vehicle signal
U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Ram 1500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

675 owner complaints analyzed

15 distinct recall campaigns

35,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 108 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 276 of 675 complaints (40.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior21431.7%
Engine operation12518.5%
Electrical and battery issues8011.9%
Steering behavior639.3%
Transmission and shifting426.2%
Fuel system concerns324.7%

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.

Engine
276
Electrical System
191
Unknown Or Other
102
Power Train
95
Fuel/Propulsion System
68
Service Brakes
54
Steering
48
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
46
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine276
Electrical System191
Unknown Or Other102
Power Train95
Fuel/Propulsion System68
Service Brakes54
Steering48
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking46

Engine: 276; Electrical System: 191; Unknown Or Other: 102; Power Train: 95; Fuel/Propulsion System: 68; Service Brakes: 54; Steering: 48; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 46

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
38
25,000 to 49,999
36
50,000 to 74,999
16
75,000 to 99,999
12
100,000 to 149,999
6
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00038
25,000 to 49,99936
50,000 to 74,99916
75,000 to 99,99912
100,000 to 149,9996
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 38; 25,000 to 49,999: 36; 50,000 to 74,999: 16; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (38). 567 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.

2020
2
2021
118
2022
113
2023
114
2024
96
2025
158
2026
74
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20202
2021118
2022113
2023114
202496
2025158
202674

2020: 2; 2021: 118; 2022: 113; 2023: 114; 2024: 96; 2025: 158; 2026: 74

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 214 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 125 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 80 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.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11375264 · 2020-11-18 (November 18, 2020)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACKUP CAMERA ONLY SHOWED A RED BLUR WHILE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ONLY EXPERIENCED AT NIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE LED LIGHT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS TOO DIM TO ASSIST WITH PROVIDING A CLEAR VISUAL OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE CAMERA FOR REARVIEW PURPOSES. BREEDEN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (5900 HIGHWAY 71 S, FORT SMITH, AR 72908; [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED ADDITIONAL L…

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11375264 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11383816 · 2020-12-16 (December 16, 2020)

I PARKED MY TRUCK, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND EXITED AND WENT INSIDE. I WAS WALKING MY DOG SEVERAL MINUTES LATER AND SEEMED TO NOTICE MY TRUCK MOVING BACKWARDS. I SAW THE FRESH TRACKS IN THE SNOW IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK AND REALIZED THAT IT WAS ROLLING BACKWARD ON MY DRIVEWAY. I GOT IN, PRESSED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE ROLLING AND TRIED CYCLING THE POWER. MY KEYS WERE INSIDE SO I RUSHED IN TO GET THEM AND THEN BACK TO THE TRUCK. IT STARTED WITHOUT CHANGING THE SHIFT SELECTOR KNOB, SO IT HAD DEFINITELY BEEN REQUESTED TO ENGAGE PARK.

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11383816 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11390974 · 2021-02-01 (February 1, 2021)

WITHIN A WEEK OF BUYING THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED THE AUTO TINT MIRRORS, REAR VIEW AND DRIVER'S SIDE, BOTH DIM WHEN IT IS NOT BRIGHT OUTSIDE. CLOUDY DAYS OR NIGHT THEY WILL DIM WITH VERY LITTLE ADDED LIGHT. OUTSIDE HOUSE LIGHTS AND PARKING LOT LIGHTS WILL CAUSE IT TO DIM. IF I OPEN MY DOORS WHILE THE TRUCK IS RUNNING, REGARDS IF HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THE DOME LIGHT WILL DIM THE MIRRORS, IF SITTING AT NIGHT WHILE ON THE PHONE, IT WILL DIM THE MIRRORS. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WILL BRIGHTEN INSTANTLY, HOWEVER THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR WILL STAY VERY DARK…

Owner-reported narrative. 64 miles reported. Look up ODI 11390974 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11391192 · 2021-02-02 (February 2, 2021)

ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY ON STICKER STATES 17/21 RESPECTIVELY CITY/HIGHWAY. AFTER 2700 MILES, I CONSISTENTLY, AND ALWAYS HAVE GOTTEN 13MPG CITY AND ON HIGHWAY, ROAD TRIP, 14.5MPG.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11391192 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11394690 · 2021-02-04 (February 4, 2021)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE, THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STONERIDGE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (2700 STONERIDGE DR, PLEASANTON, CA 94588, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS TEST DRIVEN HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND TEST DRIVEN IN FRONT OF THE TECHNICIAN AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE TECH…

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11394690 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11397445 · 2021-02-22 (February 22, 2021)

AFTER 72 MILES ON A NEW TRUCK. POWER STEERING WENT OUT, WHILE DRIVING AND NEVER WORKED AGAIN. DEALER SAID ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE SHORTED OUT. WHOLE RACK & PINION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT NOT AVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 72 miles reported. Look up ODI 11397445 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11406417 · 2021-04-05 (April 5, 2021)

I PURCHASED MY 2021 RAM 1500 LIMITED NIGHT EDITION ON MARCH 11, 2021. IT WAS NEW. WITHIN 3 WEEKS AND LESS THAN 1,000 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. THE FIRST TIME AROUND MARCH 17 I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR. I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND THEN DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND AS I TURNED TO THE RIGHT THE CAR STALLED. NO ERROR MESSAGE CAME UP. I STOPPED THE CAR. TURNED THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB TO P AND PRESSED THE START/STOP BUTTON TWICE AND THE TRUCK…

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11406417 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11406813 · 2021-04-07 (April 7, 2021)

PURCHASED TRUCK ON 3/4/2021.WITH 21 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ON 3/11/2021 WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DOING 65MPH. IN THE CENTER OF A 3 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND A DASH SIGNALED A WARNING "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" APPEARED ON THE DASH, I MADE IT OFF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT AND WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO RESTART THE TRUCK AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO AS OF TODAY 4/06/2021 NOT FOUND THE ISSUE THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN, AND HAS NOT DUPLICATED THE ISSUE AFTER DRIVING IT MORE THAN 700 MILES. …

Owner-reported narrative. 6 miles reported. Look up ODI 11406813 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

15 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

21V037000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder

Reported: 2021-02-01 (February 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.

Consequence: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V438000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2021-06-10 (June 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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V698000 · Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

Reported: 2021-09-09 (September 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V918000 · Steering:Steering Control Module | Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2021-11-23 (November 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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V925000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain

Reported: 2021-11-24 (November 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.

Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V638000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2022-08-25 (August 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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V767000 · Engine | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2022-10-13 (October 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.

Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V904000 · Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And Attachments

Reported: 2022-12-08 (December 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V059000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2023-02-09 (February 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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).

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V265000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Reported: 2023-04-13 (April 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.

Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V653000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc):Control Module | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 2024-09-05 (September 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."

Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V754000 · Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices

Reported: 2024-10-10 (October 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."

Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V298000 · Air Bags | Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2025-05-08 (May 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."

Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V765000 · Steering:Steering Control Module | Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2025-11-06 (November 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."

Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
26V495000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage

Reported: 2026-07-30 (July 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."

Consequence: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗