Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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 wiring and completely through wheel well. Was building in intensity until put out with fire extinguisher. Truck was purchased in June 2021 and had 0 active recalls. Truck was completely stock.
My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an Electrical system recall and shows to have been completed. (Safety Recall 13A/NHTSA 23V-060) If this recall was completed, maybe something else needs to be checked out. The truck is currently at a dealership to be repaired, but I will still be scared of it catching on fire because the dealership cannot tell me why or how the fire started. 03
Fire on sliding portion of read window. Short on connection point of wiring harness for defroster. Dealer verified and confirmed. All has been documented. Also has had PCM and other electrical components real places two times now, along with other electrical issues that are still ongoing since time of purchase back in March of 2021. John L. Sullivan of Yuba City refuses to do work or rectify this issue. Ryan Triebess, the service manager, has a personal attachment to online reviews and refuses work to any paying customer that voices their dissatisfaction leaving me with a truck that to this day is a fire risk.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) he became aware that the replacement dipstick was 15-inches long instead the previous 44-inches in length. Additionally, the dipstick stated that it was not intended to check the transmission fluid level. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to take the vehicle to dealer to have the fluid level checked. The contact was not provided information for the change in the dipstick. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the remote start was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood. Unknown if fire was due to electrical or leaking fuel issues under the hood. Major safety risk to occupants, especially children in car seats. Fire became out of control and burned the interior of the vehicle to bare metal. There were no injuries in this incident. This report being submitted by Law Enforcement on owners behalf. Full report from Law Enforcement included in this complaint.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be updated. The ECM was updated but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,510.
I recently bought this truck used from a Ford dealership. The next day when I was taking my wife for a short drive. I noticed the engine light was on the dash display. I the same time the truck started accelerating Like it was on cruise control and returning to a higher speed. The cruse control was not set when I tried to access the cruse control I would get the message that it was unavailable at this time. I had to stop the truck and turn the truck off. When I restarted the engine light was still on, but the acceleration stopped. I drove to the dealership to see if they had any information or recalls but by the time, I got there the engine light was off and their computer did not tell them anything. This has now happened two times. The dealership says I must bring the Truck in while this is happening. for them to get a reading. …
Engine complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2021 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2021 Ram 2500, 26% of the model year's 108 complaints. The component named most often is engine › engine control module (ecu/ecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Ram 2500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2021 Ram 2500, though it has 8 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 2500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.