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.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 14, 2021
While driving, 6+ warning lights (Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) Unavailable Service Required, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Trailer Brake System, Forward Collison Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Service Engine, and a module failure) appeared and then the truck shut off in motion. Had to pull over to put the truck in park and attempt to restart, took several tries.
Structure, Aug 11, 2021
While driving on interstate at approx 70 mph...I heard and felt what seemed like an explosion. At first I thought a tire blew out, but within seconds I could hear wind noise coming from my sunroof (the fabric shade was closed). I could then hear what sounded like pieces of glass blowing around on top of the fabric. Once I found a safe place to stop, I was shocked to see that the glass pane of my sunroof was shattered. There was no vehicle within 100 yds in front of me and I didn’t pass under any bridges, etc. The glass simply exploded. I am thankful that the shade was closed otherwise I would have been showered with glass. The noise was so startling that at first I thought someone had fired a shotgun...it was that loud...loud enough to be a deadly distraction at highway speeds. The dealer claims that they have never heard of this happening, but my research today is contrary to that claim (https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/exploding-sunroofs-danger-overhead). The vehicle is at the dealership now. The rep has told me that he has no idea how Chrysler/RAM will handle this situation.
Engine, Aug 11, 2021
Taking a low speed (10mph) right turn into traffic the truck cut off and the emergency brake came on. Took 15-20 second to get the truck moving again.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 9, 2021
2021 5.7L HEMI e-Torque While traveling at approximately 20mph I slowed down to stop at a stop sign and the truck start shifting down as it should. At around 5/7mph it stops, the truck shifts to P and applies the Parking brake. I’m able to start the engine back up every time this happens but there’s something wrong for sure.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Aug 6, 2021
Have had my truck for only two weeks. The backup camera did not work with message saying “backup camera not available” and at same time electronic throttle control showed “service electronic control”. I shut the vehicle off and waited @ 1 min and stil showed same. Did restart again, same results. Then drove to restaurant and when I returned to vehicle @ 1-1/2 hour later both messages were gone. Backup camera now working and throttle message is gone.
Lane departure, Aug 4, 2021
I received my ordered vehicle recently and almost hit a car changing lanes because my right side mirror blind side monitor didn't light up. It wasn't until I spoke with my dealer that I found out Stelantis has removed the blind side monitoring from 2021 vehicles while still advertising they are available on all 2021 models. This is now a normal safety feature in most all vehicles sold for obvious reasons. Many people cannot twist around and take their eyes off the road ahead of them. Stelantis needs to install these in a recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 3, 2021
2021 Long Horn 5.7L HEMI e-Torque with 8800 miles - stalled 3 times at low speeds All 3 times have been a really slow speeds, almost coasting at a turn or a light and then realizing that the engine stalled. The 2nd time was in middle of an intersection. I was able to get it through the intersection and put into neutral and restart. The 3rd stall was immediately after at a Red light. The auto park engaged at about 2-3 mph right when the light turned Green and I almost got hit from behind before I could restart and get off the road. I've had my kids in the truck for two of these stalls and its a matter of time before this causes an accident. I made an appt at my dealer today, they looked at me with a blank stare like they have never heard of this issue. Also showing no more concern than if I was asking for a tire rotation. I'm sure I'll have to start at the beginning like many of you have documented. Frustrating that there is still no guidance to the dealers on this.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 31, 2021
On May 18th, 2021 my 2021 Ram 1500 Limited shut itself off while pulling out of my neighborhood. The emergency brake activated itself, and there were no error codes. I took to the dealership, and they could not replicate the issue and stated they found no problems. Today, on 7/31/21, it did the exact same thing, except this time I almost got hit by another vehicle. I have filed a second complaint with FCA, but this is definitely a serious safety issue.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving at 30 MPH, another vehicle had rear ended his vehicle. The force of the collision then propelled the vehicle into the vehicle in front of him. Due to the force of the collision, his son-in-law's head hit the steering wheel which caused him to black out.The vehicle was then hit by two other vehicles on both the passenger and the driver side as the vehicle was in the middle of an intersection. The air bags did not deploy at anytime during the collision. The contact's son- in-law was taken to hospital and treated for a fractured right side knee and ankle as well as several bruises to various parts of his body. The contact stated that an occupant in another vehicle was transported by ambulance however, injuries were unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded by the police. An insurance agent inspected the vehicle to assess the damage and an agreement was made to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was initially notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact was also informed that a case manager would contact him; however, he never received a call. Months later, the contact called back the manufacturer and was informed that since the vehicle had been repaired; no further action from the manufacturer would be taken. The dealer was also notified of the failure and they also offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
Engine, Jul 29, 2021
While driving about 10mph the engine stalled and i could not restart or put it into park for 2 minutes. If i had been on a road instead of parking lot i would have been hit. I Jane etorque 5.7L v8 engine. There are many other reports of this issue reported online.
Engine, Jul 27, 2021
Have had truck 2 times stall while driving. Will completely shut down while driving 15-20 MPH after breaking then letting off the break pedal shuts down - the parking break will engage itself and the truck will go into park. To restart I have too disengage parking break manually. The incident happened June 23rd with 3500 miles then recently at 8k.
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2021
While driving, the engine shuts off and a message displays that the vehicle needs a on/off power cycle to continue. I believe the failure was caused by a loose ground wire or controler that went offline and needs a power cycle to bring all controllers back online. Safety is a concern due to the engine shutting off and needing to coast the vehicle to a safe spot if it will reach one. The engine turning off and requiring a restart had happened 4 times in the 3 days of owning since new. The vehicle is still at the dealership awaiting parts needed to diagnose the problem. The only warning message was after the engine turned off and requires a power cycle to continue.
Engine, Jul 16, 2021
I got to a stop and the e-torque kicked in, as I departure from a complete stop the truck stalled as I entered the intersection to a complete stop, dash advised to put the vehicle in the park position before starting it, after a few minutes I was able to restart the truck and put it in drive to drive away. huge safety hazard and life threatening since I was on my way to take my daughter to school when this happened.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 16, 2021
Truck stalls while making hard turns, usually at slower speeds. Truck has also cut off while making a turn into traffic. I've read about a number of consumers having the same issue with the etorque Hemi engines. To answer the above questions: - Not sure what system failed but the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - The safety of myself & family are put at risk anytime the stalling occurs, especially when turning on to a road with oncoming traffic as the truck could potentially shut off again automatically. - The issue has yet to be confirmed by a dealer. I take the vehicle in on 8/1/2021 to be diagnosed. - The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representative as of yet. - No prior warning lamps, messages or other symptoms aside from stalling at different times. This issue has been ongoing for a few months now. The vehicle completely shut off once roughly last week sometime.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 14, 2021
While driving at any speed the engine will shut off an I will lose all communication to the 2 key fobs. After the vehicle stops it will engage the parking break and will not restart. I have had the vehicle towed 3 times for this issue and all three times were on a busy dangerous road. Local police had to come and stop traffic for a safe tow hook. Also makes it very difficult to exit heavy traffic on the highway with no ability to control the speed of the vehicle. Dealer has claimed to fix it 3 times, but all 3 times have failed. Dealer has test drove the vehicle and can reproduce the problem. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine/Electrical system, yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine stalls without warning at any speed. lose or power steering, breaks and engine power makes it extremely dangerous to merge at highway speeds or on narrow busy intersections. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes confirmed and reproduced by a dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, not yet. Only by a dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings prior to incidents
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 11, 2021
Rear camara does no show images
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2021
Blurry back up camera image with surround view camera option
Engine, Jul 7, 2021
My vehicle's engine stalls (turns off) while driving at slow speeds. After stalling the transmission tries to put itself in park and the electronic E-brake is automatically applied causing the truck to grind and stop abruptly. This is a safety concern because the vehicle automatically and abruptly stops itself not providing an opportunity to safety move out of traffic. There is also high risk and concern of someone behind the vehicle colliding due to the abrupt stop. The vehicle has been brought to an authorized dealer with no codes or ability to duplicate the problem. No warming lights, messages, codes, or symptoms prior to or after it happening. The vehicle is brand new, happened twice with less than 4,000 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 6, 2021
Backup camera sometimes has blank screen and guide lines sometimes are not there and zoom function does not work when no guidelines. Truck has been to the dealership 5-7 times, in January they replaced the camera itself but did not fix the issue. I was to they cannot do anything at this point unless it fails at the dealer. It does not have the trailer backup camera.
Electrical system, Jul 5, 2021
Engine stalled at 10 to 15 MPH and the transmission shifted to park automatically. All games, cluster and dash controls were out, no power. This happened with a 8000 lb travel trailer attached.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 4, 2021
Was making a left had turn from a stop sign and my truck just shut off. I was going roughly 5 mph or less when this happened. I was able to coast for a second until the emergency brakes came on for some reason while the truck was still in drive. The only thing that came up on the dash was something along the lines of “put the vehicle in park and apply the brake to turn off parking brake and to start the vehicle”. The radio and all electrical related stuff seemed to have stayed on. This is the first time this has happened since I bought the truck and I only have roughly 700 miles on it.
Engine, Jul 1, 2021
Driving on city streets at low speed, the engine has stalled 3 times from April to July 2021. All 3 times occurred within 5-10 minutes of starting the vehicle. Approaching an intersection, then slowly making a turn (once turning left, twice turning right) and attempting to accelerate. As the accelerator is pressed, it’s as if no signal is sent to the engine, then the engine stalls. The info screen on the dash instantly says to press the engine start button, but when pressing, it then says to put the vehicle in park. The truck is brought to a stop in the street, then the truck automatically sets the parking brake (auto parking brake is deactivated in settings). The truck is then shifted into park, engine restarted and parking brake released. Each time this has happened has been at speeds less than 5mph. The vehicle has less than 5,000 miles. No warning lights prior to engine stalling, none showing after. All electronics in the vehicle continue to work properly as the engine stalls.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 29, 2021
The truck previously shut off twice during a left and then a right turn. That was around 120 and 200 miles on the truck, respectively. Only other issue was during a turn the radio changed channel autonomously. Today with 1700 mile I backed it up and then put it in drive. The truck shut off and kicked every fault code on the truck. When trying to start it back it would not turnover and kept turning things on and off like the electrical system was possessed.
Power train, Jun 29, 2021
I turned left from the center lane into the driveway of my bank. After crossing the driveway apron, the truck engine died leaving me rolling through the parking lot. The vehicle sounded an alarm stating that it needed to be placed into Park to start the engine. The engine restarted after I came to a stop, placed the vehicle in park and pressed the ignition button. This failure could have happened at any time leaving me stranded in traffic, potentially at high speed where it could have caused a severe accident injuring myself or others around me. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by the dealer but will be when it's brought in for the pending recall related to the backup camera. I did inspect the Power Distribution module under the hood when I returned home and found that several of the relays were not fully seated in their sockets, with some of the relays physically tilted to the side. I then proceeded to properly seat all the relays. I also found that at least 75% of the fuses in the module were not fully seated in their sockets. There are numerous reports online of others that have experienced these same failures.
Tires, Jun 19, 2021
Properly maintained factory installed tire had a no notice sidewall blowout at 50mph. There was no load in the bed. Noticed rough ride and tire pressure system went from properly inflated to 1. Kept the tire after replacing at a Firestone dealership.