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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Mar 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | On numerous occasions since January 2024, the truck would not start or unlock, shut down while driving, power steering would go out, start up by itself, produce warning messages with & without codes for no reason, and the start/stop button flicker. We would have to set off the car alarm to get it unlocked then would have to disconnect the battery to make it stop. Every time we took it to the dealership, the technicians could not get the problems to repeat, even when keeping it for 10+ days. Once we got it back, the problems would start again. After further research and talking with the dealership, others have had issues like ours after it has rained. Upon further inspection, we found a water leak at either the rear sliding window or the taillight at the window. There was water droplets and wet carpet under the backseat. The truck has to "dry out" before it will start and run properly. Dodge/Chrysler/Ram really needs to put a recall on this issue as it is happening to MULTIPLE trucks and has had lawsuits with it. This is a safety issue!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Exhaust manifolds on both sides cracked and need replacing. Started about a year ago from this date. Dealer informed my mechanic they are seeing about 1400 units replaced a month. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly began to roll. After which, the contact became aware that the brakes were not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V037000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Mar 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My truck has 72k miles for the second time now it shuts down during highway driving with the sign in dashboard electronic throtle control, after first time I took it to dealer and they claimed it was repaired, this is putting my and my family's life in danger. Based on my research it appears a known and ongoing issue with Stelanis/Chrysler. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | My air bag alert keeps coming on at different times. And my drivers side seat belt doesn't always stay clicked. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a loud sound emanating from the exhaust of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of underneath, the vehicle, the contact observed that the exhaust had detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the exhaust bolts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 46,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 46,000 |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This has happened twice both on the interstate. Vehicle just turns off by itself. No codes are flashed up (unless they came up right as it happened and I didn't see them because I was too worried about getting hit). I called the Dodge dealership and scheduled an appointment. Went on 3/9/2024. They scanned the vehicle and did not see any codes. Was asked if I wanted to have a tech look at the vehicle. Was recommended not to because there was no codes and the likelihood of them finding anything was slim to none. They were also going to charge me for the diagnostic (to have the tech look at it) even if there was not an issue found. Service Rep (not the tech) told me she recommended that I try to take a video of it, if it happens again, so they could see what codes come up. This issue as well as the suggestion to try to video it is a huge safety risk. (happened 1/28/2024 the first time I thought it was because the vehicle sat for a week without being driven - figured it was water in the fuel until it happened again on 3/4/2024) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE | Today I was driving on the freeway (Interstate 5) speed limit 70MPH in a rainstorm when my yellow check engine light came on and my truck began running roughly for about 3 minutes. The problem became worse and the engine finally shut off as I was approaching an off ramp. I was able to coast up the off ramp and pull off on the side of the road. I did see a message on my dash that read something like error with electronic throttle control and the check engine light remained on along with a red box with the electronic throttle control message. This is the first time this happened. Once stopped the truck would no longer start or run so I could reach a safer position. This was frightening to say the least. This is NOT an e torque Ram. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Fuel tank valves have failed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the front hood latch suddenly failed causing the front hood to erroneously open and make contact with the front windshield. During the incident, the glass windshield shattered causing shards of glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle. Both the front driver and front passenger sustained small lacerations from the shards of glass making contact. No medical treatment was required. The front windshield frame and the roof of the vehicle were also damaged. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,200. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 2 Towed | 8,200 |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Once again this truck turned off on me as I was entering the freeway and this last incident occurred with my kids in tow so I called my financing company to come pick it up cause we almost got hit and it wasn’t gonna be good…but thankful the rig driver was able to move to the next lane and he pulled over and checked on us and gave us video. It sat at the dealership for the first year on and off for this issue and due to it never happening with them they disregarded the issues. Second year again truck in and out the dealership and still since it didn’t happen under their watch again disregard. I have multiple videos and statements but that didn’t make ram fca listen. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | We purchased this Ram Rebel on 03/26/ 2022 from El Cajon Ford. At the time, we checked and there were no recalls associated with it so we went ahead with the purchase. However, in Oct 2022, we were notified of a recall associated with the truck's fuel system. We promptly contacted the dealership who said the recall parts were on back order. Every few months for the next year we called to inquire about the status of the parts concerned for our safety in the vehicle. Each time we called, we were told there was nothing they could do because the parts were back ordered. On November 11, 2023 we were driving home from a friend's house and the truck stalled in the middle of a busy road (Scripps Poway Parkway) jeopardizing our safety and causing emotional distress. We were able to get the truck to the side of the road and wait for a tow truck. The truck was towed to Carl Berger Dodge/Jeep/Ram dealership (which is the one we use for our routine maintenance) where it sat for 9 days before they even looked at it. At the time, it was determined to be caused by the fuel system recall by Ram. After weeks of conflicting information, we finally were able to contact Ram Customer care and get a case manager who authorized 1 week of a truck rental. After that we were only authorized $40/day for a rental which gave us a small car. We have a travel trailer and boat we tow with the truck and also are still making payments on the truck and trailer ($1200/month). So far, we have had to cancel 5+ trips and have spent over $4000 in payments for a truck and trailer we are unable to use because of this recall. Ram has not given a time frame for the backordered part we need to fix it and our truck has been out of service for 106 at the time of this writing. This has caused us financial and emotional distress and we would like to file a complaint. We would like for Ram to buy the truck back so we can purchase a different vehicle and be done with this nightmare. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Multiple times now I have been stopped at lights/stop signs and when I start to drive again my truck automatically engages the parking brake on its own and I can’t move, the truck then shuts down. I have to pull the parking brake switch, while pushing the brake and turn the truck back on multiple times before I can get the truck to move again. I have almost been hit in traffic when this happens. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | AIR BAGS | Occupant Classification Module | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |