2021 Ram 1500

Do not drive

Owners filed 678 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 15 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

108 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine173
014
Electrical System130
110
Power Train60
000
Unknown or Other58
111
Fuel/Propulsion System34
101
Steering33
300
Service Brakes26
300
Air Bags23
13111
Structure › Body22
001
Fuel System, Gasoline19
000

15 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage26V495000
Filed Jul 30, 20261,271,294 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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."

Risk. An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.

Steering › Steering Control Module25V765000
Filed Nov 6, 2025532 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

Air Bags25V298000
Filed May 8, 202571 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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."

Risk. A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices24V754000
Filed Oct 10, 202431,676 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 Module24V653000
Filed Sep 5, 20241,025,432 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk. Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)23V265000
Filed Apr 13, 2023131,700 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.

Back Over Prevention › Display Function23V059000
Filed Feb 9, 202377,079 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments22V904000
Filed Dec 8, 20221,224,078 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

Engine22V767000
Filed Oct 13, 202260,413 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

Back Over Prevention › Display Function22V638000
Filed Aug 25, 20227,895 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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."

Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Showing 10 of 15 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2026WI

I am writing to express my concern about vehicle warranty coverage being provided by RAM (Stellantis NA) on their vehicles. I have a 2021 Ram 1500 which has a motor generator unit (MGU) which has failed due to a defect with the bearings. This has been diagnosed by the dealership and identified as covered under the emissions warranty. This diagnosis was made by Kolosso Ram in Appleton, Wisconsin in June of 2026. At this time I was advised that it could be a 6 to 8 month wait for parts because of a parts shortage due to the demand for the replacement part. My vehicle has been out of service since April while I maintain loan payments, depreciation of value, insurance and have no vehicle for transportation. A call to Ram was unsuccessful on two occasions to obtain any kind of relief in form of loaner vehicle or faster procurement of the part. Ram continues to build vehicles with this MGU unit while customers are stuck with inoperable vehicles some of with are still under original warranty or covered by the emissions warranty. The failure of Ram to ensure that customers have working vehicles is causing undue stress both emotionally and financially. This is also a potential safety issue as failed parts could put operators in an unsafe position.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 13, 2026IL

Unknown, my Ram has a glue issue with the dashboard especially the passenger side of the vehicle which may affect the airbag operating correctly the dashboard is coming apart do to glue not properly installed on 2021 Ram truck.

SteeringCrash
Filed Sep 11, 2026VA

Purchase vehicle new and report issue with steering vibration and wandering feel after purchasing on multiple occasions when having the vehicle serviced by dealership. No issues found was the response each time, but condition continued. Front tire wear indicated something wasn't right. Replaced tires with OEM Goodyear tires even though symptoms persisted. While traveling this past winter in inclement weather vehicle lost traction while crossing a bridge as safe speed. Manage to correct but ended up in the guardrail. Report issue to Stellantis/RAM who investigate and reported no issues. Vehicle was repaired by dealer body and repair shop. Upon pickup vehicle was not drivable due to "Wobble of Death". Shop determined it was a bad wheel. Vehicle drove okay but front-end vibration returned. Spoke with shop manager and stated tires has flat spots. Truck was parked for service a long time. Purchase a new set of tires, Michelins thinking it may be the brand that was issue. Condition persists with vibration wear showing tires already,

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026WV

I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. I have already taken the vehicle to a Ram dealership for this same issue. The dealership performed a computer/software update in an attempt to correct the problem, but the P00AF issue continued afterward. I returned to the dealership and was told they could not reproduce the problem during their test drive and therefore could not repair it. The problem remains unresolved. I am concerned this may involve a premature failure or defect involving the turbocharger, electronic VGT actuator, or VGT control mechanism on the Gen 3 EcoDiesel. This is particularly concerning because I use the vehicle to tow an approximately 8,000-pound travel trailer. A turbocharger/VGT failure while towing could cause sudden loss of engine power, particularly under heavy load or while climbing grades, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. The intermittent nature of the problem makes it difficult for the dealership to reproduce, but the fault continues to occur during actual vehicle operation. A software update has already been attempted without resolving the issue. I request that NHTSA investigate whether there is a pattern of premature turbocharger/VGT actuator or VGT mechanism failures resulting in P00AF on 2020–2023 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 vehicles. I can provide

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 8, 2026NJ

BULLITIN TSB 23 098 23 SLIDING REAR WINDOW LEAK PROBLEM FOR 2019-2021 DODGE RAM 1500. DEALER CHARGED $1,247.51 FOR THE REPAIR OF REPLACING THE WINDOW AND FRAME. ALSO THE WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE BACK SEAT ZAPPED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM THE WATER DAMAGE COSTING US $2,395.28. BULLITIN STELLANTIS ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION XL1 ALONGSIDE THIS BULLETIN EXTENDING THE BACKLITE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 8 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE ORIGINAL IN SERVICE DATE. WE WERE TOLD OUR VIN NUMBER NOT INCLUDED BUT SAME PART NUMBER OF THOSE COVERED UNDER THE BULLITIN, OUR VEHICLE SAME PROBELM AND IS A 2021 DODGE RAM 1500

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 3, 2026NY

Driver side seatbelts issues, issues locking the buckle. Also car has engine light come up after emergency braking system error. Goes in to reduced power mode. If shut off and turn back on, truck is fine.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 202681,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026CA

This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 22V-767 / Stellantis Recall Z96 for a defective Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. The recall remedy (HPFP replacement) was performed at an authorized Stellantis/Ram dealership on 3/29/2024. On 8/9/2026, while driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and blocked the road in the left lane. The vehicle failed to restart and needed to be towed. The vehicle was independently inspected at Saddleback Automotive Service Center, Santa Ana, CA (RO# 130026). The technician documented diagnostic trouble codes P0087 (fuel pressure governor deviation, low pressure), P025C (fuel pump module control circuit low), and P016F (closed-loop fuel pressure control at limit, pressure too low) — all consistent with the same CP4.2 HPFP failure mode the recall was intended to remedy. Photographic and video documentation confirms metallic contamination in the engine oil and fuel filter screen. This failure occurred more than two years after the recall repair, and Stellantis (Case #97888077) has denied consequential-damage coverage citing the standard 24-month Mopar parts warranty on the replaced pump. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy performed in March 2024 appears to have been inadequate: the vehicle experienced a recurrence of the same fault codes associated with the recalled component, and the resulting metal contamination caused catastrophic engine damage. I believ

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 28, 2026NC

I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XXX -- four days before I purchased the vehicle. The dealer, John Heister Dodge Ram, did not disclose this open recall at any point during the sale, and the vehicle was sold to me with the defect unrepaired. This is a known safety-related defect, as new vehicles are required to have open recalls repaired before delivery. The recall remedy has not yet been performed on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2026DE

Air bag light on. Needed temp start

Power Train
Filed Aug 24, 2026PA

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", and "Self-Park Assist Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under an unknown recall associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The dealer stated that the failure might be electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Aug 20, 2026WA

I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 14, 2026CA

Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i reverse. This does not happen every time but does happen often. I haven't had it checked out professionally because it hasn't been permanent but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 6, 2026TX

REAR WINDOW FRAME CRACKED AT BOTH CORNERS- WATER LEAKS INSIDE OF VEHICLE DURING RAIN. THIS CAN AFFECT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE AT THE REAR CAB INSIDE THE TRUCK. I NOTICED THIS A MONTH AGO BUT DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN THERE.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2026NJ

Engine ticking and trunk lock latch not opening

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 2, 2026TX

I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington, Texas on November 11, 2025 and was advised they were going to do a software update. On July 27th , I contacted (formerly Don Davis) now Clay Cooley Ram dealership and spoke to a service representative, Jose Hernandez. I explained that the brakes feel very spongy and takes more time to slow the vehicle down (constantly have to brake several times when approaching other vehicles or at red lights). It is very noticeable and is dangerous for me and others on the roadway. He explained that I am now responsible for the diagnosis evaluation of $99.95 plus the fee to update the EBS software. Jose explained that everytime the brake system needs to be updated, then I am financially responsible for these fees because the 36,000 miles warranty has expired. I explained to him that I am guaranteed a "Lemon Law" protection in my purchase. In addition, this vehicle only has approximately 28,000 miles

Steering
Filed Jul 31, 202685,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized in place and failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 2026AL

RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 2026CA

Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2026NY

MGU unit failed / car seized in the middle of the road - sent in to be repaired Unsafe to be stuck in the middle of the road, could not even put the car in neutral to push out of the road Known problem that RAM and Stellantis know about and are not placing warnings. We were told by the dealership we were 5,000 in line for a new part and that it would take a year. No warnings, truck ran perfectly before

20 of 678 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202691710Routine
2025344830Above average
202472620Routine
20232001110Above average
20226071662Fatalities reported
2021 — this page6781540Do not drive
20206251461Fatalities reported
20191,47330111Fatalities reported
20186601580Above average
201787113161Fatalities reported
20161,53817365Fatalities reported
20151,44418584Fatalities reported
20141,76417240High concern
20131,27512100High concern
200937200Routine

Compare every 1500 year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 30, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.