Complaint volume
655 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Ram 1500 Complaints
655 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ram 1500, grouped by component category.
655 Total complaints
26 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
17 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 26 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 17 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 105 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 37,057 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Ram 1500?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Ram 1500
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Ram 1500 complaints?
26 Crash
4 Fire
17 Injury
0 Fatality
36 Towed
14 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ram 1500 complaint categories?
ENGINE 83
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 47
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 44
POWER TRAIN 42
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 36
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 30
STEERING 24
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE 22
AIR BAGS 17
STRUCTURE 15
655 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | STRUCTURE | First off the recall for the tailgate issued was supposedly checked and OK. We pulled up to a light on [XXX], Pelham, AL 35124. When turning right onto [XXX] , the tailgate popped open and a $750.00 Drill and about $1,500.00 in concrete drills and chisels fell out in a case in the roadway. They were picked up and stolen before we could turn around and return to the scene to get them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Ram continues to refuse to implement a fix for Recall 24V-653. The ABS disabling the Electronic Stability Control is extremely dangerous and renders my truck unfit for its intended purpose. Additionally the failure to implement a fix has made it impossible to sell or trade in my truck fir it's full market value. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Ice and snow packs in the underbody of the truck. Specifically, over the exposed cable that moves a few inches to transition the truck to park (for ram trucks with rotary knob for shifter) Ice builds up on exposed cable and prevents truck from safely shifting into park causing error messages and rolling concerns. This issue has been confirmed with my dealership and is all over ram 1500 online forums from 2016 to present. Cable needs to be protected (encased) from snow/ice build up. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING | The Electronic Power Steering malfunction while driving. The “Service Power Steering” warning light was illumiated and no power assisted steering was available during failure. The vehicle was nearly impossible to steer off the highway. Luckily other drivers were paying attention and were able to steer clear of me. Waited about an hour in a parking lot with the Truck off and when I restarted it Power Steering was working again. The Truck was brought to the Dealership and I was told they were unable to replicate the issue and to bring it back if it does. I also started hearing a grinding sound when making a slow right hand turn. After the 3rd occurance of losing Power Steering while driving I brought it back to the Dealer and they replaced the steering rack. After about a year the replacement rack is exhibiting the same symptoms. I tow a 5th wheel trailer and if I lose Power Steering while hauling that heavy load myself and others around me can be seriously injured. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My lights on dash come on stablizer,abs, anti slip and 4 wheel drive and it wants to jerk to left like brake activating had it looked at poages Hannibal mo fixed wheel speed sensor didn't help so now said nothing they can do theres no solution. I can't drive my truck to scared of it . Need to get something I don't have a vehicle and making a payment on something I can't drive. Don't know if I can trust this vehicle anymore can't trade it In nobody wants it please somebody help GET RAM company in gear to take care of this before somebody gets hurt or even killed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the anti-slip control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service Vehicle" and "4-wheel Drive Failure" were displayed. The front wheels of the vehicle seized, causing the vehicle to start pulling to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Oct 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate unlatched unintendedly. The contact was able to close the tailgate; however, the tailgate had since failed to unlatch and was no longer able to be opened. After inspecting the vehicle and researching the cause of the failure, the contact concluded that the tailgate was out of alignment. The dealer was made aware of the failure but had not inspected, diagnosed, or repaired the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle had already received the one-time free repair under recall. The failure mileage was 68,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 68,000 |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Open recall 75B on 21 ram 1500 dealer and manufacture says they don’t not have software update for my vehicle and there nothing they can do. Hard to get into contact with anyone and once I do I’m transferred or waiting on hold for hours | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Recall on vehicle I just bought for a long trip, has no remedy! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 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. Putting the car in park does not resolve the revving, which can be heard, and the Rpms fluctuations seen increasing stuck between 5-7. I have to completely stop and turn off the engine. I had pulled out and drove down a busy intersection I could not pull off on. The engine acceleration issue event lasted for about 10 minutes before I could safely pull off to turn the truck off. It was terrifying. If I had to suddenly stop I would of crashed. What? How many | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Oil pan is rusted out and leaking. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | When attempting to refuel the vehicle with gasoline, the refueling nozzle automatically stops after just 1 or 2 seconds of fueling at the full flow rate. Even at somewhat slower rates, something happens to cause the refueling nozzle to shut off ("click off") the fuel flow. Operating the refueling nozzle at a very slow rate is the only way to get fuel into the vehicle. This takes a very long time. Pulling the nozzle partially out of the filler neck can help increase the flow rate, but then gasoline unexpectedly splashes/spills out of the filler neck and can splash on the person refueling as well as down the side of the vehicle and onto the ground. This situation is a fire hazard and an environmental hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | vehicle lost acceleration power while rpm's went up to 7. I put into neutral and then back into drive and problem corrected itself. This is second time this year. When dealer looked at vehicle several months back they could not find the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Big oil leak on 3.0 Eco-Diesel front lower timing chain cover Dealer been trying to repair leak for over 2 years. Keepes leaking more and more. Yesterday driving smoke and oil fumes were coming inside the vehicle. You could smell burning oil. This vehicle is a major fire hazard and unsafe to drive. It's also hazardous to the environment and salmon streams. I see from the internet lots of other owners are having this same problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | bought vehicle with Mopar warranty, the fuel filter housing sensor failed and was leaking diesel fuel into the wiring harness which could cause a fire in the electrical system, truck has been at the dealer for over a month and Stellantis just went and stopped making the wiring harness part number 68474576AD with no replacement, they will not return calls from us or the dealer. We are at wits end and need your help. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Check engine light turned on, i checked with two different code check device readers and both came up with code "P26FB" Powertrain System, Update Powertrain Control Module (PCM). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ON 9 separate occasions, the truck has issued the same warning light for "Powertrain Malfunction Indicator Light". We have written records and emails of specific days each time the truck lights issued this warning. On 2 of these 9 alerts, the truck completely shut down and was unable to start for approximately 30 minutes. We have taken the truck to the dealer multiple times and they have been unable to address this issue. Recently, we saw that RAM recalled 1.2mm trucks of the same model and year as our truck. The recall is number 24V65300. I do not know if this is related but this seems very similar to the software problems we are having on this truck. The fact that this electronic malfunction completely shuts down the truck is very concerning. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the cabin of the vehicle near the windshield on the upper left and right corners. The third brake light on the rear windshield had moisture inside the housing, causing the leak into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed the floorboard was wet. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 29,300. | Crash: No Fire: No | 29,300 |
| Oct 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | There was a software problem with the e-torque system of my truck. From what the dealership stated it was over charging my 12v battery under the hood. It ultimately made my 12v vehicle battery fail. upon this my truck has the start stop feature multiple times at random intervals at stop lights when the start stop was activated my truck would not restart with out a jump pack. This left me in a live traffic lane in at a stop light multiple times. I can upload the dealer repair sheet if requested | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Both of the front driver and passenger side flip down sun visors have broken within one week of each other. Each visor is attached to the ceiling of the cab by a metal arm with a plastic retaining clip. That plastic clip has broken on both visors within one week of each other and my truck only gets very light use. Since the retaining clip is broken both visors fall out of the ceiling and hang in the view of the driver and block the line of sight, which means the driver can not see directly in front forward. I have spoken to the local Dage Ram dealership who sold me the truck as well as the main national Ram customer service and both say the repair is outside of warranty even though its a safety issue and a clear defect so they will not fix the issues without me paying form $550 plus labor for each visor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that one of the air bag systems needed to be replaced. The contact was unsure which air bag was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the air bag warning light was illuminated again. The contact returned to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the air bag had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated he was not advised which air bag was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after he had taken possession of the vehicle the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 51,000 |