Recall 20V208 covers 425,599 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and Jeep Compass vehicles for loose windshield wiper arms. Repair is free at the dealer.
Ram is recalling 425,599 2019-2020 1500 and Compass vehicles under recall 20V208 because windshield wiper arms can loosen and stop the wipers from working properly in bad weather. Reduced visibility increases crash risk, and the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper arm is the metal arm that holds the wiper blade against the glass. On 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and Compass vehicles in this recall, each arm is clamped to a pivot shaft by a wiper nut. When the system is working, the motor turns the shaft, the arm follows that motion, and the blade sweeps water from the windshield.
On affected vehicles, one or both wiper arm head joints were formed incorrectly. That joint is the part of the arm that grips the shaft under the nut. If the joint does not hold tightly, the arm can loosen on the shaft instead of moving in step with the wiper motor. The result is poor windshield clearing in rain, snow, or spray.
Before the wiper system fails completely, the driver can notice that one or both wipers leave areas of the windshield uncleared. The wipers can also stop in the wrong rest position after being turned off.
Who's affected?
Covers the Ram 1500 and Jeep Compass across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the wiper system.
| 2020 Ram 1500 | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Jeep Compass | wiper system |
| 2019 Ram 1500 | wiper system |
| 2019 Jeep Compass | wiper system |
| Units affected | 425,599 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 439 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced visibility raises crash risk when the windshield is not cleared well. If one or both wipers leave uncleared areas or stop resting in the proper position, slow down, use extra space, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Ram 1500 or Jeep Compass is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free windshield-wiper-arm nut tightening that keeps the wipers working in wet weather.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V208 when you call.
- Avoid driving in rain, snow, or spray until the repair is complete because loose wiper arms reduce visibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician tightens the windshield wiper arm nuts so the wiper arms stay secured and operate properly. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you paid out of pocket for a wiper related repair before the owner letter, the reimbursement process asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 9, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 29, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 29, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 29, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 29, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V208?
Recall 20V208 covers 425,599 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and Compass vehicles with windshield wiper arms that can loosen and stop working properly. Reduced driver visibility in certain weather raises crash risk. Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Ram 1500 or Compass is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V208. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the free wiper-nut tightening repair. Reference recall number 20V208 and Ram recall number W25 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ram dealers will tighten the affected windshield wiper nuts free of charge. The recall repair has been available since April 27, 2020.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V208?
The safety risk is reduced visibility. If the windshield wiper arms loosen, the wipers can stop working properly in certain weather conditions. That loss of visibility increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Ram 1500 or Compass used?
The free repair still applies. Recall repairs follow the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received a recall letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2019-2020 Ram 1500 or Compass is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall number 20V208.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V208000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V208 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V208000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →