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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | SUSPENSION | The ball joint separated from the upper control arm on the front driver side while the vehicle was in motion in a parking lot. There has never been any abuse or misuse of the vehicle and it only has 31700 miles on it. This could have been much worse had this happened while traveling down the road at much higher speeds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) 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 failure mileage was 25,810. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 25,810 |
| Jun 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | as i turned on rt 29 getting up to speed my truck completely shut down in the middle of morning rush hour traffic | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle regained motive power independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with power train failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 16,000 |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM software needed to be updated; however, the contact was unsure if the update was performed. The contact stated that he was informed by the dealer that a failure needed to occur before the vehicle was repaired. The contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was released and deemed safe to drive. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 31,000 |
| Jun 2023 | STEERING | For past month have been getting "service power steering" mssg when starting truck with no power steering..turn truck off it resets and all is fine. Yesterday 6/7/23 started truck now light stays 9n and have had intermittent loss at times with power steering called dealer and have appointment Wednesday 6/14/23 for recall issue and this problem at Shivley Motors in chambersburg PA. Have been reading forum about this issue and will update upon diagnosis from dealer. My vehicle has the electronic steering assist so there is no pump or fluid that I am able to check it is all incased in a gear box and seems that 2013 thru 2019 had recall for this issue. I am concerned of my loss of steering driving to myself and passengers. Dealer did not seem concerned which concerns me this writing is document. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STRUCTURE | There is some kinda leak or condensation problem inside the cab of the pick up. It causes mold and mildew on around the front passenger seat. I have respiratory problems and it is very difficult for me to breathe when the truck has been stationary for a few days or when I have all the windows rolled up. There are visible spots of mold or mildew on the passenger side carpet and on the back seat. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | TRAILER HITCHES,EQUIPMENT | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with a Hensley Pro Pride trailer hitch. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a 40-ft RV, he made a right turn and the trailer hitch inadvertently detached and veered off to the left and the vehicle veered to the right. The contact stated that upon inspection, he noticed that the weld had failed and caused the detachment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | This morning, I was slowing down, foot on the brake because traffic was stopped in front of me. When I got to about 4 mph the truck wouldn’t stop, it kept going, although my foot was on the brake. I was getting close to the car in front of me so I pushed harder on the brake. When I did this, the truck stopped but the wheels keep turning. So, now I’m stopped and tires are spinning as if I’m doing a burnout. I put the truck in neutral, then to park. I put back into drive and was able to drive to work. My safety and everyone else’s safety around me is in danger now because next time, will my truck stop? Will I run into the back of someone because my truck won’t stop? I have contacted the dealer (Walt Massey) but waiting on a call back to speak with someone about this issue. About 5 weeks ago, similar incident occurred. The following week, my truck wouldn’t start so had to have it towed to dealership. Told them about the first incident and that the truck would not start. Was told the radio frequency hub needed replacing. Waited 3 weeks for the part to come in, finally came in and was installed, I picked up truck from dealership Thursday, May 4. I assumed the issue was resolved, after paying $830 to the dealership. I have a 2 year old, $70,000 truck with 43,000 miles (just out of warranty) on it and I’m terrified to drive it. There have been no warning lamps or messages on the truck. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 |
| May 2023 | 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was unable to confirm when the part would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Exhaust bolts failed on two separate occasions. I'm concerned that this will lead to an accident if parts of the exhaust system come apart and make contact with the road. The parts have been replaced (twice) and I've contacted the manufacturer who seems to have little concern at this time | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Dealer reporting leaking and water intrusion at rear window seal. Water intrusion causing significant water damage and mold. Water intrusion potentially disrupts vehicle BCM and other electrical components including airbag function, lighting controls, infotainment and navigation systems. Radio infotainment system has faulted, radio speakers crackling, guage clusters lights randomly illuminate. Mold significantly creating adverse health affect. Excessive moisture causing window fogging and visibility issues. Problem reproduced by Crown motors in Redding, CA. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I had issues with the electrical systems on various occasions. There were times when the vehicle shut down in middle of driving while other times some functions such as keyless entry or auto braking didn't work. I took the vehicle to the dealership on 3 separate occasions and they said that they could not recreate the issues but rewired the system. I still had issues and was told that as long as the engine light is not blinking it is safe to drive. On 4/11/2023 while driving full speed on the highway, the electrical system stopped and i lost brakes and steering. This caused me to crash into the car in front of me. In addition, the auto braking did not engage and the airbags did not deploy | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Two engine/powertrain related issues: 1) Push START/STOP button does not function properly. The button must be pushed multiple times in order to turn the engine on or off. This is was reported to my local RAM dealership, however they were unable to resolve. 2) Engine shutoff on two (2) occasions while driving on-the-road. One of the incidents nearly caused a major accident, as the vehicle became stranded in the middle of a busy intersection. Driver display screen immediately displayed errors messages for power steering and trailer. This is was reported to my local RAM dealership, however they were unable to resolve. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While the truck was in Drive gear at a stop light took my foot off brake pedal and pressed the gas pedal. The truck did not do anything for a second or two then it jerked and stalled. This has happened several times. I called the dealer and they said its a known issue that they don't know how to fix yet. This issue is unsafe and dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | When I turn left or right, I slow down to turn and when I accelerate after turning, the engine shuts down and the parking brake auto-engages. This has occurred twice in heavy traffic scenarios, endangering myself, my passengers, and the drivers behind me. According to blogs with posts of this same issue with other Ram 1500 owners, issue has not / cannot be reproduced due to its arbitrary nature of occurrence. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine shutting off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The rear camera occasionally shows a black screen. If I turn off/on the truck its still the same. If it stays off for more than an hour and then turned back on then sometimes the camera works but some times it still doesn't work. It's very scary backing up a truck without a camera. I feel very unsafe doing so. There is an active recall for this exact issue but my truck is not affected by this recall: NHTSA campaign number: 23V059. Ram’s own number for this recall is 14A. How can i get this safety problem fixed if my truck ks not affected by the recall. Thanks. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | In the last week, truck shut down in the middle of acceleration in the middle of an intersection. All truck electronics shut down completely for 30 min, even the ability to lock and unlock vehicle. Today, while going 49 miles an hour, the breaks and steering shut down completely for several minutes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The soft trifold tonneau cover supplied by Ram is under designed and a safety hazard. My tonneau cover blew off my truck while drive down I75 it was installed properly and was in excellent condition. In the darkness of early morning and a gusting day while passing under an overpass at 75 miles per hour the legal northern Michigan speed limit on December 22nd 2022 a cold wind day. This cover is held in place with 4 small plastic clips. the clips failed on the uplift of a gust of wind. The wind was likely just under 60 mile per hour gusts as the Mackinaw bridge was slow speed but not yet closed. I was about 4 mile from the Bridge. The hold down clip have a cross sectional area of a mere 0.28 SqIn at failure point. the 2 drivers side failed as the cover lifted. The cover has a 5052 SqIn surface area to be held down by the 7800 lbs. load cap of 2 clips. A mere 1.55 psi of uplift caused by a 50+ mph wind gust which can generate more than 100psi certainly tossed my cover into the bush. This is a travesty to have these trifold covers on the road supplied by a reputable company who wish to ignore the situation. I have made numerous attempts to have RAM address this but to no avail. I would hope the NTSB will force a recall all these covers. the Mackinaw bridge authority makes you remove them to cross the bridge in extreme winds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE | While driving I slowed down to make a left turn the truck shut down and safe hold temporarily disable message appeared. I had to wait to come to a complete stop and put the truck in drive and disengage the emergency brake. This has been happening frequently. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | #3 & #5 fuel injector failing while driving, separate instances, 2 months apart, causing severe loss of power and inability to control speed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE | I purchased a 2021 RAM Big Horn truck for 58k. At 33k miles both exhaust manifolds cracked causing the cab of the truck to fill with exhaust! This exhaust causes me headaches. This exhaust leak also pours into our environment causing a hazard to others. I took the vehicle to Dodge service who confirmed both manifolds are cracked and exhaust is getting into cab if truck. This is under warranty however there are no parts to fix the issue. Dodge should be compelled to buy back these vehicles as they are a hazard in numerous ways. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Driving through town on my way home from work, the instrument cluster display went black and gauges died. I have no access to fuel level, engine temps, speedometer, rpm's, warning indicators, etc. Have to take it in to dealer for a multi-day diagnosis and hopefully free repair. 2two year old vehicle with only 25k miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |