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
679 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
My 2021 Ram 1500 has an exhaust leak that has been leaking since June when I took it to the dealership, and they told me about the leak. They told me it would take 17 weeks before they could order my parts. Now my dealership has told me 6 to 8 months for parts. The exhaust is leaking into the vehicle and making my family and I sick and they tell me they can do nothing because there are so many truck with the same problem that they can't get parts. I hope you can help me with this.
Engine, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact stated that the failure had recurred four times within four months. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Power train, Oct 10, 2023
Multiple exhaust leaks
Power train, Oct 10, 2023
Radiator having to be replaced on a vehicle that is only 2 years old.
Back over prevention, Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), the image from the rear-view camera was blurry or blank. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for over 2 years. The contact stated that he researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V059000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the VIN was not included. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Engine, Sep 26, 2023
There is an exhaust leak out of both exhaust manifolds. The gasket material is disintegrating and you can smell the fumes in the cab.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2023
Manufacturer failed to complete repair on recall for HPFP and airbag in a timely manner with no timeline or remedy available.
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Sep 23, 2023
Rpm goes up and down to 3 on 10-20 mph. back bed wiggles on 60mph lots of vibration going on! Brakes have some grinding sound.
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2023
The Auto Stop / Start system continues to malfunction. This occurs while the vehicle is in operation and is intermittent. The dealer serviced this issue a couple of times, and replaced the PCM but the issue continues to be intermittent.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 19, 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Sep 18, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to lose motive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle was unable to restart on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the powertrain control module calibration software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 18, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 12, 2023, crash
Using the self parking feature, the vehicle had controlled itself, with my intervention when prompted. It had backed up perpendicular into the parking space, miscalculated the parking job and smashed the side mirror into a nearby trucks mirror. It had then began to speed up to what felt like about 15 or 20 mph, with no time to react or brake, and smashed into the concrete pole behind us. The automatic braking failed to react, the vehicle failed to recognize the objects behind us, and miscalculated the parking distance from other vehicles. After the rear of the truck has been severely damaged, it did not throw any errors or codes. It simply acts as if nothing happened. It never prompted me to stop, or switch gears. It had sped up on its own to a dangerous speed. It had a mind of its own. Dangerous and unsafe.
Power train, Sep 6, 2023
There is clunk coming from the rear of the vehicle when I put into Drive or Reverse. The noise is also present when I deaccelerate and it is very present when I am towing my boat which is i the legal towing capacity of this vehicle. It also has developed a vibration since this has started and has steadily gotten worse over time.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH hauling a trailer, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). 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 contact had experienced the failure several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle shifted into the park without any warning. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The contact restarted the vehicle and the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to dealer who confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The contact received the 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a loud pop coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact referenced a possible failure with the drive shaft. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,266.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 30, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2023
After 4 days of ownership with less than 15,000 miles on it the truck died in intersection. No warning lights came on. Truck would not restart and is currently at the dealership.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2023
Manufacturer Recall NumberZ96 / NHTSA Recall Number22V-767 A solution has not been yet provided by the manufacture. This has a safety risk and I am concerned as to why owners are not updated regularly on having a solution by now. The focus of a solution should be monitored by the NHTSA so we all benefit. This is an unacceptable timeline for a vehicle we paid a lot of money for as the safety risk is high. I would like to receive regular updates on this recall and work being done to a proposed solution.
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 9, 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 not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 and the contact was provided a case number. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 8, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the wheel became stiff and was unable to turn. The contact attempted to pull over but crashed into the side of the road. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unaware of how fast they were driving at the time of the crash. The contact sustained a shoulder and neck injury from the seatbelt. Physical therapy and MRI medical treatment were needed for the injury. No police report was filed. The vehicle displayed warning messages for power steering wheel unavailable suspension system unavailable and electronic stability control unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent a Team to inspect the vehicle but the failure was not detected. The failure mileage was 36,000.