sustained towing.
- Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer. Towing heavy loads on Wisconsin's rural hills in heat accelerates brake wear significantly.
- Flush the oil cooler area of road debris and bugs — reduced airflow to the cooler contributes to elevated oil temperatures under load.
Comparable vehicles
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