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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2023 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the wheel became stiff and was unable to turn. The contact attempted to pull over but crashed into the side of the road. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unaware of how fast they were driving at the time of the crash. The contact sustained a shoulder and neck injury from the seatbelt. Physical therapy and MRI medical treatment were needed for the injury. No police report was filed. The vehicle displayed warning messages for power steering wheel unavailable suspension system unavailable and electronic stability control unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent a Team to inspect the vehicle but the failure was not detected. The failure mileage was 36,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | 36,000 |
| Aug 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at low speeds over a speed bump, the vehicle stalled. While driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the brakes engaged independently. The brake was engaged. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake assist disabled message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 31,000 |
| Aug 2023 | ENGINE | While driving at highway speeds, the engine has stopped running 3 times in the past 60 days. There is no indication on the instrument panel for any cause or signs of trouble. All other electrical items appear to be fine. After coming to a complete stop, the engine will restart immediately. This could possibly be a fuel pump issue or computer issue. I do not suspect the fuel itself as the gas tank was not near empty and the vehicle had been refueled more than once between the first and second occurrence of this problem. The second and third occurrence happened on the same day, during the same trip. Every time, I made a conscious act to look at the dashboard for any indication of the cause or any check engine light. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for service. Approximate mileage 33,000 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving at any rate of speed the brakes have suddenly just locked resulting in the inability to move. When it locks up it takes a harsh fast jerk on everyone in the vehicle. Not only does this put my entire family at risk of potentially getting hit by other vehicles that could possibly lead to a fatality. The brakes also lock up while backing up for no reason which again jerks everyone in the vehicle. The engine shuts off randomly while moving also while slowing down or coming to a stop which puts everyone at risk. The Manufactures have many defects that are highly detrimental to families, Ram needs to recall these trucks as its putting everyday life in danger. A truck can be replaced however a loved one you can't. I barley drive mine not only due to the safety risk and defects but also because I had many issues with the Dealership I purchased from, and I will not put myself or child back in such environment which results in having to find someone else that deals with Ram. I have made ongoing complaints regarding the issues including Battery was completely dead and I had to replace, the dashboard lights blink, message power steering unavailable, services shifters. I have made it very clear that I personally do not feel safe driving my family in this truck. Ram has done a poor job with getting the help owners need to stay safe. I never get a response from anyone when I report problems. So, I have a New Truck in my driveway, with financial obligations yet the New Vehicle is unreliable transportation, along with putting lives at risk. Ram needs to recall these trucks due to the ongoing defects and poor quality along with acknowledgement that the truck is not worth the price paid. I avoid going out because the truck is not a reliable vehicle for a family, it's only a risk taker and I'm not willing to risk my life or my families. This has caused ongoing hardship; I fear driving my own vehicle which has caused me to not go out in the community. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ENGINE | Exhaust manifolds are both cracked and leaking exhaust. I have to keep my air on recirculating to keep exhaust fumes out of the cab. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | SUSPENSION,WHEELS | Another issues with this truck and ram needs to do a recall! Besides shutting off now I have major suspension issues! I have gotten an alignment pretty much every other month. Been through three sets of tires due to this suspension issue. Truck is maintained and has always been to dealer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to reverse into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. After calling for Roadside Assistance, all attempts to jumpstart the vehicle failed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump in relation to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The VIN was included however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A case was opened. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 10,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 10,000 |
| Jul 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | NHTSA Recall Number 22V-767 Remedy still not available for recall from Oct 2022 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the crank shaft positioning sensor, motor generator unit (MGU), and Hybrid battery control module failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 15,000 |
| Jul 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop light, the fuel saving feature activated and engine turned off; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart as designed. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after the failure occurred and the vehicle was restarted, the RPM would be elevated; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 29 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions but no cause for the failure was determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300. | Crash: No Fire: No | 300 |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the U-Connect system inadvertently kept reconnecting, preventing the HVAC system and defroster from operating as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the U-Connect system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 42,000 |
| 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 |