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U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Ram 2500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

106 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

34,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 35 of 106 complaints (33.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues2523.6%
Braking behavior1514.2%
Transmission and shifting98.5%
Steering behavior76.6%
Engine operation32.8%
Fuel system concerns21.9%

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.

Electrical System
35
Engine
25
Power Train
24
Fuel/Propulsion System
8
Structure:Body
8
Service Brakes
7
Unknown Or Other
7
Steering
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System35
Engine25
Power Train24
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Structure:Body8
Service Brakes7
Unknown Or Other7
Steering5

Electrical System: 35; Engine: 25; Power Train: 24; Fuel/Propulsion System: 8; Structure:Body: 8; Service Brakes: 7; Unknown Or Other: 7; Steering: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
5
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 91 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.

2021
11
2022
9
2023
44
2024
15
2025
15
2026
12
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
202111
20229
202344
202415
202515
202612

2021: 11; 2022: 9; 2023: 44; 2024: 15; 2025: 15; 2026: 12

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 25 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 9 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 11406962 · 2021-04-07 (April 7, 2021)

2020 RAM 2500 DIESEL 1900 MILES BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WHILE TRAVELING 70MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO NO AVAIL. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE FAST LANE AND CAUSED SERVAL VEHICLES TO ABRUPTLY CHANGE LANES AS TO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE TRUCK. I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE ROAD, CHANGING MULTIPLY LANES, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER BECOMING A HAZARD TO MOVING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE TRUCK WAS SHAKING AND SPUTTERING. I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART. THE TRUCK WOULD TURN …

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11406962 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11428902 · 2021-08-12 (August 12, 2021)

I was driving my 2021 ram 2500 west at approximately 35mph when a oncoming vehicle a 2008 Dodge Nitro failed to navigate a curve in the road crossing center line of road hitting me head on at a estimated 50-6- mph. (Driver was ticket for to fast for conditions) It was a clear , dry day. The Ram trucks air bag and seatbelt restraint system did not deploy/lockup . There were no warning lights , messages, or symptoms making me aware of any problems. The vehicle was towed from the scene, incapable of moving on its own. Vehicle has only 2000mi. The…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11428902 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11429824 · 2021-08-20 (August 20, 2021)

At a stop light after 10 min of normal driving on country and city roads my truck started smoking from front passenger wheel well. Smoke intensified and quickly turned black. Immediately pulled over and found flames burning through front passenger wheel liner and from around passenger side battery and intake filter. Fire was put out with fire extinguisher and engine bay sprayed down by fire truck when they arrived on scene. Fire melted through battery case leaking battery acid, parts of the intake filter housing, all surrounding electrical wiri…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11429824 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11435457 · 2021-10-04 (October 4, 2021)

Lost control of pedal no acceleration this has happened multiple times taken to dealership on multiple occasions. They can’t find a code for issue. Uconect reports the issue when it happens. It is a intermittent problem that occurs in some heavy traffic at times.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11435457 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11437427 · 2021-10-20 (October 20, 2021)

Electronic tailgate has unlatched itself and fallen open while driving 5 times now twice now resulting in damage and things falling out of rear of truck onto highway

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11437427 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11438423 · 2021-10-27 (October 27, 2021)

Right rear shock failure which lead to shock oil leaking onto brake system. Local dealer states parts are not available due to current allotment met for the month. Took truck into Olathe Dodge for warranty repair on Monday 10/25/2021, two hours of waiting to be told part would not be available until end of November. No warning lamps etc displayed. Oil was found all over the rear end including wheel and tire. Creates a safety hazard with any fluid leaking onto braking system. Confirmed by dealer.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438423 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11438830 · 2021-11-01 (November 1, 2021)

There was a severe head on collision and airbags did not deploy. The dealership says there was no deceleration however, the crash was severe enough that they should have deployed, the driver also tried to stop and the trucks airbag system did not detect the sudden brake. This is a 2021 truck that has a sudden brake sensor, that combined with the collision should have caused the airbags to deploy.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438830 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11441016 · 2021-11-19 (November 19, 2021)

The contact owned a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V798000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with a fob key from inside his residence, he did not hear the engine start. The contact looked outside when he noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's driveway, not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the fai…

Owner-reported narrative. 10,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11441016 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

21V163000 · Electrical System

Reported: 2021-03-11 (March 11, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.

Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V798000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Relays/Solenoids

Reported: 2021-10-14 (October 14, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

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 ↗
22V140000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 2022-03-10 (March 10, 2022)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V835000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2022-11-10 (November 10, 2022)

FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

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 ↗
23V060000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Relays/Solenoids

Reported: 2023-02-09 (February 9, 2023)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.

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 ↗