Complaint volume
643 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
643 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ram 1500, grouped by component category.
643 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
643 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The rear running lights go out due to a short in the wire harness from the computer module to the tail lights. The short causes the lights to either flicker or go totally out. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Stellantis is recalling over 1.2 million 2019-2024 Ram 1500 pickups, including the 2021 model year, due to a software flaw in the ABS module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system My ram vin is not listed, but i am receiving this error. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | The oil pan on my 2021 Ram1500 has premature severe corrosion. When the oil pan fails, oil will drain to the roadway causing hazard to other vehicles and cause catastrophic engine damage disabling the vehicle. I tried to contact Ram about the issue to raise concern about this material failure and they would not take my concern/complaint. A quick search reveals this problem is extremely common. The repair quote is slightly over 1500 to replace the oil pan. Something needs to be done. A recall needs issued and a fix provided for all affected vehicles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. While driving 65 MPH in inclement weather and attempting to clean the windshield, the windshield washer fluid failed to spray onto the windshield. The contact was unable to see the road clearly and pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The contact became aware that the windshield washer fluid hose was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the windshield washer fluid hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Feb 2026 | AIR BAGS | My husband went down into a 15 ft embankment fully in the air side bags deployed driver and passenger did not | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | MGU unit failure. Truck is less than 5 years old and just hit 60k miles. Noise came on very abruptly and was lucky enough to get it to a dealer nearby where I was traveling. Still was stranded 4 hours from home and needed a rental to get home. I got a battery warning light and auto start/stop malfunction light and 20 minutes later the truck was dead. I have a family of 5 and need a vehicle for work and to transport kids to school/daycare. Technician said it could take upwards of 8 months to get the replacement part. This is absolutely ludacris for something like this to happen and potentially causing financial damages to people. Dealer offered $10k less than the truck is worth because of the issue so I can’t even get a fair trade in value if I wanted to trade it in. Ridiculous! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | The Check Engine Light came on and the truck would misfire and stall. We took it to 2 separate mechanics - Mechanic 1 (Certified Sideros Automotive): It was found that the multiple cam shaft lobes were flattened and ground due to a failed lifter, recommendation - replace engine. Mechanic 2 (Stew Hansens Ram): Check Engine Light came on, multiple cylinder miss fire. Using a bore scope inspected cylinder walls, found a very small crak allowing coolant to slowly bleed into the system, recommendation - replace engine We replaced the engine with a rebuilt engine at a cost of $7,677.58. This should not happen to a truck that is only 4 years old. Its a 2021 and the engine was replaced 5/2025. We were not aware of any recalls but we did have the dealership clear all recalls on the new engine such as the engine software update after it was installed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | I am submitting this complaint to report a significant and unusual mechanical failure involving my 2021 Ram truck. The vehicle experienced a failure of the heater core assembly, which resulted in engine coolant leaking directly into the passenger compartment. This failure caused coolant odor and fluid intrusion inside the cabin and required extensive disassembly of the dashboard and HVAC system to repair. The total cost of repairs exceeded $5,300, which I believe is disproportionate and unexpected for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Two separate repair visits were required as it was found after the heater core was replaced the actuator on the driver’s side was damaged by the ongoing leak and required repair. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. While this incident did not result in an immediate crash or injury, the nature of the failure raises safety and health concerns, including: •Driver distraction due to coolant fumes and loss of defrost capability •Exposure of occupants to engine coolant within the enclosed passenger compartment •Sudden loss of cabin heating and windshield defogging capability in cold weather Given the age of the vehicle and the severity of the failure, this does not appear to be normal wear and tear. I am concerned that this may represent a design, material, or manufacturing defect that could affect other vehicles of the same model year. The odor was present for many months prior to the failure; however, the local dealership could not examine the issue at the time of a prior oil change due to lack of time on that visit. I am submitting this report to document the issue, assist in identifying potential patterns, and ensure appropriate review by the manufacturer and regulatory authorities. Repair invoices and supporting documentation are included. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); with the additional repairs on the low-pressure fuel pump at the Owner's expense. The vehicle was partially repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened an investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 102,000 |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | There have been several instances where the vehicle appears to lose traction in 4WD. An error message appears "4WD Overheated Performance Temporarily Reduced". When this message appears, the vehicle is unable to gain traction in snow. Even 1" - 2" of snow is enough to prevent forward movement. In this condition, the rear end of the truck tends to fishtail to the right and left. After checking online, there appears to be many other instances associated with this condition. The dealer replaced the fluid in the differential and transfer case hoping to fix the issue, but the problem persisted. They were unable to reproduce the issue on the second service call. Currently, my vehicle in in the driveway and is unable to move given the 1" of snow present. The truck is being towed to the dealer tomorrow, Jan. 28th, 2026, for them to assess it a third time. I believe the failure is related to the light duty Transfer Case & Transfer Case Motor, but that has not yet been determined by the dealer. I'm having the vehicle towed since losing traction on a slippery road can be dangerous and cause the vehicle to slow/stop and/or lose control along with 4WD. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Every time my truck sits for more than 3 days even in the summer the battery dies. I have to jump this truck more than I jumped anything in life. It has less than 30000 miles on it and I’ve had nothing but trouble with the battery staying charged and the air bag system being jimmied to keep the sensor from not going of by the dealer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STEERING | No issues with steering on vehicle in about 81,000 miles since new. Yesterday, started vehicle, no power steering at all, alert light on dash stating power steering problem with electric steering. I stopped and restarted vehicle 3 or 4 times, did not resolve issue. I disconnected battery and reconnected it, did not resolve issue. Vehicle is not driveable, steering is next to impossible. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Alt/Gen failure stopped the truck in the middle of an intersection No transmission power steering lights. Had to walk back home to charge the battery in a driving rain storm leaving the truck in the intersection. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STEERING | The issue started with power steering failure warning light flashed and then went of a couple times. I could also hear the fan kick on high, then the power steering warning light came on and stay on. When it stayed on, I lost power steering and barely could make a u turn on a 2 lane divided high way. This problem went on randomly for approximately 2+ weeks. The fact that all power steering is lost with little to no notice is a very dangerous situation depending on what and where the vehicle is traveling at the time. I took it to Peters in Longview the dealership, and they said that the Electronic Power Steering needed to be replaced. This situation, symptoms, and diagnosis all are just like the current numerous issues with EPS on Dodge rams including the open investigation. I am very concerned about the failures of these EPS's on Rams, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I bought this truck used from a dealer in 2022. From the start the resting voltage of the car was a problem getting 12.7v and when I was driving it would often only get up to 13.4v. I took it to the dealer and they replaced it completely in 2023. It still shows low resting voltage and driving voltage. I told them and they said it was fine and not to worry. Now for the past 6 months it has been making a whirring sound that gets louder as I accelerate. I took it back to them and they said they didn't hear anything wrong, which is an outright lie. It still hasn't gotten better so I took it to a different mechanic and they said its a bad alternator and that they are very expensive and on back order. I tried setting up an appointment with the dealer to look at it again and they said I am now out of warranty and will charge me a diagnostic fee and if it is the alternator it again isn't covered by the warranty. I have been searching online and this is something thousands of other customers have been experiencing and there is a class action lawsuit about this as well. I am kindly asking that you look into this and if appropriate issue a recall for this. I shouldn't have to pay thousands of dollars to fix an alternator for a truck that only has 60k miles on it. My truck is only worth $29k so having to pay for a repair that is about 7% of my vehicle value is ridiculous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Rear window glass crumbled/shattered around frame causing leaks around the window and glass fragments to fall out onto roadway. There was a extended warranty issued for this reason on my make and model year of truck due to the frame cracking and allowing water to get into the frame but was told my vehicle wasn't included. I live in Ohio so and water in the frame with fluctuations in temps especially extreme would cause this situation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | AIR BAGS | High impact vehicle accident, with major damage. Drivers airbag did not deploy. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed from service immediately and taken to an authorized RAM dealer. Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management have acknowledged the defect and identified a required replacement part; however, the part has been on national backorder since October 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the vehicle has been out of service for over three months. Stellantis has provided at least ten different estimated repair dates, all of which have passed without resolution. Despite the steering-related nature of the failure, Stellantis has stated there is no active safety recall. The vehicle remains unrepaired due to the unavailability of the required steering-related component. I am concerned that this defect may affect other vehicles and that the prolonged inability to repair a known steering failure presents an ongoing public safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to request formal review of this issue and to document the safety implications of this unresolved steering defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | AIR BAGS | I own a 2021 Ram 1500 (“Build to Serve” edition). The airbag/SRS warning light came on around January 2025. The message states that the airbag system needs service. This indicates that the airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, putting my safety and the safety of my passengers at risk. I took the vehicle to the Ram dealership and they confirmed an airbag system failure. They stated the part needed for repair is unavailable and have repeatedly told me there is a parts shortage and a manage allocation part. This has gone on for approximately 1 years, and the problem has not been repaired. The airbag warning remains on continuously. This issue has been documented by the dealer, but the manufacturer has not provided a remedy or replacement part. I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag safety defect because Ram/Stellantis has failed to supply the necessary repair parts in a reasonable time. I am requesting NHTSA assistance because this is a major safety concern and the manufacturer has not resolved it despite repeated contacts. Vehicle and part are available for inspection if requested. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | ESC malfunction | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN,WHEELS | My bearings in my rear assembly has failed before 100K miles. In addition, I had to replace the eTorque generator before 100K miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Exhaust manifold on passenger side has cracked leading to exhaust fumes in cabin, causing dizziness and headaches due to carbon monoxide ram has acknowledged this issue with a TSB but the fact that exhaust fumes come into the cabin on a vehicle that is five years old is concerning and in my opinion, a safety concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I am reporting a safety-related exhaust leak on my 2021 Ram 1500. The vehicle has a persistent exhaust leak which may allow fumes to enter the cabin and poses a health and safety hazard. Over the past 6–9 months, I attempted multiple times to have this issue repaired under my warranty at the authorized dealership (Jimmy Britt CDJR, now Joe Maus CDJR in Dublin, GA). However, the dealership refused to schedule a proper appointment and would only tell me to “drop it off” with no estimated timeframe and no loaner vehicle. Because I rely on the truck for work, I cannot leave it indefinitely. The dealership’s refusal has prevented me from obtaining repair of this safety defect, and I am forced to continue driving with a known hazard. This appears to be a safety-related defect involving the exhaust system, and the manufacturer and dealership have not provided an adequate means to repair it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travelled down to the floorboard and became stiff, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal several times, the brake pedal responded as intended, and the vehicle slowly decelerated; however, the braking distance was extended. A brake message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Dec 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 47 MPH, towards a four-way intersection, the vehicle coming off the road on the left side of the vehicle ran a stop causing another vehicle to collide with his vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags deployed. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash and bruises to the head. Medical attention was required via hospital. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was towed to an auto body center. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000 | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | 49,000 |