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, Apr 23, 2023
While the truck was in Drive gear at a stop light took my foot off brake pedal and pressed the gas pedal. The truck did not do anything for a second or two then it jerked and stalled. This has happened several times. I called the dealer and they said its a known issue that they don't know how to fix yet. This issue is unsafe and dangerous.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2023
The rear camera occasionally shows a black screen. If I turn off/on the truck its still the same. If it stays off for more than an hour and then turned back on then sometimes the camera works but some times it still doesn't work. It's very scary backing up a truck without a camera. I feel very unsafe doing so. There is an active recall for this exact issue but my truck is not affected by this recall: NHTSA campaign number: 23V059. Ram’s own number for this recall is 14A. How can i get this safety problem fixed if my truck ks not affected by the recall. Thanks.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2023
The soft trifold tonneau cover supplied by Ram is under designed and a safety hazard. My tonneau cover blew off my truck while drive down I75 it was installed properly and was in excellent condition. In the darkness of early morning and a gusting day while passing under an overpass at 75 miles per hour the legal northern Michigan speed limit on December 22nd 2022 a cold wind day. This cover is held in place with 4 small plastic clips. the clips failed on the uplift of a gust of wind. The wind was likely just under 60 mile per hour gusts as the Mackinaw bridge was slow speed but not yet closed. I was about 4 mile from the Bridge. The hold down clip have a cross sectional area of a mere 0.28 SqIn at failure point. the 2 drivers side failed as the cover lifted. The cover has a 5052 SqIn surface area to be held down by the 7800 lbs. load cap of 2 clips. A mere 1.55 psi of uplift caused by a 50+ mph wind gust which can generate more than 100psi certainly tossed my cover into the bush. This is a travesty to have these trifold covers on the road supplied by a reputable company who wish to ignore the situation. I have made numerous attempts to have RAM address this but to no avail. I would hope the NTSB will force a recall all these covers. the Mackinaw bridge authority makes you remove them to cross the bridge in extreme winds.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2023
Driving through town on my way home from work, the instrument cluster display went black and gauges died. I have no access to fuel level, engine temps, speedometer, rpm's, warning indicators, etc. Have to take it in to dealer for a multi-day diagnosis and hopefully free repair. 2two year old vehicle with only 25k miles.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Vehicle stalls with no warning
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Vehicle stalls with no warning while driving
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Vehicle stalls without warning. No lights or notice
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 6, 2023
At any rate of speed the vehicle stalls and looses power with no warning. No check engine lights or any indicator comes on until the vehicle is already in stall position.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2023
Bed separated due to improper weld. Caused gap large enough that a ratchet strap was able to pass through due to air flow and melted to hot exhausts located directly below.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2023, crash
I purchased a 2021 Ram TRX in Nov of 2021. The tailgate had opened on its own several times over 9 months until Nov 2022. I complained to dealer during oil changes and they said it was my fault and blamed me for not shutting it hard enough or hitting release button in my pocket. I had 8 instances of the tailgate coming open. One I had my cargo load calm out onto highway. Two I had my golf clubs fall out onto highway. Three I had my tailgate hit my boat trailer jack. I went to an independent shop to determine if they could help some dealer never even recorded my complaints or requests. On inspection we found the strikers severely out of alignment and adjusted them to fix issue. We recorded videos and photos of the alignment prior to adjustment and after. In Dec 2022, Ram issued a recall for this exact issue. They then inspected my vehicle and noted the adjustments we made and the facts it was out of alignment prior. Marks could be easily seen where it was factory installed and where we adjusted to remediate. Stellantis and Ram are now denying all liability for my losses and damages prior to the recall since I repaired outside of Ram despite their refusal to repair after several losses incurred.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 10, 2023
Once again for the about 100th time our 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel cuts off and when I means cuts off everything is off. No warning of any sort. Was going about 50mph and just completely shutdown on 880 Southbound in SF Bay Area. Truck has 52k miles is maintained and no codes no nothing. I had my children in the vehicle at the time of incident. We slowly pulled the shoulder with the help of rig driver slowing down to make sure no one hit us. It’s ridiculous that the current recalls aren’t as important and hazardous as trucks shutting off yet here we are cause it’s never duplicated while at the dealer. Is the FCA going to wait till someone or folks lives are taken cause of this very HAZARDOUS/SAFETY ISSUE?!
Other or unspecified, Jan 1, 2023
Front piece of panoramic sunroof blew out. Going 70 mph on highway. No other vehicles near me. Temp was approx 62F out. Overcast. No overpasses. Blew out without warning and without previous issues.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2022
On 12/16/21 with mileage at 10,380 my truck lost power and engine turned off as i was making a left turn at a speed of somewhere between 5-10 MPH. After a complete stop i was able to turn the truck back on and everything seemed normal. I did called FCA the following day and was told to have it checked at a dealership near me but Covid hit my family around that time so i didn’t take it in for service. on 2/27/22 with 14,800 miles the truck stalled again as i was making a left turn at a busy intersection. The truck stalled on me again for the 3rd time but i didn’t document date or mileage. Currently i have a little over 32,000 miles and truck has stalled 3 times and not once did i get a check engine light.
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2022
- Driver side lock stays locked when unlocking the vehicle. Unable to enter and access the vehicle. It will also stay in the unlocked position when locking the vehicle. Vehicle is accessible to break-in. - The safety of passengers, such as my children, is at risk in the event I need to quickly access the inside of my vehicle's driver side if it's locked. For example, if my vehicle needs to be turned off in an emergency or the truck needs to be quickly driven or the gear be changed (say, if accidently not placed in park and the vehicle begins to move), etc. - Dealer has not confirmed issue. - Vehicle has not been inspected. - No prior warning messages or prior symptoms
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2022
Tailgate Opened by it self while driving down the road.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2022
While making a right turn at 5mph, motor shut down and emergency brake was applied. 22k mile on a ram bighorn. Serious safety issue
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2022
UNKNOWN when driving either Freeway or City there is vibration in vehicle involved often. also the cargo bed slightly shakes and brakes feels like it is tight when releasing you can feel somewhat rubbing the tires.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2022
Sunroof exploded when driving on highway. Safety was put at risk with glass and being startled when driving. Contacted dealer and also FCA, pending contact back. No prior signs that glass was pending failure. Glass blew outwards from the roof.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2022
The Map installed by the factory in my new 2021 Ram truck displays incorrect speed limits at times. This is dangerous as it always shows 55mph even in a 25mph zone when it is malfunctioning. If you are in an unfamiliar area, and have not passed a physical speed limit sign, this incorrect information could cause a wreck if there are sudden curves or other dangers on that road. Ram refuses to fix under warranty saying it is third party software. I contacted the software company and was told that they have no warranty on their defective software and I would have to buy a new map for $149 and see if that fixes the issue. I questioned her further as she had said "see" if it fixes it and she said the speed limits that their software shows are not always correct and should not be relied on. She could not guarantee the new download would be correct. I am not sure how many accidents may have been caused by this defect but I would like this investigated and at the least make them add a prominent warning message that comes up anytime you activate the Navigation screen. At least that way the consumer would know not to rely on the info being presented to them as they drive.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 2, 2022
For my 2021 Ram Laramie 1500 the Auto Park engages on its on at random times. This has happened to me twice in the last 2 moths. No doors have been open and any passenger in the car has the seat belt engaged. Once it happened when no one but me was in the vehicle, the second time was with my family in the car. Fortunately it has only happened while leaving the neighbor hood and going less than 25 MPH. Each time, this happens, the AutoPark has been engaged and the light above D is flashing. While this is a neat safety feature it shouldn't happen while I'm driving and belted in.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2022
This has happened 3 times at low speed 2-4 mph. I was making a right hand turn and the truck stalled & shut off. Information on the dash told me to put it into park. I stopped & put it into park. The emergency brake automatically engaged. After disengaging the emergency brake, I started my truck up. No issues once I started it back up & resumed driving. It happened twice at a traffic circle in my neighborhood & once as I was turning right at a light. Thank goodness no one was behind me or it would have possibly caused a rear end collision. This issue has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 15, 2022
2021 Dodge Ram Big Horn purchased at Golling Chrysler in Michigan, you know the auto capital of America. It has been in the shop four or five times in the past year (well over 30 days in shop) for the identical problem, slams on brakes for no reason - I named my truck, “death trap”! This problem has occurred on at least seven occasions and my dealer representative admonishes me for being annoyed with them that they can’t find the problem, since in their words, “it only happened seven times“. You might wonder why it’s been named death trap? Well, when your truck is driving normally, and then it stops, slams on the brakes, practically gives you whiplash, your chest is squeezed by the seat belt, and you’re stranded in the middle of an intersection or an entrance on a multi lane highway, or out of a parking lot, and you have no way to make it go until you have to sit for two or three minutes pushing buttons resetting restarting, its earned the name “death trap”. I am one of many many owners with this identical problem. Golling Chrysler seems to think it’s OK to keep sending me home in a death trap. Workers have mocked me, insulted me, and endangered me. I had to resort to calling Chrysler Corporation and now I have a case!!?. Didn’t take long, within five minutes of telling my story to the Chrysler representative my case was put into escalation mode and they actually used the word “buyback”. What are they going to do after they buy it back from me, sell it to some poor other victim that won’t know the difference? Chrysler time to admit, uncover, and rectify this problem before my death trap and those others out there actually cause a fatal accident. Listen to your customers and read all the complaints on this site that are exactly the same as mine. Better yet, take my truck, give it to your spouse, child or someone you love and then see how you feel about a truck that slams on the brakes for no known reason! I’m tired of being a sitting duck in this death trap!
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2022
WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD GOING APROX 20 TO 25MPH MY TRUCK STALLED. IT SAID THEIR WAS AN ERROR SHIFTED TO PARK AUTOMATICALLY AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. i HAD TO SHUT THE VEHCILE OFF TO GET IT TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. IF I WERE ON AN EXPRESSTWAY OR TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED I COULD HAVE HAD A ACCIDENT OR IT MAY CAUSE ME TO GET REAR ENDED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2022
Within first mile of operation within neighborhood while accelerating through away from stop sign executing a left hand turn traveling below 15 mph the vehicle stalls. Truck immediately automatically engages parking brake forcing sudden stop. Issue has occurred intermittently at least once a month since purchase. Vehicle is not set for auto emergency braking. This issue is a significant safety issue for anyone on roads.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2022
We came to a stop sign. Went to press the gas to proceed into the road with on coming traffic. The truck started to accelerate and then the engine cut off. The emergency braking system was engaged and the dash light reflected that. After a few seconds we were able to restart the truck. Luckily just before we were hit by other vehicles since we were left in the middle of a busy road with morning traffic in both directions. I do not feel safe driving this truck. I quickly googled the issue and found many other threads of complaints with the same issue. Please do the research on this before people are killed!