2021 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 679 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 27 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat belts, rear/other, anchorageJul 30, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Campaign 26V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalNov 6, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Campaign 25V765000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 8, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Campaign 25V298000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, rearview mirrors/devicesOct 10, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Campaign 24V754000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleSep 5, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
Campaign 24V653000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Apr 13, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
Campaign 23V265000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionFeb 9, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
Campaign 23V059000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, tailgate, hinge and attachmentsDec 8, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Campaign 22V904000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpOct 13, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Campaign 22V767000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionAug 25, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Campaign 22V638000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtainNov 24, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
Campaign 21V925000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionNov 23, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
Campaign 21V918000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireSep 9, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."
A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.
Campaign 21V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionJun 10, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.
Campaign 21V438000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderDo not drive until repairedFeb 1, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
Campaign 21V037000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
197 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2025
Failed Motor Generator unit.
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the rear window. The contact stated that the radiofrequency (RF) module had short-circuited. The contact stated that the key fob failed to function as intended and the steering wheel and brakes seized. The contact used the physical key to unlock the door. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiofrequency module (RF) had short-circuited. The radio-frequency module was replaced, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2025
Ram eTorque system failed. Alternator/MGU unit has a bad bearing and failed. This is a safety issue because the truck could lose power while driving. Unit start whining and screeching then eventually stops. Voltage reading starts going down and truck eventually won't run.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound intermittently coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that the navigation system and the climate control system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2025
I am having a horrendous noise coming from the MGU untit on the vehicle. This is the part that sits on top of the alternator and is like a mini generator. This part is screeching and making a ton of noise. I have read through forums and it seems like many many people have had the same problem with this part. I think it is time that they re-engineer a new part as this part has been failing for some within the first 5K miles on the vehicle.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2025
The etorque MGU is failing at a high rate, worse in the winter months. Currently, 4500 people waiting for parts with no help from RAM. Trucks are completely out of service.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2025
Started hearing bearing noise from the eTorque MGU (motor generator Unit) at around 40,000 miles on odometer. Took the vehicle to dealer for problem determination and they confirmed it was a problem with the MGU. I was told a total failure can cause the main electrical fuse to fail without warning leaving the vehicle completely without power in traffic. There is also the possibility of the bearings seizing and the entire pulley shearing off while in operation. Through two different online owner forums, I have verified that this appears to be an increasingly common problem with 2019-2024 models. RAM appears to be aware of this problem as they issued a Technical Service Bulletin on 1/1/2022 (S2208000009) which talks about the bearing noise and underlying problem.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 16, 2025
I was driving and my vehicle make a dinging sound, all the lights on the dash came on and the truck started accelerating on its own. I did not have the cruise control nor was I pressing the accelerator and the truck was accelerating by itself. If i used the brakes the truck would slow down, but when I released the brakes the truck would self accelerate again. If I turned the truck completely off and back on it went away for a couple days but then happened again. This was a super dangerous situation as it was happening suddenly and without warning and I could have easily struck another vehicle or a pedestrian or lost control of my vehicle and wrecked. The issue happened out of no where on its own, was not triggered by anything and could easily cause serious harm to others if this happens to them. The issue has been confirmed and repair by Safford Dodge of Fredericksburg VA. (See attached service invoices) They deemed it a failed connection for acceleration pedal. They replaced it and there has not been an issue since. All of the warning lights and service lights on the dash became lit when this issue started happening.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 9, 2025
Water leaked into their vehicle into my Ram 1500 cabin. Water leaks from the third brake light above the rear window into the cabin. It caused the Radiofrequency hub to short circuit, and my vehicle wouldn't turn on; it killed my battery, and when I replaced my battery, it automatically drained. Also an issue in the cab is the following: bad odors, smells, and mildew. I have children and not knowing that there is mildew growing in my vehicle is a major health concern.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 10, 2024
Receiver hub got wet due to either leaking window or third brake light. Receiver hub was damaged and made the vehicle became inoperable. Dealership and Chrysler refuse to cover repairs saying that it’s not covered under any warranty
Electrical system, Lane departure, Dec 5, 2024
Rear Tail light assembly is faulty and allows water intrusion which affects the blind spot alert to send alert that service is needed. When this happens it causes the entire infotainment area and dash to begin flashing and going haywire. Nothing works. Windows will not respond or go up or down. Speedometer is not present at all. This happened to us while on a highway which was quite alarming. The blind spot alert is tied to the whole computer system for the truck so when this fails it affects everything else. Upon taking to dealership we were told Ram is aware of this issue and has changed the design of the newer tail light assemblies including better weather stripping to keep water out. So they admit there is an issue but will not cover replacement of the faulty part and instead quotes almost $2000 to fix this. We called Ram directly at 800-334-9200 to lodge a complaint and inform them that this is a serious safety issue. Case #[XXX] was opened. This problem is not limited to just us as a simple google search of “blind spot alert ram truck “ yields hundreds of people who have and are experiencing this same issue. It seems a recall should be issued to address this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 29, 2024
My lights on dash come on stablizer,abs, anti slip and 4 wheel drive and it wants to jerk to left like brake activating had it looked at poages Hannibal mo fixed wheel speed sensor didn't help so now said nothing they can do theres no solution. I can't drive my truck to scared of it . Need to get something I don't have a vehicle and making a payment on something I can't drive. Don't know if I can trust this vehicle anymore can't trade it In nobody wants it please somebody help GET RAM company in gear to take care of this before somebody gets hurt or even killed
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2024
bought vehicle with Mopar warranty, the fuel filter housing sensor failed and was leaking diesel fuel into the wiring harness which could cause a fire in the electrical system, truck has been at the dealer for over a month and Stellantis just went and stopped making the wiring harness part number 68474576AD with no replacement, they will not return calls from us or the dealer. We are at wits end and need your help.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 8, 2024
ON 9 separate occasions, the truck has issued the same warning light for "Powertrain Malfunction Indicator Light". We have written records and emails of specific days each time the truck lights issued this warning. On 2 of these 9 alerts, the truck completely shut down and was unable to start for approximately 30 minutes. We have taken the truck to the dealer multiple times and they have been unable to address this issue. Recently, we saw that RAM recalled 1.2mm trucks of the same model and year as our truck. The recall is number 24V65300. I do not know if this is related but this seems very similar to the software problems we are having on this truck. The fact that this electronic malfunction completely shuts down the truck is very concerning.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 3, 2024
There was a software problem with the e-torque system of my truck. From what the dealership stated it was over charging my 12v battery under the hood. It ultimately made my 12v vehicle battery fail. upon this my truck has the start stop feature multiple times at random intervals at stop lights when the start stop was activated my truck would not restart with out a jump pack. This left me in a live traffic lane in at a stop light multiple times. I can upload the dealer repair sheet if requested
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2024
On [XXX], my husband tried to start the truck and nothing would happen. We originally thought the key fob battery was bad, changed the battery and the truck still would not start. We had it towed to the Singing River Chrysler dealership in Florence, Alabama and they told us the Radio Frequency Hub/wireless receiver (located in the back of the cab) was bad due to a water leak. This truck is kept under a carport when it is not driven it was a shock to us that water could have caused the issue. They also informed us there was a bulletin posted on how to fix it. This problem causes the vehicle to shut down, with no steering, with no brakes, if an individual is driving in the rain and this happens it would cause an accident and potentially lives lost. There needs to be some kind of recall to have it fixed. At this time it is going to cost $1,000.00 to fix a manufacturer defect that I should not have to pay for. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 25, 2024
My truck has shut down unexpectedly, on 2 separate occasions, as I was driving at slow speeds. I then had to come to a complete stop and restart it.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 24, 2024
>Refer to investigation PE24018. For reference recall 23V-265 was performed on this truck. >This incident was before the recall work, and it was mentioned to my dealership. There have been no additional incidents. >Driving on a rural road at about 30mph. I slammed on breaks to avoid contact with animal. My vehicle went into park, emergency break activated, and engine turned off. I was able to restart vehicle. >There were no safety issues at the time >I don't have any information about warning lamps or messages other than noting my emergency break was engaged.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2024
I was driving on the highway when my vehicle suddenly lost power and simultaneously the service throttle control and service electronic stability control messages came up as well as the check engine light came on. This also happened last November and the dealer said they fixed the issue (high pressure fuel pump) but it has now happened again. I was concerned for my safety as well as my passengers and others as we did not have adequate power to get up a hill. And the sudden slowing nearly caused an accident.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 24, 2024
June 23. 2024 went to drive to Lows engine light came on, after returning home ran code reader and got U11E9 Lost communication with active grill shutter. This is a new vehicle with only 29000 miles this should not be happening. Scheduled for dealership on 6/27/2024.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 18, 2024
Computer concern - caused the battery to be completely drained during the night, after a jumpstart the vehicle has multiple system errors. stability control, ABS , and both front and rear collision error. states need servicing. Unknown what caused battery drain and errors. Battery was checked no issues. Others have posted same issues with their 2021 Ram 1500 with e torque.
Electrical system, May 9, 2024
All fuses were loose from daily driving. I noticed this because I had a 115v cargo outlet on, on my dash that was flickering. My truck doesn't have a cargo outlet. my radio wasn't working either. I went to check fuses and everyone has wiggled loose. This is unsafe do to if someone were to get into an accident the air bags could potentially not go off, or some cars now have electronic steering that could fail at any time. I'm sure there is a lot more that could happen considering cars are getting more and more electronic stuff for them. The problem has not been confirmed with anyone other than myself. I work for an autobody shop so I work with cars daily. No one has inspected this issue other than myself. I have seen many other people having this issue on forums like reddit, Ram truck forums. The fix was to unhook negative cable, Push down all fuses to reseat then hook negative cable back up its been running fine ever sense. Unfortunately I don't have photos of them all being loose because i was just worried about getting it fixed and didn't think about it at the time.
Electrical system, Structure, May 6, 2024
Leak in rear glass assembly caused RFH Module to fail. Vehicle locked in anti-theft mode needed to be towed to dealer. Dealer left it on lot 9 days then finally got around to replacing the RHF module. After $1800 repair was told I need to return asap to have rear glass assembly replaced. Another $2149 repair. Truck out of warranty 2-1/2 mos with 26,211 miles. Dealer serviced only on schedule since purchase
Electrical system, May 1, 2024
When closing the drivers side window with the auto function the window will go up about a 1/4" then go back down 1/4" and stop. A number of times when open/closing the window with the auto window function it will also opens/closes the passenger window. Either way this presents a danger when driving because focus is taken off the road and the drivers focus is directed to the issue. Also possible harm to the passenger if they are unaware. Yes it is available for inspection. The service manger at Pischke Motors West Salem, Tom Curtis, has confirmed the issue in my truck and also a 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 RAM 1500 trucks. This information was sent onto Chrysler Corp in 2021. No one from the manufacturer has inspected my truck. There are no warning lamps or messages or symptoms when this happens. It first appeared upon purchase. Pischke Motors stated that I couldn't get my money back though. The truck has to be running for this to happen not just in ACC mode. I had originally purchased the 2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn truck, when this issued showed up right away and they couldn't fix it they put me into a 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie for additional money. I tested the windows out on the lot and they worked but then later that day it happened again. I have been very patient with the dealer but this is a big safety issue that has been going on for a long time and Chrysler knows about but won't fix. The speed of the vehicle does not matter. it can happen at a stand still or running down the interstate at 70 MPH and in-between.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2024
I was driving down the road at/near the speed limit. The ignition cut off. In order to 'restart' the engine, the truck must be stopped and placed into park. I coasted to the side of the road and restarted and continued driving. The same thing happened a second time. I repeated the process and continued driving. After the third time, the truck would not restart and was stalled on the roadway at a stop light, unable to move. It was towed to a dealer. The ultimate cause was determined to be a water leak at the rear window and the third brake light. The module that controls the key fob/ignition is located directly beneath the rear window (behind the back seat). Water damaged the module and caused the erratic ignition system behavior.