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, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jan 11, 2022
Close call backing up Ram needs to fix this Y80 recall
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 9, 2022
When starting to accelerate after turning at low speed, my 2021 RAM 1500 with the E-Torque engine will shut-off and the emergency brake will engage. A message will appear that says “Park brake engaged, press brake and push to release.” Truck has 5150 miles on it. This has occurred two different times while entering highway traffic. Very alarming as I’m sure you can imagine. The first time it happened I was on a lightly traveled road and was alone. Then today (1/9/22), It happened again, but this time on a much busier highway and my family was with me and we were almost rear ended. Not a fun experience and potentially deadly. After researching online, particularly on RAM owner’s website and forums I have found this to be a common complaint among RAM owners. They take vehicle to dealers and the dealers can’t replicate the incident and so they tell customers they can’t help them if it doesn’t happen when technicians drive the truck, yet they send customers away with a potentially deadly vehicle. I am getting an appointment with local dealer tomorrow but I expect the same answer. I sincerely urge the NHTSA to address this dangerous situation with Chrysler-RAM before serious injury or death occurs in these vehicles. Hopefully NHTSA can get RAM to acknowledge this situation and get something done before injuries or deaths occur. Maybe they will address this with a federal agency. They certainly haven’t with their customers. Thank you for your advocacy for the safety of the American people.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2022
While driving to the highway out of my neighborhood my truck lost all power, I was able to pull over to the side, read the message, “electronic throttle control”, wait a few minutes and restart my truck and continue on my way, I had lost complete acceleration and my truck shut down, I had no throttle power, again later that night returning home my truck again shut down and showed the message “electronic throttle control”, again I was able to pull off the side of the highway, wait and attempt to restart which I was able to do after about 10 minutes, again I lost complete acceleration again I had no throttle power but was able to put on my emergency flashers and coast to the side of the road, this is the 4th time this has happened to us and the second time our new truck has been in the shop for this and other issues, our local dealership does not understand the severity and life threatening issues associated with this, we could have lost our lives has we not recognized the loss of power and safely coasted to the emergency lane.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 8, 2021
When I pressed the accelerator after the light turned green, the engine bogged, didn't respond and then stalled. The truck automatically shifted to park and engaged the parking brake. I tried to restart the truck multiple times and it would not start. Thankfully a passing tow truck driver stopped to help me get out of the busy road. After a few minutes, the truck started again and I was able to continue driving. Me being stuck in the middle of a busy road was extremely dangerous and a police officer had to direct traffic around my disabled truck.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 4, 2021
Truck engine stalls and turns off at unexpected times when traveling under 25 miles per hours, the emergency brake gets engaged and the car just turns off in the middle of driving. It happens whether or not the Auto start feature is activated or not.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 3, 2021
On Monday 11/29 around 5:30pm I was on the San Mateo Bridge (92) going eastbound with my children when the truck came too an abrupt stop and shut off! I was going about 65mph as it was the mid time for rush hour. Fortunately no one hit us from behind and I was able to kinda pull over into the emergency lane without going over the bridge and thankful the person behind also pulled over since he seen what happened and wanted to check on us. We did exchange information especially since Ram Customer Care and NHTSH doesn't seem to believe anyone about these problems since there hasn't been any recalls on this safety issue! This isn't the first incident I've had with this truck but so far was the most dangerous especially since my children were in the vehicle Yes I have been in touch with Ram Customer Care and nothing but ok take it back to the dealership uh no I'm done with that. It was already there twice for over a month period each time and they don't know what's going on since there is nothing that comes on the scan. When will something be done? When someone is injured or there's a fatality?
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 22, 2021
While traveling 15 mph across railroad tracks, the throttle stopped responding to the gas pedal and stopped accelerating. The vehicle made it three feet past outer track and began to roll backward, I applied emergency brake and put gear in park but dial would not move. I attempted restart 3 times without success; 4th time worked and was able to move forward to safe position.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 22, 2021
On two separate occasions while slowing to make a turn or to come to a stop, the truck will shut off the engine, once it slows to below 5mph it will force itself into park and apply the emergency brake while still rolling. This is very unsafe when in traffic, and could cause a wreck. It has been at the dealership for two weeks and there is still no solution, and they have not been able to reproduce it yet. Both times there was no warning it was going to happen.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 11, 2021
At approximately 9,000 miles I was turning left from a residential area traveling at 15-25 mph. During the turn, and without warning, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle shifted to park, the electronic parking brake engaged and the engine shut off. There were no warning lights before the incident and the incident has not occurred since. I pressed the start button and the engine fired and was operational. Of concern is that the vehicle stalled while I was being followed by another car. Fortunately, the other driver realized something was wrong and was able to stop before striking the rear of the truck. A certified dealership found no current or history codes when it scanned, and could not duplicate the issue. No repairs were done.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 10, 2021
Engine died while driving. There could have been a collision if the oncoming vehicle would have failed to stop in time. The problem has not been reproduced. Dealership could not find a code. There is an appointment scheduled 11/16/21 for the Dealership to inspect the vehicle again. This is the third time that this has occurred. 1st time was as soon as I pulled off the dealership lot with 34 miles on the vehicle. The 2nd time was at 300 miles on the vehicle and the 3rd time, the vehicle has 1022 miles. All these incidents has occurred in 3 weeks.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 26, 2021
The incident is related to the truck’s engine and possibly hybrid electrical system. When pulling away from a light, the truck reached about 10 MPH and then stalled out. The electronics remained on but the engine would not start. This had happened once previously and the engine did start up after going through a key cycle. I was left stranded in the middle of a busy intersection, endangering myself and others on the road. Luckily some firefighters were close by to stop traffic and help me get the truck to a safe location. I had the truck towed to RAM on 10/22. I still have not heard back with their suspected issue and repair plan. The truck is at Arrigo Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in West Palm Beach FL. I also found TSB-08-014-21 that seems related to my issue. I’ve passed this information off to the dealer as well.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 22, 2021
Was backing out of a parking spot truck shut off when restarted it was limited power and check engine light. 1920 miles.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 21, 2021
On two occasions vehicle has stalled after making a stop and then turning onto another roadway. First incident occurred at approximately 60 miles on odometer on 09/01/2021. Vehicle stopped as stop sign prior to making a right hand turn. When engaging the throttle after the stop, vehicle stalled partway into the turn, and the console indicator stated to place vehicle in park before starting. The emergency brake also engaged. As I was halfway into the turn, traffic was momentarily clear, however, other motorists were approaching. I had to place vehicle in park, release parking brake, and then shift back into drive. The second incident occurred with the odometer at approximately 1816 miles on 10/16/2021. Circumstances were identical with the exception of roadway was in residential area, therefore there was no oncoming traffic when vehicle stalled in intersection.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 21, 2021
Twice in one week the Truck has stalled in the middle of the road at very low speed. Maybe it a issue with the etorque. This can be very dangerous and may cause an accident. I have read about the same problem/same issue with this 2021 Ram 1500.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2021
I left my house 10/18/21 to go to work, drove the truck approximately 2 miles going into two separate curves and then stopping at a stop sign. As I accelerated forward and turning to the left the trucks motor suddenly just shut down and a message that said place vehicle in park and push brake in to restart engine. That is not exactly what it said I semi panicked as cars where behind me and one coming in front of me.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 13, 2021
Once again I'm having to make a complaint. While going 70 on the freeway the truck shut off out of nowhere. Almost causing multiple vehicle to hit me with my kids in the car! Some red light on the dash quickly flashed and right after the truck shut off. A vehicle behind be stopped and slowed traffic down thankfully and I was frantically able to start it and immediately pulled off the freeway and just thankful. I called my hubby to come switch vehicles cause I wasn't going to drive it after that. I'm still having issues with the truck staying on after turning it off happened about twice a week for a few minutes then I move parking spots and see what happens. Just a beautiful truck but so many safety issues. Oh and seems like the truck was slapped together. Mufflers aren't straight or even, interior door panels keep coming off, lining is already falling apart, front bumper goes to the right, and break system just turns on at times. Truck was bought brand new with 49 or 59 miles and currently has 26k yes I know high but that's no reason for this to be happening. I have videos of these things happening.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 11, 2021
Was driving at slow speed making a right turn no brake or acceleration coasting through a turn and the 2021 Ram 1500 Larime with eTorque turned off and I had to pull to the side of the road. Engine was off, radio, lights and dash were all on and it went into e brake telling me to apply brake, turn off e brake and restart….highly dangerous. Appears to be a major issue with many of these trucks. Mine only has 1200 miles, it’s brand new.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2021
I was turning right at 2-3 mph when the engine shut off, vehicle shifted to park, and electronic parking brake applied itself. I had to shift to Park and release the electronic parking brake to restart it. The truck had been parked for approximately 8 hours following a 26 mile drive. Outside air temperature was around 70 deg F. Truck has been in my possession for 8 days and has about 1100 miles on it. It is an eTorque engine. Fuel level was about 3/4 tank. The truck had been running for about 5 minutes and traveled about 1/4 mile. The truck is completely stock.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 5, 2021
Vehicle stalled after stop at intersection. Engine shut off and auto shifted to park and applied the parking brake.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 4, 2021
I was driving truck at 25 mph. I started slowing down to make a left turn. upon making left turn, power was lost and I tried to step on the gas but no power. truck full of gas with only 90 miles at time of occurrence. sign on the dash to put truck on park as it was loosing power. radio and lights remained on but no power. truck came to a complete stop. turned off and tried to turn back on and once it turned on emergency brake was automatically applied by vehicle. removed parking brake and truck was shaking and acting as if transmission or something was going to go out again.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 29, 2021
- Started the truck after sitting overnight. - Drove about .5 miles to a stop sign, started to accelerate and the truck stalled. It automatically applied the Peking break. - After turning knob to Park and manually engaging/disengaging parking break a few time, truck finally started back up.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2021
While making a right hand turn from a stop at low speed, my truck completely stalled all electrical systems and dash indicators turned off or failed and the vehicle coasted to a stop. I was able to restart the truck using the normal start procedure and there were no further issues. This could have resulted in a traffic accident with potentially fatal injuries.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 1, 2021
Ram 1500 Eco Diesel remains on after it was turned off. Has happened several times over the week to where we are scared to park in our driveway and garage. We don't have another vehicle right now since that is in the shop so we have no voiced but to take the risk and used it. Sensors come on when there is no object in site and truck breaks automatically where its causing a safety issue. I have video but I can't upload it since the system only takes pictures.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 24, 2021
My 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 has stalled 8 times since purchasing the vehicle. The first occurrence was the day after purchasing the vehicle. In each instance, the circumstances have been identical: The vehicle speed is reduced to a near stop. The accelerator is applied gently. The engine cuts out. The vehicle places itself in park. The vehicle activates the parking brake. In each instance, the vehicle has stalled when attempting to merge into traffic. This vehicle defect creates a significant safety concern as in each instance, I have been without power, and had to re-start the vehicle while sitting in an active lane of traffic. Online forums dedicated to the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 would indicate that my experience(s) are not isolated.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2021
Truck stalled during slow speed right hand turn. When I attempted to hit the gas coming out if the turn it stalled. Display says to put in park. Emergency auto brake engaged when moving transmission into neutral to restart.