Estimated maintenance schedule for the 2020 Ram 1500
GarageHub's estimates for the 2020 1500, not the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
GarageHub estimates the 2020 Ram 1500 oil change interval at every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $60-$120); this is not the manufacturer's figure, so check your owner's manual.
Service intervals
GarageHub estimates for the 2020 Ram 1500, not taken from the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for the exact figures.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemGuide How to Change Your Oil · The engine oil system: what every part does | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $60-$120 | |
| Tire RotationSafety itemGuide How to Rotate Your Tires at Home · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 8,000 mi≈ 13,000 km | $35-$60 | |
| Cabin Air FilterGuide How to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter | 20,000 mi / 24 mo≈ 32,000 km / 24 mo | $20-$45 | |
| Engine Air FilterGuide How to Replace Your Air Filter (Engine & Cabin) | 30,000 mi≈ 48,000 km | $25-$50 | |
| Brake Fluid FlushSafety itemGuide How to Bleed Brakes (and Change Brake Fluid) | 48,000 mi / 48 mo≈ 77,000 km / 48 mo | $90-$150 | |
| Brake Pad Inspection & ReplacementSafety itemGuide How to Change Brake Pads: Step-by-Step Guide | 12 mo | $180-$400 | |
| Coolant Flush (OAT)Guide How to Flush Your Coolant System | 100,000 mi / 120 mo≈ 161,000 km / 120 mo | $120-$200 | |
| Transmission Fluid & FilterSafety itemGuide How to Change Transmission Fluid | 60,000 mi≈ 97,000 km | $250-$400 | |
| Spark Plugs — 5.7L HEMI V8Guide How to Change Spark Plugs · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 30,000 mi≈ 48,000 km | $200-$400 | |
| Spark Plugs — 3.6L Pentastar V6Guide How to Change Spark Plugs · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | $180-$320 | |
| Differential Fluid (Rear/Front if 4WD)Guide How to Change Differential Fluid (Rear Axle and Front 4x4) | 50,000 mi≈ 80,000 km | $100-$180 | |
| Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)Guide How to Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4 and AWD) | 60,000 mi≈ 97,000 km | $90-$150 | |
| EcoDiesel DEF System & DPF ServiceSafety item | As needed | $50-$200 | |
| Battery Inspection & ReplacementGuide How to Replace a Car Battery (on a Modern Car) · The car battery and charging system: what every part does | 48 mo | $150-$280 | |
| Serpentine Belt InspectionGuide How to Replace a Serpentine Belt | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | $80-$150 |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
What happens if you skip it
- Neglecting 8-speed transmission fluid changes leads to harsh shifting, slipping, and premature valve body failure—a $3,000+ repair on the ZF 8HP unit.
- Skipping differential service on 4WD models causes gear whine, metal shavings in fluid, and eventual axle bearing or ring-and-pinion failure requiring complete differential rebuild.
- Ignoring EcoDiesel DPF regeneration warnings results in clogged particulate filter, limp mode activation, and $2,500+ DPF replacement if forced regen cannot clear blockage.
- Deferred brake fluid flushes allow moisture contamination that corrodes ABS module internals, leading to expensive electronic brake system repairs and compromised stopping power.
- Running the HEMI V8 beyond oil change intervals, or on the wrong viscosity instead of the specified 5W-20, is associated with MDS lifter failure—a known weak point resulting in ticking noise and $2,000-$4,000 engine repairs.
- Skipping transfer case fluid service on 4WD models leads to chain stretch, bearing failure, and complete transfer case replacement costing $2,500-$4,000 in parts and labor.
Common issues at higher mileage
- 60,000+ mi
- HEMI V8 MDS lifter tick or failure, often requiring lifter replacement and camshaft inspection if oil changes were delayed or low-quality oil used.
- 80,000+ mi
- 8-speed transmission shudder or delayed engagement, typically resolved with fluid/filter service or software update if caught early.
- 100,000+ mi
- EcoDiesel EGR cooler clogging leading to check engine light, reduced power, and potential coolant intrusion if not addressed promptly.
- 70,000+ mi
- Front differential pinion seal leaks on 4WD models, causing fluid loss and potential bearing damage if not monitored and repaired.
- 90,000+ mi
- Rear coil spring suspension bushing and multi-link joint wear on heavily loaded or towing-duty trucks, resulting in clunking noises and degraded ride quality.
- 120,000+ mi
- Water pump weep hole seepage on all engines, signaling impending bearing failure and requiring replacement to prevent overheating.
Common questions about the 2020 Ram 1500
How often does a 2020 Ram 1500 need an oil change?
GarageHub estimates the 2020 Ram 1500 oil change interval at every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $60-$120); this is not the manufacturer's figure, so check your owner's manual.
What maintenance does a 2020 Ram 1500 need?
GarageHub's estimate of the services not to skip on a 2020 Ram 1500: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; tire rotation every 8,000 mi; brake fluid flush every 48,000 mi / 48 mo; brake pad inspection & replacement every 12 mo; transmission fluid & filter every 60,000 mi. These intervals are estimates, not the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for the exact figures.
What goes wrong on a Ram 1500 at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 60,000+ mi: HEMI V8 MDS lifter tick or failure, often requiring lifter replacement and camshaft inspection if oil changes were delayed or low-quality oil used. 80,000+ mi: 8-speed transmission shudder or delayed engagement, typically resolved with fluid/filter service or software update if caught early. 100,000+ mi: EcoDiesel EGR cooler clogging leading to check engine light, reduced power, and potential coolant intrusion if not addressed promptly. 70,000+ mi: Front differential pinion seal leaks on 4WD models, causing fluid loss and potential bearing damage if not monitored and repaired. 90,000+ mi: Rear coil spring suspension bushing and multi-link joint wear on heavily loaded or towing-duty trucks, resulting in clunking noises and degraded ride quality. 120,000+ mi: Water pump weep hole seepage on all engines, signaling impending bearing failure and requiring replacement to prevent overheating.