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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the anti-slip control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service Vehicle" and "4-wheel Drive Failure" were displayed. The front wheels of the vehicle seized, causing the vehicle to start pulling to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 19, 2024
I have experienced the engine surging while driving 2 times in the last 3 months. 10/18/2024. The RPMs slowly increase regardless of taking my foot off the gas pedal, slowing, or coming to a stop. The engine remains to rev. It causes me to have an extremely hard time keeping a maintained speed and gets difficult to slow down or slow to a stop. The truck was not on Cruise control, it was in 2-wheel drive, and the issue started right as I took off. The engine can be heard revving and trying to accelerate even in an attempt to try neutral with the foot off the gas to resolve the issue. I ensure I do not have my foot on the gas pedal and have to push my brake to the ground to stop. I have called our dealership who reports they are unaware of the issue I describe. Putting the car in park does not resolve the revving, which can be heard, and the Rpms fluctuations seen increasing stuck between 5-7. I have to completely stop and turn off the engine. I had pulled out and drove down a busy intersection I could not pull off on. The engine acceleration issue event lasted for about 10 minutes before I could safely pull off to turn the truck off. It was terrifying. If I had to suddenly stop I would of crashed. What? How many
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
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 18, 2024
Several times I’ve been backing up and for no reason the truck jerks to a stop and some kind of alarm or buzzer goes off and it jerks to a complete stop even when I’m not close to anything.
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.
Engine, Jul 22, 2024
In my 2021 RAM Ecodiesel, several times while on vacation pulling our trailer up steep grades with semi trucks all around a warning message came on saying “Warning Service Electronic stability Control.” Then, the engine immediately went into what seemed to be a “limp” mode with power severely cut. This posed a safety concern because I had to immediately look for a place to get off the highway because the vehicle was slowing down quickly. I found that when I turned the engine off, it took it out of the “limp” mode. I took it to the RAM dealer in Cortez, Colorado and they said they couldn’t duplicate the problem so just cleared the warning codes. When I got home, I took it to Cole Chrysler in San Luis Obispo and they said they installed software that solved the problem. I did not expect a charge for this, because I thought it should have been like a recall item, but they charged me. I assume the problem is fixed, but won’t find out until my next vacation pulling the trailer in September. Should I have been charged for what appeared to be a factory defect? Thanks,
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.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 15, 2024
When slowing down for a traffic light vehicle salled and e-brake was automatically engaged, Also happened when making a slow right hand turn, Has happened twice so far. Both times tok into dealer and it could not be reproduced. No warning for it happening and all software was up to date,
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnection.
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.
Engine, Jun 16, 2024
2nd report Had Timing cover replaced for a second time. Only has 17500 miles. It has started to leak again after 35 miles and has to go in for repair again. total of around 50 days in shop for just this issue. It seems to be a VERY common Problem and Ram needs to be held accountable for this
Engine, Jun 11, 2024
Driving down the road at 45 mph. The vehicle turned off and died. Could not start it after coasted to stop. E toque 5.7 1500 ram. At dealer now. It will take a week for them to look at it.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Apr 5, 2024
Rear window is leaking into truck came home from vacation and it rained while vehicle parked outside found both my key fob could not be detected and UCONNECT would not respond to commands thru phone. Vehicle totally inoperable could not start. Had towed to Shivley Motors where it currently sits. Found out that water leak could ruin the rf module and electrical componets behind rear seat to include not limited to airbag, carpet, interior. Car totally inoperable no lights signals all it does is alarm goes off. Went to dealer to lift rear seats and found my black carpet to be white with mold which is health hazard being i have allergies to certain mold so now my car is a health risk to myself and my child whom has a heart condition. Have contacted RAM CARES and got them involved but waiting as the dealer has not specified a date they will look at the vehicle. My vehicle just went over the 36K bumper to bumper with it having at time of tow 36,133 miles. I also started to notice over the winter months (DEC, JAN) moisture on the inside windows in the morning but never had the electrical issue til it rained on it while it sat. So this issue technically begun under my warranty just never took it in since had no issues other than the moisture inside car which i shrugged off.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 2, 2024
A recall, software flash for pcm was done on 03/12/2024. 6857 miles i now have 6919 miles. On 2 occasions my truck did not immediately start. Yesterday was the second time of weird starting. After it started i moved it on my lawn and it died. Now it will not start all it does is send the dash lights and electronics crazy. I have checked all items Ram problem solvers asked, all check out. I think this recall messed up the system. I am waiting for service advisor that was involved with recall to get back with me.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2024
On numerous occasions since January 2024, the truck would not start or unlock, shut down while driving, power steering would go out, start up by itself, produce warning messages with & without codes for no reason, and the start/stop button flicker. We would have to set off the car alarm to get it unlocked then would have to disconnect the battery to make it stop. Every time we took it to the dealership, the technicians could not get the problems to repeat, even when keeping it for 10+ days. Once we got it back, the problems would start again. After further research and talking with the dealership, others have had issues like ours after it has rained. Upon further inspection, we found a water leak at either the rear sliding window or the taillight at the window. There was water droplets and wet carpet under the backseat. The truck has to "dry out" before it will start and run properly. Dodge/Chrysler/Ram really needs to put a recall on this issue as it is happening to MULTIPLE trucks and has had lawsuits with it. This is a safety issue!!
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a loud sound emanating from the exhaust of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of underneath, the vehicle, the contact observed that the exhaust had detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the exhaust bolts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Engine, Mar 10, 2024
Today I was driving on the freeway (Interstate 5) speed limit 70MPH in a rainstorm when my yellow check engine light came on and my truck began running roughly for about 3 minutes. The problem became worse and the engine finally shut off as I was approaching an off ramp. I was able to coast up the off ramp and pull off on the side of the road. I did see a message on my dash that read something like error with electronic throttle control and the check engine light remained on along with a red box with the electronic throttle control message. This is the first time this happened. Once stopped the truck would no longer start or run so I could reach a safer position. This was frightening to say the least. This is NOT an e torque Ram.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 4, 2024
During cold rainy wether, water leaked in through rear sliding glass window and fried the BCM, which caused a complete shut down of all systems. I was not driving the vehicle at the time but if this had occurred while driving this could have ended in a catastrophic accident. In researching this issue, many ram vehicles have experienced this and/or similar issues including the vehicle stalling while in operation. When this issue occurred,, there were no warnings or prior indications. Additionally, water was found inside the passenger compartment. Also, the vehicle could not be manually placed in neutral so that it could be moved for towing. The tow service had to slide the vehicle onto tow trailer with sliders placed under the rear wheels. The was then vehicle towed to a FCA dealership.
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
Truck would not start at first. Finally got it started to go home. All my Dash lights were all lit up but truck was running fine. 2 miles down the road my truck shuts off mid drive about 40-45 mph. Scared me to death. Was able to pull into a church parking lot before brake engaged automatically. Would not start again under any circumstances. But truck had power to lights etc.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 21021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts distribution was limited; and that the dealer had a limit on the number of parts ordered every 14 days. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 22, 2023
While driving (10-18mph), engine suddenly stalls (going from Run into ACC mode on the engine start/stop) and notifies me via dash warning that the vehicle must be put into park and continues to coast forward as if in neutral. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and turn the dial from drive into Park. After a few seconds, I press the engine start/stop button and the engine restarts and i turned the dial to Drive. This may be a problem with the eTorque.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 6, 2023
Engine gaskets blow up just after the 60000 miles warranty..no warning light on dashboard... battery fails before the 2 year warranty...starter failed when engine replaced it...no warning light....rear sensors fail since i bought it..never fixed... with exception of the rear sensors... everything is paid on my wallet money... dealership doesn't want to fix it under warranty
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 4, 2023, crash
On October 18, 2023, my son was driving the RAM 1500 on the Southern State. While changing lanes to exit, he advised the the engine turned off; was not able to break and hit another vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and would like this to be investigated by Chrysler. This could have caused my son's death.