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, May 1, 2022
I was coasting to a stoplight to make a right turn. Just as I am starting the turn the truck's engine shuts off. I have enough energy to make the turn and coast to a stop. I put the truck in park and started it back up. It was a busy intersection so luckily I had enough time to get out of the way, otherwise, this could have caused an accident. There were not any mechanical issues or warning lamps/indications before the truck shut off.
Engine, May 1, 2022
On at least 12 occasions since purchasing the vehicle new, when driving at low speed (below 20 mph) the vehicle stalls. The engine turns off, leaving the vehicle undrivable in the middle of a road. This presents a significant safety issue as it leaves the driver stranded and vulnerable of an accident. The hazard lights are automatically triggered. The following information presents on the screen: “park brake auto engaged. Press brake plus push switch to release. Safe hold temporarily disabled.” In order to re-start the vehicle, the ignition must be turned completely off and then restarted again. The check engine light is illuminated (sometimes) and other times it is not. When illuminated, the following codes are present: P1C64, Hybrid Perf. Engine Speed Below Target During Autostart. Dealership refuses to acknowledge the issue (says cannot reproduce problem). The problem is intermittent, but is a significant safety hazard for the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Most recently (today) the failure happened in the middle of a busy intersection with cars coming at me. The first failure happened with only 1,200 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle now has 27,441 miles and problem continues with no resolution from Dealer.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2022
April 12, 2022 multiple warning lights ( check engine, electronic throttle, etc. ) appeared, screen warning to get to dealer to service. April 13, 2022 visited local dealer, earliest to service April 20, 2022. April 16, 2022 limp mode, restarted vehicle, restored normal operation with warning lights still showing. April 18, 2022, dealer serviced and stated fixed. April 19, 2022, warning lights and limp mode while driving on highway at 70 MPH. Managed to get to side of road in traffic, waited for break, turned around home. April 20, 2022 vehicle to dealer to repair. Still there as of April 28, 2022. "Star Case" opened. All diagnostics failed to locate problem, now trying various inspections / repairs per FCA technical. Dealer advises they have another similar vehicle ( 2021 Jeep Gladiator Eco Diesel ) with exact same situation so this is not one odd vehicle. Further extent of affected vehicles unknown. Safety issue due to vehicle going into limp mode with no warning, causing difficulty driving in traffic, especially at highway speeds, and risk of accident. Dealer and this owner note that all of this happened right after dealer completed recall for exhaust fluid software system. It appears likely that something done with this recall triggered these problems.
Engine, Apr 27, 2022
Was making left turn in neighborhood truck shot off . Came to stop automatically went in to park , emergency brake came on restarted truck turned off brake drove away.
Engine, Apr 27, 2022
Slowed down on residential street to make a right turn and after turn was completed the engine was off. There were no warning lights or chimes and engine stall was so smooth I didn't know it had happened. Auto start/stop was already disengaged as I do this every time I start the vehicle. Center cluster told me to shift to part and that auto braking (parking brake) had been engaged. The engine did restart as normal and was able to drive. All other accessories functioned as normal throughout the whole incident.
Engine, Apr 25, 2022
The truck just stalls randomly and all lights come on. Then it puts the emergency brake on. You have to put it in park release the the brake and restart it and hope no one hits you. I brought it to the dealer twice so far. I also called Chrysler customer care. I have a case# 82559049. They did nothing for me and I requested to speak to a esupervisor. I haven't heard back. Both times they say no fault codes, they never heard of the problem and cant duplicate. The second time they stated they updated the PCM software and said it happened in the morning with right turns... They now also put electrical and body systems and successfully flashed ECU from old part number to current part number. I never told them anything with right turns. I'm bringing it to the dealer today. They left a part hanging under the seat. The engine also sometimes tics when first started then goes away. I'm very concerned for my safety and if I have any passengers. First time under a 1k miles in May 2021 then randomly since then .Last time March 2022
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, she drove over a speed bump and the vehicle stopped. The automatic emergency braking engaged. The warning message "Place Vehicle in Park and Restart” was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred while driving. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Engine, Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 17- 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the parking brake warning light illuminated. The contact would shift to park and restart the vehicle and the vehicle would operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine, Apr 8, 2022
Engine shuts down on a low speed turn for no reason. You must stop, place in park and restart. Sometimes it puts the ebrake on and shifts itself into park upon stall. Very dangerous in traffic or on train tracks.HUNDREDS of people are posting of the same situation and dealers can't duplicate it. There is a service bulletin on earlier builds prior to my 6/21 build that they say don't apply but has the same symptoms. Build date 6/21 miles now 1200 Ram 1500 E Hemi.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2022
The start/stop system will turn frequently display an error stating the "auto start/stop system in not available" When coming to a traffic stop, the engine will turn off and will not restart for 2-3 minutes while sitting in traffic
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 5, 2022
4-5-22 Came to a full stopped at an intersection, and as I started making a right hand turn , engine just shut off then the beeping started. Stalled in the middle of a turn and oncoming traffic. while panicking and traffic coming i had to ........... Shifted to park started the truck then shifted to drive and the engine revved but not moving. Dash said The E brake had engaged. Shifted to park again pressed the e brake button the back to drive at which point people were swerving to avoid hitting me. I was almost in a sever accident due to this. I have a scheduled an appointment with a dealer on 4-12-2022. There was no indication of anything wrong with the truck......nothing...... it just shut off. This is a very serious issue that Chrysler needs to acknowledge. Someone is going to seriously be injured by this. I looked online to see if there was a recall for it, there was nothing but I did see plenty of other people that this has happened to so it is not just a one and done people. Chrysler has a serious issue they need to address.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 1, 2022
After decelerating to approximately 5 mph at a traffic circle entrance and then turning slightly right and accelerating to enter the traffic circle, the vehicle's engine suddenly died and the dash indicated the vehicle must be shifted into park to restart. The emergency brake automatically engaged bringing the vehicle to a stop in the traffic circle. The vehicle's electronics were erratic and the vehicle was not able to immediately be shifted into park and the engine restarted. After approximately 30 seconds, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was driven to a stop light approximately 100 yards down the road. Upon coming to a stop (before fully stopping), the same issue occurred again. Again, the electronics were erratic. Eventually (30 seconds later) the vehicle was restarted. This is apparently a known issue discussed alot on 5th Gen Forums, a Ram Truck forum.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 31, 2022
Engine shut off from a quick stop. After I pressed the gas to go again rolled through intersection and stopped. Had to be put in park restarted and take the e-brake off to get to go again
Engine, Mar 30, 2022
The engine cut off while driving out of the intersection and killed in the middle of the lane. Thankfully no cars were coming at the time. Had there been traffic, I was a sitting duck. This has happened multiple times while pulling out into the intersection- always happening from a slow start. There are no warnings/alarms from the vehicle when this happens. The truck is less than 1 yr old.
Engine, Mar 24, 2022
Stopped at stop sign, attempted left turn, vehicle stalled, mid turn. Was able to pull over to right side shoulder, vehicle applied brake and went to park and engine off push button went to off from the run position. Vehicle is 2021 limited longhorn 5.7 hemi etorque.
Engine, Mar 16, 2022
Vehicle’s engine randomly shuts off while making slow turns. Error message appears saying to shift to park before starting engine then auto park engages. Vehicle restarts with issue and Ram dealer claims no codes or ability to reproduce, however acknowledged this is a documented issued and they currently don’t have a fix. No warning or codes prior. This is very dangerous as it is a loss of propulsion while turning in traffic. The second time it happened it almost caused a very serious wreck and vehicles had to serve to miss broadsiding me as I tried to restart my Vehicle.
Engine, Mar 16, 2022
While driving at low speeds I turn right at a stop sign. I did not come to a complete stop just a roll through. The truck turned off and applied emergency brake. I was able to re start and continue. this has happened four times. Dealer unable to duplicate. last happened a month ago
Power train, Engine, Mar 15, 2022
Five minutes into my commute while making a low speed right turn from a stop, my vehicle stalled and shutoff in the middle of the road nearly causing an accident. Once stopped it automatically applied the emergency brake. This is apparently a known issue with the e-torque system.
Engine, Mar 9, 2022
Truck stalled at low speed and would not start couple mins later started and ebrake was on very dangerous was in a bad spot for this to happen with two kids in the car
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 6, 2022
After letting the truck warm up for at least 3 to 5 minutes, got in the truck and drove less than a mile and came to a second stop the engine stalled. Also I do not have the E torque system. I've also had an issue from day one a purchase of the truck and even filed a complaint with FCA about my stability control activating on certain turns under 30 miles an hour.
Engine, Mar 5, 2022
Purchased this brand new truck back in July, 2021. As of today, it only has 7,200 miles on it. It has been hesitant when I press on the gas, as if it is going to stall out. I just figured it was because of the auto start/stop feature so I usually try to remember to disengage it. Then it shut off completely on me two different times this past week while I was making a right hand turn. When the engine shut off, the emergency brake engaged. I brought it to the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and they said no codes came up. They also test drove it and found no issues. I am very concerned for my safety and need this problem looked into. I belong to a Ram forum and it seems like many, many people are experiencing the same issues.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 4, 2022
Engine stalls and applies emergency brake has happened two times first on 2/16/22 other on 3/2/22
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2022
Today 02/27/2022 2021 Ram Etorque 5.7 Engine stalled while vehicle was braking at stop sign at a low speed, vehicle rolled to a stop. Auto emergency brake deployed and the auto shift engaged putting my truck from drive to park before i could place the vehicle in Neutral. I was able to restart the truck on first try after being stuck in the middle of the intersection. Disengaged parking brake and drove off. No error message or codes on dash. 5 year old son was in backseat of vehicle. Truck has 15k miles
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
Driving on a 35 mph highway and slowed to 10/15 mph to make a left turn and engine stopped running. Drifted to get out of intersection and when almost stopped the e brake locked on. Restarted vehicle and continued driving. Vehicle has 10911 miles and 3/4 full on gas.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 17, 2022
I was turning left at a stop sign. As I turned, at a low speed, the enigine shutoff. I lost use of the electric steering and the truck came to a stop. The parking brake automatically engaged. Putting the brakes on, I placed the truck in park and restarted the engine. It started back up. I disengaged the parking brake and took off.