Most common 2021 Ram 2500 problems
Share of the 108 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ram 2500 complaints by model year
Best 2500 years: 2023, 2021, 2013. Years to avoid: 2018, 2017, 2025, 2014. Compare all years →
2021 Ram 2500 recalls (8)
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Relays/solenoids
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.
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
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.
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.
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.
Show 2 more recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Relays/solenoids
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied.
Electrical system
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.
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…
What 2021 Ram 2500 owners say
Electrical system all 35 →
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 failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall however, the dealer did not perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would be in touch via email. The failure mileage was approximately 10,200.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was plugged in charging for about 15 minutes and unoccupied when it suddenly caught fire. The contact noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There were no reported injuries. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact mentioned that the fire spread to the home causing damage. There was no police report filed, crash, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) on December 20, 2024. The vehicle remained at the scene of the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine & cooling all 28 →
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to decelerate inadvertently while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The contact then stated that a message appeared on the instrument panel, indicating to "See Dealer - Exhaust Filter Clogged". The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign or stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle had to be placed in park and restarted. While driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the rim cover had detached from the wheel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed that the rim covers were not replaceable, and that the rim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Allen Samuels Jeep RAM (2201 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 25 →
In June 2021, this vehicle literally drove away while in the park gear. It was running and accelerated across a state highway, down an embankment and 200 feet into a cornfield while pulling a trailer. I immediately called Ram and they did perform an investigation. They subsequently offered to buy the vehicle back, which I declined. This vehicle has been in for warranty work on the transmission several times with this being the result. They have offered to diagnose and repair it, which it is still under warranty anyway. I have not received a copy of their inspection yet, but this could have been a very deadly situation which has gone unaddressed so far. There was over 10,000 dollars in damages done to the vehicle.
I have attempted to get 2 recalls that require parts completed at my local Ram dealer who has called me both times saying that the parts were in, and they were ready to schedule the appointment to complete the recalls. The first appointment was on September 25th, 2023, and when the vehicle was checked in, I was informed they had no parts to complete 2 of the 3 recalls that existed at that time. They completed the recall that required no parts and said I was put back on the list for the ones that required parts with no answer of why the parts were not available (I had been put on the list for the parts in June). I received another call in the middle of November that the parts were in and scheduled an appointment for the 18th of December. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 a good car?
Based on 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 2500 rates average: 28% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 2500 at the same age. It is one of the best 2500 years by this measure. 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 2500?
The electrical system — 35 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (28) and transmission & drivetrain (25).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2021 Ram 2500, the most recent from November 6, 2025 (steering control module). 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 2500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2021 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2017, 2025 and 2014. See the full Ram 2500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Ram 2500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 34,000 miles; 73% 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.