2020 Ram 1500 Factory Maintenance Schedule

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve seen countless fifth-generation Ram 1500s roll into the shop. The 2020 Ram 1500 is a highly capable and luxurious truck, whether equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the legendary 5.7L HEMI V8 (with or without eTorque), or the 3.0L EcoDiesel. To keep this truck running smoothly and avoid costly repairs, sticking to the factory-recommended maintenance schedule is non-negotiable.

Below is the comprehensive maintenance guide for the 2020 Ram 1500, designed to keep your truck on the road for the long haul.

Quick reference

Note: The 2020 Ram 1500 uses an Automatic Oil Change Indicator system. Oil change intervals should never exceed 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects maximum standard intervals for gas engines (3.6L and 5.7L). Always consult your owner's manual for specific engine variations like the EcoDiesel.

Severe-duty schedule

If your 2020 Ram 1500 is used for heavy towing, fleet use, off-roading, extensive idling (like police or construction vehicles), or frequent short trips in freezing climates, it falls under the "Severe-Duty" category. You must adjust your intervals accordingly:

• Oil & Filter: The oil life monitor may trigger as early as 3,500 to 5,000 miles. Never exceed 5,000 miles if primarily towing or idling.
• Engine & Cabin Air Filters: Replace every 15,000 to 20,000 miles if operating in dusty, off-road, or high-pollen environments.
• Differentials & Transfer Case: Replace fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles if frequently towing, off-roading, or plowing snow.
• Transmission Fluid: Replace at 60,000 miles strictly. Heat from towing rapidly degrades transmission fluid.

Known issues by mileage

The fifth-generation Ram 1500 (DT platform) is generally reliable, but technicians frequently see a few specific issues at certain mileage markers:

• 30,000 - 50,000 miles (Exhaust Manifold Bolts): The 5.7L HEMI is notorious for snapping rear exhaust manifold bolts. If you hear a ticking noise on a cold start that goes away as the engine warms up, the bolts and likely the manifold itself need to be replaced.
• 40,000 - 60,000 miles (Rear Window/Third Brake Light Leaks): Many owners report water intrusion in the rear cabin. This is usually due to a faulty seal around the third brake light or the rear window frame cracking.
• 60,000 - 80,000 miles (eTorque System Quirks): For models equipped with the mild-hybrid eTorque system, the 48-volt battery pack and motor-generator unit can occasionally throw codes or require software flashes around this mileage. The battery itself has a generous factory warranty.
• 100,000+ miles (Lifter/Camshaft Wear): While less common on the newer generation than the older ones, poor oil maintenance on the 5.7L HEMI can lead to lifter failure which wipes out the camshaft. Stick to high-quality synthetic oil to prevent this.

Estimated cost per service

Prices vary based on location, labor rates, and whether you go to a dealer or an independent shop.

• Standard 10k Service (Oil, Filter, Rotation): $90 – $140
• 30k Service (Oil, Cabin/Engine Filters, Inspections): $180 – $250
• 60k Service (Standard + Drive Belts + Transmission Service): $600 – $900
• 100k Service (Spark Plugs, PCV, Belts, Fluids): $500 – $800 (The 16 spark plugs on the HEMI make this service more labor-intensive).
• 150k Service (Coolant Flush + Comprehensive Maintenance): $300 – $500

What you can DIY vs shop

What you can DIY: If you have basic hand tools and a level driveway, you can easily tackle the 10k and 30k services. Oil changes on both the 3.6L and 5.7L are straightforward, with easy access to the drain plug and oil filter. Engine and cabin air filters take less than 15 minutes to swap out. Upgrading to a high-quality aftermarket air filter is a great DIY project.

When to visit a shop: Leave the 100k spark plug replacement on the 5.7L HEMI to a professional unless you are very experienced; accessing the rear plugs near the firewall is frustrating and requires specific swivels. Transmission fluid services on the ZF 8-speed require scanning tools to monitor fluid temperature during the fill process, making it a specialized job. Coolant flushes and brake fluid flushes should also be handled by a shop to ensure air is properly bled from the ABS modules and cooling systems.

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