Complaint volume
644 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
644 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ram 1500, grouped by component category.
644 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 104 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 36,644 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 80
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 47
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 44
POWER TRAIN 41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 36
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 29
STEERING 24
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE 22
AIR BAGS 17
STRUCTURE 15
644 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My truck has shut down unexpectedly, on 2 separate occasions, as I was driving at slow speeds. I then had to come to a complete stop and restart it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | >Refer to investigation PE24018. For reference recall 23V-265 was performed on this truck. >This incident was before the recall work, and it was mentioned to my dealership. There have been no additional incidents. >Driving on a rural road at about 30mph. I slammed on breaks to avoid contact with animal. My vehicle went into park, emergency break activated, and engine turned off. I was able to restart vehicle. >There were no safety issues at the time >I don't have any information about warning lamps or messages other than noting my emergency break was engaged. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and steering to the right, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the upper steering column assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE | In my 2021 RAM Ecodiesel, several times while on vacation pulling our trailer up steep grades with semi trucks all around a warning message came on saying “Warning Service Electronic stability Control.” Then, the engine immediately went into what seemed to be a “limp” mode with power severely cut. This posed a safety concern because I had to immediately look for a place to get off the highway because the vehicle was slowing down quickly. I found that when I turned the engine off, it took it out of the “limp” mode. I took it to the RAM dealer in Cortez, Colorado and they said they couldn’t duplicate the problem so just cleared the warning codes. When I got home, I took it to Cole Chrysler in San Luis Obispo and they said they installed software that solved the problem. I did not expect a charge for this, because I thought it should have been like a recall item, but they charged me. I assume the problem is fixed, but won’t find out until my next vacation pulling the trailer in September. Should I have been charged for what appeared to be a factory defect? Thanks, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was driving on the highway when my vehicle suddenly lost power and simultaneously the service throttle control and service electronic stability control messages came up as well as the check engine light came on. This also happened last November and the dealer said they fixed the issue (high pressure fuel pump) but it has now happened again. I was concerned for my safety as well as my passengers and others as we did not have adequate power to get up a hill. And the sudden slowing nearly caused an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle was able to be restarted. 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 37,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 37,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When slowing down for a traffic light vehicle salled and e-brake was automatically engaged, Also happened when making a slow right hand turn, Has happened twice so far. Both times tok into dealer and it could not be reproduced. No warning for it happening and all software was up to date, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnection. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | June 23. 2024 went to drive to Lows engine light came on, after returning home ran code reader and got U11E9 Lost communication with active grill shutter. This is a new vehicle with only 29000 miles this should not be happening. Scheduled for dealership on 6/27/2024. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Truck shuddered and stalled in traffic on the highway. Was able to restart after a minute but it stalled and stopped again repeatedly leaving me vulnerable to a collision. This also occurred last summer on the interstate and the truck was towed to a dealer but they said they could not find anything wrong. Truck is currently at the dealer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Computer concern - caused the battery to be completely drained during the night, after a jumpstart the vehicle has multiple system errors. stability control, ABS , and both front and rear collision error. states need servicing. Unknown what caused battery drain and errors. Battery was checked no issues. Others have posted same issues with their 2021 Ram 1500 with e torque. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ENGINE | 2nd report Had Timing cover replaced for a second time. Only has 17500 miles. It has started to leak again after 35 miles and has to go in for repair again. total of around 50 days in shop for just this issue. It seems to be a VERY common Problem and Ram needs to be held accountable for this | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ENGINE | Driving down the road at 45 mph. The vehicle turned off and died. Could not start it after coasted to stop. E toque 5.7 1500 ram. At dealer now. It will take a week for them to look at it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 2nd Time it has been taken to the shop for Timing cover oil leak, Environmental hazard and Oil on my Garage floor caused me to Fall while taking out the Trash. This was after I cleaned the Garage Floor after the first Leak. I did some research online and see that this is a CONTINUIOS PROBLEM with many other EcoDiesel Trucks. My Truck is under 18000 miles and has been repaired once and is currently in the Shop as of Today 5-18-2024 been a week so far. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have tried at three dealerships to get this recall repaired over the last two years. Everyone tells me they cannot get the parts including a replacement fuel pump. Each dealer has stated that it needs to be replaced. I drive this vehicle everyday at apparently my own risk. The state of Ohio sent a letter requiring repair of this safety recall. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. With an open safety recall I am unable to trade or sell the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | We purchased a new 2021 Dodge Ram in November of 2021 from Desert 215 Superstore in Las Vegas, NV. Nine months later the truck stalled while driving. The dealership kept the truck while they repaired the fuel pump. They had our truck for seven months while they attempted to repair it. The dealership couldn't figure out how to repair the underlying cause of the faulty fuel pump--therefore they replaced the powertrain, transmission, and engine. Approximately, one year later on [XXX], 2024, the truck stalled while crossing a busy intersection--my husband had our two young sons in the car which could have resulted in a serious accident but thankfully did not. We received a recall notice again last night about the fuel pump along with two other notices. Therefore it was not repaired correctly the first time. I looked up the vehicle information online and there are several class action lawsuits due to the aforementioned as this imposes a serious safety and hazardous risk to our family along with other drivers that can potentially result in injury or death. The entire vehicle needs to be recalled for a manufacturer defect under the premise of product liability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | All fuses were loose from daily driving. I noticed this because I had a 115v cargo outlet on, on my dash that was flickering. My truck doesn't have a cargo outlet. my radio wasn't working either. I went to check fuses and everyone has wiggled loose. This is unsafe do to if someone were to get into an accident the air bags could potentially not go off, or some cars now have electronic steering that could fail at any time. I'm sure there is a lot more that could happen considering cars are getting more and more electronic stuff for them. The problem has not been confirmed with anyone other than myself. I work for an autobody shop so I work with cars daily. No one has inspected this issue other than myself. I have seen many other people having this issue on forums like reddit, Ram truck forums. The fix was to unhook negative cable, Push down all fuses to reseat then hook negative cable back up its been running fine ever sense. Unfortunately I don't have photos of them all being loose because i was just worried about getting it fixed and didn't think about it at the time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | Leak in rear glass assembly caused RFH Module to fail. Vehicle locked in anti-theft mode needed to be towed to dealer. Dealer left it on lot 9 days then finally got around to replacing the RHF module. After $1800 repair was told I need to return asap to have rear glass assembly replaced. Another $2149 repair. Truck out of warranty 2-1/2 mos with 26,211 miles. Dealer serviced only on schedule since purchase | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | When closing the drivers side window with the auto function the window will go up about a 1/4" then go back down 1/4" and stop. A number of times when open/closing the window with the auto window function it will also opens/closes the passenger window. Either way this presents a danger when driving because focus is taken off the road and the drivers focus is directed to the issue. Also possible harm to the passenger if they are unaware. Yes it is available for inspection. The service manger at Pischke Motors West Salem, Tom Curtis, has confirmed the issue in my truck and also a 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 RAM 1500 trucks. This information was sent onto Chrysler Corp in 2021. No one from the manufacturer has inspected my truck. There are no warning lamps or messages or symptoms when this happens. It first appeared upon purchase. Pischke Motors stated that I couldn't get my money back though. The truck has to be running for this to happen not just in ACC mode. I had originally purchased the 2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn truck, when this issued showed up right away and they couldn't fix it they put me into a 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie for additional money. I tested the windows out on the lot and they worked but then later that day it happened again. I have been very patient with the dealer but this is a big safety issue that has been going on for a long time and Chrysler knows about but won't fix. The speed of the vehicle does not matter. it can happen at a stand still or running down the interstate at 70 MPH and in-between. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | Passenger door panel fell off on the freeway. It was on with adhesive tape and 3 small clips. Bottom clip was still in the door, the other two pulled out when it blew off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I was driving down the road at/near the speed limit. The ignition cut off. In order to 'restart' the engine, the truck must be stopped and placed into park. I coasted to the side of the road and restarted and continued driving. The same thing happened a second time. I repeated the process and continued driving. After the third time, the truck would not restart and was stalled on the roadway at a stop light, unable to move. It was towed to a dealer. The ultimate cause was determined to be a water leak at the rear window and the third brake light. The module that controls the key fob/ignition is located directly beneath the rear window (behind the back seat). Water damaged the module and caused the erratic ignition system behavior. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Heater core went out at 60,000 or even earlier. Antifreeze has been coming out of my vents for weeks. I have kids under 3. The part is back ordered at every dealership ive called. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The steering rod from the steering wheel came out of the knuckle under the dash lucky i was going about 30 miles and hour it could have been 2 people killed. i having to pay $1,200 to fix the problem but i think this is something that Dodge needs to help me on cause this could have been a lot worst. I have 68,000 miles on it. i missed a telephone pole by 6 inches. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE | Rear window is leaking into truck came home from vacation and it rained while vehicle parked outside found both my key fob could not be detected and UCONNECT would not respond to commands thru phone. Vehicle totally inoperable could not start. Had towed to Shivley Motors where it currently sits. Found out that water leak could ruin the rf module and electrical componets behind rear seat to include not limited to airbag, carpet, interior. Car totally inoperable no lights signals all it does is alarm goes off. Went to dealer to lift rear seats and found my black carpet to be white with mold which is health hazard being i have allergies to certain mold so now my car is a health risk to myself and my child whom has a heart condition. Have contacted RAM CARES and got them involved but waiting as the dealer has not specified a date they will look at the vehicle. My vehicle just went over the 36K bumper to bumper with it having at time of tow 36,133 miles. I also started to notice over the winter months (DEC, JAN) moisture on the inside windows in the morning but never had the electrical issue til it rained on it while it sat. So this issue technically begun under my warranty just never took it in since had no issues other than the moisture inside car which i shrugged off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | A recall, software flash for pcm was done on 03/12/2024. 6857 miles i now have 6919 miles. On 2 occasions my truck did not immediately start. Yesterday was the second time of weird starting. After it started i moved it on my lawn and it died. Now it will not start all it does is send the dash lights and electronics crazy. I have checked all items Ram problem solvers asked, all check out. I think this recall messed up the system. I am waiting for service advisor that was involved with recall to get back with me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |