Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving his vehicle at approximately 2 to 3 MPH, and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started to accelerate. The contact stated that the harder he would depress the brake pedal, the more aggressively the vehicle would accelerate. The contact stated that while he was in the drive-thru, the vehicle accelerated into a vehicle in front causing him to crash. The failure occurred on several occasions while in drive or in reverse. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained back injuries and was pending medical attention for an examination related to the impact. The contact stated that he then had his vehicle towed to the dealer, where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,600.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle operated for a second and then stalled while the shift to desired gear warning error illuminated. The contact mentioned the brakes were applied independently. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the diagnostic result was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
When traversing from one hwy to another on an off ramp at 39 mph the truck suddenly accelerated like the pedal was pushed to the floor, speed jumped to 55mph in a flash. I hit the brakes hard once and then again to stop the sudden acceleration. Truck had a mind of its own. Dangerous situation, fortunately no one was in front of me to run into.
In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, also under warranty. However, upon picking up the vehicle after the second repair, the dashboard immediately displayed both the "service braking system" warning and the check engine light. On July 23, 2024, I left the vehicle at the dealership for a third time. The following day, they informed me that the problem was with the ABS module, which was under engineering review and unavailable. …
I have experienced the engine surging while driving 2 times in the last 3 months. 10/18/2024. The RPMs slowly increase regardless of taking my foot off the gas pedal, slowing, or coming to a stop. The engine remains to rev. It causes me to have an extremely hard time keeping a maintained speed and gets difficult to slow down or slow to a stop. The truck was not on Cruise control, it was in 2-wheel drive, and the issue started right as I took off. The engine can be heard revving and trying to accelerate even in an attempt to try neutral with the foot off the gas to resolve the issue. I ensure I do not have my foot on the gas pedal and have to push my brake to the ground to stop. I have called our dealership who reports they are unaware of the issue I describe. …
Driving down the freeway using adaptive cruise control it was working very well, a car pulled in front of me and my truck slowed down. The car in front shortly after moved out of the way from in front of me. My truck immediately started accelerating hard to get back up to the initial speed. Traffic had come to a sudden stop in front of me but my truck continued to accelerate hard towards the now stationary traffic. I had to slam on my brakes and dive onto the shoulder else I would have wrecked. A similar situation happened a few days later when approaching a traffic light there was a car already stopped at the light. I had a car in front of me which was braking, my truck correctly slowed down. …
Once again this truck is still having the same issues! I was on the local freeway going 60 and all of a sudden the truck brakes and shuts off while in in the express lane! [redacted]! How was our safety at risk? Really? I don't understand how these trucks haven't been recalled yet RAM recalled and bought back 2022 Rams due to defrosting issues. Apparently trucks breaking and stopping out of nowhere isn't a big deal but lets not make folks wipe their windows...So many of these Ram 1500 have the same issues and what?! STELLANTIS DOES NOT CARE! No warning lights came on yet again but just decides to brake and shut off. This isn't the first incident! Again I was fortunate to no get hit! But my nerves, mental/emotional status, and scares are enough injuries! Please see ram forms, social media, etc there are so many others with these issues that haven't reported to NHTSA!
While driving on the highway with cruise control engaged, the system became stuck and would not disengage. I attempted to cancel cruise control using the button, tap the brakes, and shift to neutral, but none of these actions worked immediately. The truck continued accelerating beyond the set speed, putting my life and the lives of others in serious danger. I eventually regained control after repeatedly braking and forcing the truck into neutral, but this was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in a fatal crash. To my knowledge, there were no warning lights or messages before or during the incident. I have not had the problem confirmed by a dealer yet, but I contacted the manufacturer (RAM customer service), and they instructed me to take the vehicle to a dealership for diagnostics at my own expense. …
When driving home in the rain going 65+/- MPH my truck just shut off and turned back on, but was not able to accelerate. Had to pull off on the side of the road and the car started back up. This happened at least 5 more times on my 30 minute ride back home. When I finally got it home the truck would not cut off. I had to disconnect the batter which still did NOT stall the truck. Luckily I found a forum that advised to pull a specific fuse to cut the truck off. My biggest concern was that no warning lights or error codes came up on the dash it just went blank and came back on. The vehicle is currently at Roger Williams Ram Dealership in Weatherford TX. They have had the truck over a week and are still trying to figure out what the problem is. They have replaced a fuse box to my knowledge but this didnt fix the issue. I have video of the incident (driving with no power).
I almost died, when my truck stalled as I was entering a major thoroughfare. This primarily has to do with the auto start/stop option on my Ram, which if you do not come to a complete stop, and attempt to accelerate with this feature on, the vehicle stalls. This has happened to me several times, and if you go on the online forums it is happening to many other Ram drivers, it is a serious safety issue, as you have no control over the stall due to the computer. Basically, when I am coming to a stop and then accelerate with the vehicle at a slow crawl, 2-3 MHP, the truck stalls. Imagine rolling through a yield sign and your vehicle stalling, with oncoming traffic headed your way, serious safety issue. Extremely lucky to not have been involved in a crash with oncoming traffic headed my way going 55 MPH, I was able to stay in the yield lane.
Acceleration complaints in other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2021 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2021 Ram 1500, 4% of the model year's 683 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2021 Ram 1500 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2021 Ram 1500, though it has 15 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2021 Ram 1500 acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 2,000 miles, and 80% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.