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: other or unspecified
103 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
My truck is equipped with a swing gate tailgate. Today I tried to open the tailgate multiple times and it would not open. It would not let down, nor would the swing gate open.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2025
I have had 2 separate instances where I had my foot on the brake and the accelerator kicked in, the engine revved up and the truck tried to move forward all while I had my foot still pressed down as hard as I could on the brake. Once the engine was not revving any longer, I put the truck in park and sat for a second so I could gather my composure. After I sat for a second and put it back in Drive it didn't do it again. This happened in the same manner both times. It happened once in October 2024 and the 2nd time in January 2025.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2025
The bolts that connect the two parts of the exhaust pipe, about midway on the truck, sheared off. The truck is a 2021 with only 47,000 miles on. These bolts should not be shearing off like this
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 29, 2025
I am submitting this report to alert the NHTSA of potential safety violations and undisclosed structural damage, drivetrain modifications, and possible engine replacement regarding my 2021 RAM 1500, which was purchased from Courtesy Chevrolet after being previously owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Unreported Frame Damage & Structural Repairs Multiple inconsistent and unseen frame welds were discovered, indicating prior accident damage and unreported frame repair. Frame welds do not match factory precision welding, suggesting post-factory reinforcement or structural fixes. Undisclosed Transmission Swap from 8-Speed to 6-Speed According to NHTSA records and the vehicle’s VIN, my RAM 1500 was manufactured with an 8-speed transmission. After purchase, I discovered that the 8-speed had been swapped for an older 6-speed transmission (6HP70), which was never disclosed. This creates potential drivability and safety concerns, as the truck’s ECU may not be calibrated for the correct transmission. Possible Undisclosed Engine Swap The engine in my truck has multiple ink and paint markings, which are commonly seen on replacement engines. RFID engine label does not provide a matching serial number, making it difficult to confirm if the engine is original. The casting number on the engine sticker is inconsistent with the vehicle’s model year and VIN (2021), raising concerns that it may be from an older model. Engine mount bolts and wiring appear disturbed, suggesting prior removal and reinstallation. If my truck has an older or higher-mileage engine, this impacts performance, emissions compliance, warranty status, and safety. Lack of Maintenance Records & Vehicle History Transparency
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 20, 2025
I just purchased a new truck on Friday and was told on car fax it had a open recall .On 1/20/25 around 0835 I arrived at service entrance and was not greeted or checked in after being told I would be charged a diagnosis fee for a very important safety recall related to ABS . I would like this incident investigated as it jeopardizes my and my family safety . Also told him the truck was under warranty and the wireless charging for phones was not working and got bring it back to where you bought it . I requested his supervisor and he walked away and acted like he was on the phone . This is my only local dodge dealer and now forced to goad hour south to get this fixed . I took a card because service manager never came out to address me as customer this dealership needs looked into .I think I was also discriminated at for being Caucasian as both service techs are Hispanic info email of service manager from card is Location of Dodge dealer . The person that wanted to charge me avoided me asking his name but had long curly hair and younger thug attitude guy . Also was told to leave after like anyone would be upset of a safety recall that are free and being told I would be charged. I’m requesting an investigation into this matter and or pursuing legal action . I know it’s a federal holiday and I have a 3 day weekend but hope this matter can be addressed soon as this is not right . Thank you . New Century Motors of Santa Barbara 300 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara Ca 93105 aaguilera@newcenturymotors.com
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 12, 2024
Just driving normal condition and speed all of a sudden my car jam or brake on it’s own, causing a quick sudden jerk and almost getting hit from the back. All of my front sensors and back sensors was shut off at this time.
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2024
dash board is bubbling and the vehicle has 46k miles.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2024
Open recall 75B on 21 ram 1500 dealer and manufacture says they don’t not have software update for my vehicle and there nothing they can do. Hard to get into contact with anyone and once I do I’m transferred or waiting on hold for hours
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2024
Recall on vehicle I just bought for a long trip, has no remedy!
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 25, 2024
Both of the front driver and passenger side flip down sun visors have broken within one week of each other. Each visor is attached to the ceiling of the cab by a metal arm with a plastic retaining clip. That plastic clip has broken on both visors within one week of each other and my truck only gets very light use. Since the retaining clip is broken both visors fall out of the ceiling and hang in the view of the driver and block the line of sight, which means the driver can not see directly in front forward. I have spoken to the local Dage Ram dealership who sold me the truck as well as the main national Ram customer service and both say the repair is outside of warranty even though its a safety issue and a clear defect so they will not fix the issues without me paying form $550 plus labor for each visor.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 10, 2024
After changing the battery, my truck was affected by a computer malfunction which caused my ABS, forward collision detection, electronic stability control and other systems to not work and indicate trouble in the dash. I took it to the dealer, and they charged me $205 to reprogram the computer. These are all symptoms of recall 85B, but my VIN is not in the affected list at this time. I believe the list should be expanded and that I should receive a refund from FCA for the repair work that was completed.
Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2024
Heater core went out at 60,000 or even earlier. Antifreeze has been coming out of my vents for weeks. I have kids under 3. The part is back ordered at every dealership ive called.
Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2024
Exhaust manifolds on both sides cracked and need replacing. Started about a year ago from this date. Dealer informed my mechanic they are seeing about 1400 units replaced a month.
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2024
This has happened twice both on the interstate. Vehicle just turns off by itself. No codes are flashed up (unless they came up right as it happened and I didn't see them because I was too worried about getting hit). I called the Dodge dealership and scheduled an appointment. Went on 3/9/2024. They scanned the vehicle and did not see any codes. Was asked if I wanted to have a tech look at the vehicle. Was recommended not to because there was no codes and the likelihood of them finding anything was slim to none. They were also going to charge me for the diagnostic (to have the tech look at it) even if there was not an issue found. Service Rep (not the tech) told me she recommended that I try to take a video of it, if it happens again, so they could see what codes come up. This issue as well as the suggestion to try to video it is a huge safety risk. (happened 1/28/2024 the first time I thought it was because the vehicle sat for a week without being driven - figured it was water in the fuel until it happened again on 3/4/2024)
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2024
Once again this truck turned off on me as I was entering the freeway and this last incident occurred with my kids in tow so I called my financing company to come pick it up cause we almost got hit and it wasn’t gonna be good…but thankful the rig driver was able to move to the next lane and he pulled over and checked on us and gave us video. It sat at the dealership for the first year on and off for this issue and due to it never happening with them they disregarded the issues. Second year again truck in and out the dealership and still since it didn’t happen under their watch again disregard. I have multiple videos and statements but that didn’t make ram fca listen.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2024
Two Bolts were broken between intermediate pipe and muffler flange. There are 2 more bolts that were not replaced and will probably break and need repair!!!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2024
high quantities of water leaking through the rear glass in amounts so great it even soaks the rear floor carpet in water after only a few minutes in the rain from running down the back wall of the cab. Water leaks down the inside of the back window directly onto and over the 48 Volt lithium ion battery pack, equipped in my ram Etorque model. this occurs even after small quantities of rain, after water testing it myself it is clear the water is going between the rear glass and the body and into the cabin. I have had this documented with the dealer twice, and called Ram corporate support multiple times, and receive the same answer, and even though I have a seven year 1,000,000 mile warranty, they refused to fix it stating it is not covered. however the exact same issue has created an extended warranty condition out to 10 years for ram 1500 models built between 2019 until September 30 of 2020. the build date of my vehicle is October 19 of 2020. 20 days later.. Corporate support refuses to believe this condition may have existed beyond their September 30, 2020 date. As it is well documented with the mass quantities of electric vehicle fires, created by lithium ion battery packs, I tried to file a safety complaint as well. The answer I received from Ram corporate was “the lithium ion battery pack beneath the rear window behind the rear seats is a sealed system, so it is OK if it gets wet” even though it is inside of the cab. The ram 1500s from my date range have known issues with water leaks through the rear center mounted brake light and through the glass due to cracked frames on the vehicles, sliding rear windows, such as mine, however they refused to believe any of those conditions may have transferred to my specific vehicle despite a $7000 extended warranty. I am Reporting this condition because I am afraid water intrusion onto a lithium ion battery inside the vehicle could result in loss of life as this system is now a standard feature on all ram 1500s as of 2022.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2023
MY 2021 RAM 1500 IS LEAKING WATER INTO THE CAB COMPARTMENT. EVERYTIME IT RAINS I GET A SOAKING WET FLOOR IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AND THE TRUCK FILLS UP WITH MOISTURE. IT IS VERY SMELLY AND I CAN SEE EXACTLY WHERE THE TRUCK IS LEAKING. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A LAWSUIT GOING ON FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS. DOES THIS FALL OUT UNDER THE LEMON LAW AS MY TRUCK IS ALMOST UNUSABLE NOW BECAUSE OF THE MILDEW SMELL THROUGHOUT THE TRUCK.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2023
I started smelling coolant inside the cabin of my 2021 RAM 1500 at approximately 49000 miles. I'm the original owner. After waiting for over a month before the dealership could look at my truck, I was told my heater core needed replaced at a cost of $2369.52 and charged a diagnostic fee of $201.49. Because the basic warranty had expired, and the truck is less than 3 years old, I called Chrysler Customer Care for assistance. They opened case number 87011413, and was assigned a case manager. I was told I would be contacted in 1 to 2 business days. It has been 3 weeks, and I still haven't heard from the case manager. I tried calling Customer Care several times but I only get voice mail.
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2023
Has happened a few different times but didn't know what was happening. I'm driving, yesterday was on the highway at 65mph and my truck suddenly "stalls out" for a few seconds! I almost lose control of the vehicle! No power steering no brakes no control and then all of a sudden comes back on. Cars going behind me are driving around me. Scariest thing ever happened while driving. I first noticed it a year ago but was not a interstate wasn't as scary. Then has happened through out the year 4 or 5 more times. The VIN says no recalls but it sounds exactly like the powertrain control module problem. My truck is a hemi 5.7-liter engine that is randomly stalling multiple times now almost causing me to wreck!
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2023
Motor decelerates and won't shift. when at a stop light I press the accelerator to gain speed an motor winds out but won't correct its self until I pull over turn the motor off and start the truck again. It happens every 1000 miles or so
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2023
NHTSA Recall Number 22V-767 Remedy still not available for recall from Oct 2022
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2023
Exhaust bolts failed on two separate occasions. I'm concerned that this will lead to an accident if parts of the exhaust system come apart and make contact with the road. The parts have been replaced (twice) and I've contacted the manufacturer who seems to have little concern at this time
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 2, 2023
Dealer reporting leaking and water intrusion at rear window seal. Water intrusion causing significant water damage and mold. Water intrusion potentially disrupts vehicle BCM and other electrical components including airbag function, lighting controls, infotainment and navigation systems. Radio infotainment system has faulted, radio speakers crackling, guage clusters lights randomly illuminate. Mold significantly creating adverse health affect. Excessive moisture causing window fogging and visibility issues. Problem reproduced by Crown motors in Redding, CA.