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: engine
280 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 12, 2021
Driving 8-10mph in traffic when truck engine died. Truck stopped and engaged emergency parking brake. Was able to restart truck and go on my way. 2600miles on odometer, I have read many other owners experiencing exact same issue with eTorque.
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 8, 2021
My new truck has less than 500 miles on it, and it was just purchased new last month. This incident has happened to me twice so far on the mornings of 10/31/2021 and 11/7/2021. Making a slow left hand turn, the vehicle turned off and and stopped in the middle of the intersection. The vehicle emergency brake also automatically was set when it stalled. The message on the dash said something like to restart, put foot on brake and push start button. This incident was very dangerous and could have resulted in an accident. I am lucky I was not hit in the intersection. In both cases, this occurred about a mile from my home and my initial trip of the day. Temperature outside was normal about 60 degrees. I have scheduled an appointment with the dealer for 11/9/2021
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 4, 2021
While driving about 5mph approaching an intersection my ram shut off without warning, said “apply brake to start vehicle” and as I rolled through the intersection with zero control at about 2mph it set its parking brake by itself. I had to move my shifter to park, apply the brake, restart the truck, and turn off the parking brake IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. Thank God it was a small subdivision intersection at night so there was no traffic or myself or someone else could have been hurt or killed. No dash warning lights, no remaining lights, no codes thrown, no issue after restarting, no reproducible codes found by the dealer. Only 1,000 miles on the truck. I’m terrified of this happening again, but haven’t been able to replicate it myself or the dealer. It’s not safe and I don’t want to die as a result of this. It seems to be a major problem with the e-torque trucks based on forums.
Power train, Engine, Nov 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine suddenly shut off and the message "Put in Park" was displayed on the dashboard. The vehicle continued to roll away before automatically switching to the park position causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,113.
Power train, Engine, Oct 26, 2021
2021 5.7L HEMI e-Torque with 5000mi. While traveling at approximately 25mph I slowed down to stop at a stop sign and the truck start shifting down as it should. At around 5/7mph the rpms drop below 500, no feedback when applying the gas pedal and the engine stops or sometimes is able to recover. When it stops, the truck shifts to P and applies the Parking brake. I’m able to start the engine back up every time this happens but there’s something wrong for sure. I’m able to replicate this issue every time the engine is cold or haven’t been running for a long period of time Took the truck to the dealer. They couldn’t find any codes or replicate the issue. Took it back to the dealer 2 days later after it stalled again. This time they were able to find 1 code. P1C64-00 - Hybrid perf. Engine speed below target during autostart. They called me saying they are replacing the eTorque system and got the truck back. After the repair the truck started acting weird again and stalled while towing my boat. I can provide videos if needed.
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.
Service brakes, Engine, Oct 22, 2021
engine stalls coming up to stop sign, no warning light, truck will not start until it comes to a comple stops, no power brakes, truck computer apples parking brake and you have to put in park and release brake before you can restart. This happen in the middle of a intersection with traffic on both sides of vehicle. no warning light.
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2021
While slowing down to make a right turn and then trying to accelerate the vehicle stalled, turned itself off, put itself in park and applied the parking brake. This has happened twice now. The first time at approximately 4,000 miles and the second time just over 6,000 miles. This has been reported to the dealer, they flashed the PCM, but that obviously dod not correct the issue.
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.
Engine, Oct 9, 2021
Brand new under 2k miles. After being at a stop sign took a right turn, under 30mph car just trucknjust turned off. All warnings flashed, immediately stopped the engine and almost caused a multiple vehicle accident. After about a minute was able to restart and go. Has happened a few times. Dealer doesn't see anything wrong with it.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 7, 2021
While traveling at approximately 15 mph I slowed to make a right hand turn. Truck was moving slowly enough, maybe 5-8 mph through the turn that I did not apply the accelerator, nor did I have any brake pressure applied to complete the turn. Before I could straighten the truck out of the turn, it stalled. Center screen stated to place vehicle in park before starting. The emergency brake applied itself and I had to place vehicle in park, release e-brake, and restart the vehicle. This has happened about 5 times now in the last 2 weeks, dealer says no recalls at this time, no problems can be found. I fear I am driving a very unsafe vehicle that is less than 6mo old and has 5800 miles on it.
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.
Engine, Sep 30, 2021
While performing left hand turn, braked to make turn, truck slowed down and engine cut off and display indicated put in park, emergency brake engaged. Had to come to complete stop and put in park to start back up. Had to manually disengage parking brake.
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.
Engine, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake applied independently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,915.