2021 Ram 3500 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
62 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
60,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 62 complaints (27.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 11 | 17.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 8 | 12.9% |
| Braking behavior | 8 | 12.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 4 | 6.5% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 4.8% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 17 |
| Power Train | 11 |
| Engine | 10 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Wheels | 6 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 |
Electrical System: 17; Power Train: 11; Engine: 10; Unknown Or Other: 9; Wheels: 6; Service Brakes: 5; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Back Over Prevention: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 51 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 7 |
2021: 5; 2022: 9; 2023: 15; 2024: 11; 2025: 15; 2026: 7
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 11 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 8 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11515220 · 2023-04-03 (April 3, 2023)
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. 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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11515220 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11520035 · 2023-05-02 (May 2, 2023)
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11520035 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11457648 · 2022-03-21 (March 21, 2022)
The transmission’s light came on saying that it was heated. I parked as soon as possible and that’s when the flames were coming out of the hood. I did burned my hands trying to put out the fire with 3 fire extinguishers. I did not want my truck to burn. Now, the dealer is trying to say that they can’t get a conclusion of what started the fire. The truck smells like burned transmission fluid. I sent pictures of the truck to the dealer. There is a recall in February 2020 with the same problem that I had with my 2021 Ram. Prior to this incident, t…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11457648 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11522492 · 2023-05-17 (May 17, 2023)
When coming to a complete stop and the brake fully pressed down, the truck will lunge forward and almost hit the car in front of me. Then the trucks idle will reduce and it will start to shake. Several people have reported this issue on this year vehicle. Many people have stated that it is due to a faulty solenoid Torque Converter Clutch (TCC). Please investigate as this could cause a serious accident if the truck lunges and hits a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11522492 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11475662 · 2022-07-25 (July 25, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine, cruise control, 4WD, stability control, the ABS and trailer brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact to turn the vehicle on and off multiple times to reset the computer. The contact stated all the warning lights turned off, except for the check engine warning light. The contact stated two days later, the check engine warning light turned off independent…
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11475662 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11389489 · 2021-01-22 (January 22, 2021)
MY BRAND NEW 2021 RAM 3500 LIMITED LONGHORN, SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING AT AROUND 70 MILES. THIS HAPPENED ON I-84 BETWEEN CALDWELL, ID AND BAKER CITY, OR ON 19 JAN 2021 AROUND 9:00PM. ROADSIDE FAILED TWICE AT GETTING US TOWED TO SAFETY. THE 1ST TOWING COMPANY CALLED TO SAY HE DECLINED THE SERVICE AND WAS SURPRISED THAT THEY BOOKED HIM ANYWAY. THE 2ND ONE INFORMED US THEY HAD TO DECLINE THE SERVICE BECAUSE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WOULD NOT PAY A FAIR PRICE. BY THEN WE, THE TRUCK, AND OUR TRAILER WAITED ON THE INTERSTATE FOR 4 HOURS IN PITCH DARK AND V…
Owner-reported narrative. 70 miles reported. Look up ODI 11389489 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11437405 · 2021-10-19 (October 19, 2021)
Brand new truck (226 miles) STOPPED RUNNING on Interstate 90 in Montana. Very dangerous situation, although was able to pull to side of interstate and was able to tow truck to Butte Montana and no one was injured. Nonetheless, had this occurred in rural area, snowy mountain passes, pulling livestock trailer etc (purpose for which truck is intended), could have easily been life threatening. Understand this may be the same fuel pump issue affecting many others. Should be recalled immediately. No warning, truck just went from 75 mph to zero i…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11437405 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11433376 · 2021-09-17 (September 17, 2021)
Power steering comes and goes. They can’t get a part for 45 days minimum. Pretty much give them 60,000 dollars and they could care less
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11433376 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11588657 · 2024-05-14 (May 14, 2024)
There exist a defect which is common through multiple years with RAM that have the Cummins 6.7L diesel engine. The problem is the heater bolt in intake system. When this fails it falls into intake and proceeds into piston which requires engine rebuild. Unfortunately the same part is put back in causing repeat. Solution Banks Monster Ram Intake system. Many, many owners over years have experienced loss of vehicle in both new and older models. Engine lock up can cause loss of steering and worse on highways.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11588657 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11735999 · 2026-05-06 (May 6, 2026)
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal shavings were found throughout the entire system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11735999 at NHTSA ↗