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, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Service brakes, Engine, Apr 16, 2023
When I turn left or right, I slow down to turn and when I accelerate after turning, the engine shuts down and the parking brake auto-engages. This has occurred twice in heavy traffic scenarios, endangering myself, my passengers, and the drivers behind me. According to blogs with posts of this same issue with other Ram 1500 owners, issue has not / cannot be reproduced due to its arbitrary nature of occurrence. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine shutting off.
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.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 15, 2023
In the last week, truck shut down in the middle of acceleration in the middle of an intersection. All truck electronics shut down completely for 30 min, even the ability to lock and unlock vehicle. Today, while going 49 miles an hour, the breaks and steering shut down completely for several minutes.
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.
Engine, Apr 14, 2023
While driving I slowed down to make a left turn the truck shut down and safe hold temporarily disable message appeared. I had to wait to come to a complete stop and put the truck in drive and disengage the emergency brake. This has been happening frequently.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2023
#3 & #5 fuel injector failing while driving, separate instances, 2 months apart, causing severe loss of power and inability to control speed
Engine, Apr 12, 2023
I purchased a 2021 RAM Big Horn truck for 58k. At 33k miles both exhaust manifolds cracked causing the cab of the truck to fill with exhaust! This exhaust causes me headaches. This exhaust leak also pours into our environment causing a hazard to others. I took the vehicle to Dodge service who confirmed both manifolds are cracked and exhaust is getting into cab if truck. This is under warranty however there are no parts to fix the issue. Dodge should be compelled to buy back these vehicles as they are a hazard in numerous ways.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact placed the vehicle in park(P) and attempted to restart the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. 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 approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 23, 2023
I was driving the vehicle about five miles-per-hour and came to a stop sign, then came to a full stop. I then proceeded to make a right turn and was driving straight for about one-quarter of a mile at a speed of about five to ten miles-per-hour. Next, I slowed the vehicle down and made a right turn. The vehicle then completely stalled and turned completely off. The engine stopped, all of the meters on the dashboard turned completely off and the entire car and all electronics were completely off without warning. It was a random shutdown, there were no warning lights and no engine warning light or anything. Immediately after the vehicle turned off, I put my foot on the brake, then I had to put the vehicle in park, and then I had to restart the vehicle by pushing the "start engine" button. My safety, the passengers safety, other cars safety was put at risk because the vehicle could have stopped anywhere at any time without warning and completely turned off. There could have been a vehicle close behind me that could have caused death to passengers of my vehicle or other vehicles. The dealer confirmed that this is an issue and there is supposed to be an update for the computer on the Etorque engine. The dealer inspected the vehicle, and ran a computer update on the engine. However, the service manager said that they could not guarantee that it would not happen again. There were no warning lamps, no messages, no symptoms to indicate that this was going to occur. It was completely random with no warning. The components that malfunctioned are the E-Torque Engine and the computer. I immediately traded the vehicle in for a completely different brand. I do not want do die due to this vehicle malfunction.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 22, 2023
The fog lights on the vehicle stop working while I was driving at night in a not well lit area. After they stop working I went to get an oil change and was told I was unable to get an oil change and the water pump was leaking. The tech stated it was unsafe and dangerous.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road safely and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle momentarily started operating normally, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated no failure was found but the mechanic suggested that the ignition system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 9, 2023
When I started my vehicle the starter failed to disengage. The vehicle was unable to shut off. The only way to turn the vehicle off was to remove the battery cables. If I reattach the battery cable to the engine the vehicle try's to start on its own but is unable to, it just keeps turning over. The original starter failed and was replaced in January 2023 by a Ram dealer for the same issue. The dealer was able to find a replacement part at another dealership to avoid the long wait time to get the part. The current wait time is 30 days for the dealer to get the replacement part. I was told by the dealer that Ram will only provide rental coverage for 5 days.
Structure, Mar 7, 2023
I was driving and went to back up and found the tailgate down. I had had it in the shop for a recall of the tailgate. Took it back to dealer and was told my tonneau cover was the reason. I disagree as when I shut it it was latched and flush. There is no alarm indicating the tailgate down and the contents potentially falling out. There should be some alarm to indicate the tailgate is open, just like when a car door is open.
Power train, Mar 7, 2023
Vehicle would not shift from 1st gear when starting off. Had to pull of to the shoulder to turn off the vehicle and restart. Said "service transmission" and check engine light lit.
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.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2023
We lease a 2021 Ram. For the past year our truck will randomly stall when making a turn and pushing the gas. It shuts off, puts the vehicle in park, and engages the emergency brake when pulling out into traffic. We have brought it in to the dealership we got it from, letting them know that this is a huge safety concern especially if pulling out into busy traffic which is something we have to do on a daily basis. They said since they cannot replicate the issue there is nothing to fix. Our truck continues to stall and we use it not only for transport of our family but for hauling horse trailers - making it even more dangerous. We need a resolution as this puts us at risk and is very stressful, changing how we drive because we are afraid to pull out in certain situations.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 28, 2023
I have had two incidents where shortly after a cold start while driving the vehicle it would turn off and and the emergency brake would apply. In both instances I was approximately a mile from where the vehicle was started. I had slowed to make a right turn, upon completion of the turn driving under 20 MPH the vehicle's engine would turn off, I was able to coast to a stop and then the vehicle's emergency brake would engage. When this happens the operator is forced to come to a complete stop, shift to park (in order to restart) and disengage the emergency brake. 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie eTorque 12K miles
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 18, 2023
The truck’s push button start system was turned on to start the car, the keys were removed from inside the vehicle cabin but the truck was still able to be driven without the keys being inside. I started the truck to warm it up, then went inside my home, when I had to leave I changed my coat and forgot the truck keys in my other coat. I got in the truck and was able to drive as if I had the keys on me. When I reached my destination 5 miles away, I turned the truck engine off, and then realized I did not have the keys with me. The truck should NOT be able to be driven if the keys are not sensed inside the truck cabin. This is a safety risk, trucks can be stolen easily in this way.