2021 Ram 4500 Problems & Complaints

Few complaints50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 4500 at the same age

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ram 4500 yet, but there are 5 recalls. 5 recalls cover this model year, including 2 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

0complaints
5recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Ram 4500 complaints by model year

’09’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2613871596431
Owner complaints per model year, Ram 4500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 4500 years: 2016, 2021, 2023. Compare all years →

2021 Ram 4500 recalls (5)

Steering › Steering control module

NHTSA recall 25V-765 · Nov 6, 2025 · 532 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 23V-060 · Feb 9, 2023 · 302,067 vehiclesPark outside

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.

Electrical system › Wiring › Relays/solenoids

NHTSA recall 21V-798 · Oct 14, 2021 · 131,177 vehiclesPark outside

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.

Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA recall 21V-398 · May 27, 2021 · 447,985 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 21V-163 · Mar 11, 2021 · 19,214 vehicles

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…

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 4500 have?

There are 5 recalls for the 2021 Ram 4500, 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 4500?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2021 and 2023. See the full Ram 4500 years comparison.

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.