Most common 2021 Ram 1500 problems
Share of the 683 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ram 1500 complaints by model year
Best 1500 years: 2024, 2013, 2023. Years to avoid: 2025, 2019, 2022, 2016. Compare all years →
2021 Ram 1500 recalls (15)
Seat belts › Rear/other › Anchorage
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."
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.
Steering › Steering control module
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.
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.
Air bags
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."
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.
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
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.
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.
Electronic stability control (ESC) › Control module
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
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.
Show 9 more recalls
Back over prevention › Display function
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.
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.
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
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.
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.
Engine
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.
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.
Back over prevention › Display function
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."
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.
Air bags › Side/window › Curtain
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.
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.
Steering › Steering control module
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."
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.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
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.
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.
Back over prevention › Display function
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."
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Ram 1500:
High pressure fuel pump failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.
What 2021 Ram 1500 owners say
Engine & cooling all 280 →
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the anti-slip control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service Vehicle" and "4-wheel Drive Failure" were displayed. The front wheels of the vehicle seized, causing the vehicle to start pulling to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated there was rainwater leaking into the rear passenger's side cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the third brake light and applied sealant; however, the leak persisted. The contact was informed by the dealer that the leak failure may be caused by a faulty frame or window. No further information was available. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine, and while at the dealer the contact was informed that the exhaust manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the bolts inside the exhaust manifold were inadequate and were prone to failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,700. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system all 198 →
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Battery Low Voltage" was displayed and the vehicle experienced loss of power steering functionality and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to the recall. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the rear window. The contact stated that the radiofrequency (RF) module had short-circuited. The contact stated that the key fob failed to function as intended and the steering wheel and brakes seized. The contact used the physical key to unlock the door. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiofrequency module (RF) had short-circuited. The radio-frequency module was replaced, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 99 →
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction contract warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering and the service brakes did not function as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the steering was inoperable and very hard to steer. The contact stated that snow was on the ground and due to the failure, the contact's vehicle crashed into a concrete curve. The contact stated that when the vehicle crashed into the concrete curve, the service brakes and the steering were independently reset. The vehicle was damaged on the front driver's side rim, however, the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was being towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM software needed to be updated; however, the contact was unsure if the update was performed. The contact stated that he was informed by the dealer that a failure needed to occur before the vehicle was repaired. The contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was released and deemed safe to drive. 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. …
2021 Ram 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 32 / 26 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl hybrid | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 26 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl hybrid | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 10 / 14 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a good car?
Based on 683 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 1500 rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the 1500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ram 1500?
The engine & cooling — 280 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the electrical system (198) and transmission & drivetrain (99).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?
There are 15 recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500, the most recent from July 30, 2026 (anchorage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ram 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2013 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2019, 2022 and 2016. See the full Ram 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Ram 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.