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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Engine light came on. Was driving ~25MPH on city street, in x-section of 2 major streets and heard loud mechanical noise, warning indicators audible and visual, and vehicle bucked and stalled within 100ft of when it started. After restarting vehicle was able to move about 20 more feet before losing power again. Brough to dealer, diagnosed with MGU (Motor Generator Unit) failure and battery that was defective due to incorrect charging. MGU part is nationally back ordered, with approximately 4000 replacement units on order with manufacturer, and 5 years of history of problems reported on owner chat boards and websites, both with brand new vehicles and vehicles that are just a few years old. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to pull out of the driveway at 5 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park and the parking brake independently activated, with the message "Auto-correct Shifter" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted back into drive; however, moments later while driving on a neighborhood street at 25 MPH, the failure reoccurred. The contact shifted back into drive; however, the failure recurred twice more. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,561. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 40,561 |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My Ram has the ETorque Generator that failed. It has caused the vehicle to suddenly stop and lose power. It first lost all electrical components in the interior. Then driving function shut off which includes the power steering. I was then driving down the street and it suddenly stopped and grinded into the park position of the transmission. The engine bay was very hot and I was surprised a fire didn't start. I hooked up jumper cables to another vehicle to get it off the road way as you couldn't shift it into neutral when the battery was dead. Pretty much all of the warning lights came on as I was still moving and they are still on. I took it into the ram dealer locally and they said there is 4379 that are in the same boat. There is no outlook to get replacement parts. I then took the Etorque generator out and tried having it rebuilt as there was no answer from Ram when it could be fixed. The place I took it to specializes in rebuilding alternators and they were able to fix the bearing problem in the generator but were unable to fix the function of recharging the batteries in the vehicle. So I have to put my truck on a charger every night so its charged up enough to make it to and from work. The vehicle has been inspected by a member of the Fergus Falls Fire Department and he is concerned with constant charging of the battery and electrical issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2021 ram 1500 rear window seal is failing , water leaking in cab creating mold under floor mats. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the electronic stability control system warning light illuminated. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the contact noticed a mushy sensation and a significant reduction in braking power. The contact proceeded to use the brakes on the trailer to be able to slow the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the ABS had failed, and a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 71,000 |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | On May 16 2025 I started my truck and all the lights started flashing on my cluster( I took pictures) I drove down the street in my vehicle and it put itself into park. I drove back to my shop and called the dealership to make an appointment along with enterprise Rent-A-Car. I had the rental vehicle from May 16 through May 22. After the ABS module recall was performed on May 21, 2025, my 2021 Ram Rebel began experiencing electrical and mechanical failures affecting multiple vehicle systems. While driving at approximately 7 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted itself into Park. Just like the separate occasion, the parking brake engaged while the vehicle was in motion. These events pose a major safety hazard. Since the recall, the following issues have occurred: •SERVICE BRAKES: Parking brake engaging while driving; ABS-related instability. •POWER TRAIN: Vehicle attempting to shift into Park and 4WD High without input. •ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Dash lights flicker; HVAC system changes temperature settings on its own (e.g., jumping to 72°F); ongoing parasitic battery draw. •ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL: Loss of system coordination and erratic vehicle behavior. •FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Sudden drop in fuel range readings (e.g., from 180 miles to 23 miles instantly). •VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: Unexpected shifting and control changes during low-speed driving. •UNKNOWN OR OTHER: General system instability, rough driving behavior, and degraded performance. I was by the dealership when it went into park so I pulled in. The dealership has acknowledged the update was performed but refuses to inspect the truck until July 8, despite the escalating safety concerns. I believe the ABS module or its software update is causing communication failures across the vehicle’s CAN network, affecting critical systems. This vehicle is not safe to drive in its current condition. I was told because I did not purchase the vehicle at Wilder that I was not eligible for a loaner vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and independently shifted to park(P). 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). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact was later informed that the VIN was included in the recall and the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,000 |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Doing research it seems that a lot of people are running into issues with part 68623194AB and are unable to get this through my research. I am currently in this position without recourse other than this. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that message that the brakes needed to be serviced was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where several unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that additional assistance could not be provided because the vehicle had not been purchased at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 36,000 |
| May 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 5 to 10 MPH, the power steering became inoperable and crashed into a pole. The vehicle was restarted, and he continued to drive. While driving the next day, the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, fire, airbag deployment or police reports filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed as a steering gear internal failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and referred him to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 37,800. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | 37,800 |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | After a simple battery replacement, the entire infotainment system and computer for the vehicle crashed. Safety systems and other safety systems for the vehicle connected to the main computer can no longer be controlled, including parking sensors and other equipment and the battery continues to go dead. Many other owners are having the same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | STRUCTURE | The tailgate keeps coming down while driving. I always make sure the tailgate is completely shut tight before I take off. This has happened multiple times. In addition the sensor doesn't always warn me of such. I have lost items in roadway which could cause an accident. I have backed up with a trailer attached and ripped my tailgate. I reported this to dealership when it first started somewhere around 2024. Should be on file with Dodge dealership in Mount Airy NC | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Bad bearing noise coming from MGU, part is covered under warranty and was told I can keep driving it the way it is. Seems like a fire hazard or safety hazard to drive something that could potentially lock up on the road. 6 weeks + for the part. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Recall Statement – Fuel Overflow and Injury Incident Involving 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 I am reporting a recurring and hazardous issue with the fuel system on my 2021 Dodge Ram 1500. March 30, 2025: While refueling at a local gas station, the tank overflowed by approximately 3 gallons once it reached full capacity. I initially believed the problem was due to a faulty pump and notified a station attendant to clean the spill. May 2, 2025: At a different gas station, while refueling the same vehicle, a small amount of fuel again overflowed unexpectedly. This raised concerns, as it occurred under different fueling conditions. May 25, 2025: While refueling at the same station used on May 2nd, approximately 5 gallons of gasoline overflowed from the tank. As I attempted to remove the nozzle, I slipped on the spilled fuel and fell onto the concrete, injuring my right leg. At this point, it became clear that the issue was not isolated to specific gas station pumps, but rather a defect in the vehicle’s fuel system. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk. Beyond the environmental hazard, I could have sustained a serious head injury or worse during the fall. I am convinced there is a malfunction in the fuel system of my vehicle, and I strongly believe this warrants immediate investigation and a potential recall. This matter is unacceptable and must be addressed to prevent further harm to myself or others. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Traveling down the roadway at 45mph. It had been raining for a couple of days. Engine completely shuts down, almost like a stall. Had to quickly pull over. When vehicle came to a slow roll, shifter auto shifted into park and engaged parking brake while in traffic. Disengaged parking brake, and was able to start. Pulled into parking lot and truck immediately shut down again. Eventually would not restart. Called tow. Tow company couldn't disengage parking brake. Towed to dealership. They notified me that my truck with 68K miles had a failed seal on back power window which allowed water into the truck, seeping into the RF Hub Module causing the RF Module to fail. 8K miles out of factory warranty and they denied coverage three times. I have MaxCare 8yr/125k warranty and they denied as well citing water intrusion. This is a well documented problem with these trucks as MOPAR Warranty Bulletin XL1 was released extending the warranty for 8 years,150K miles. However, my VIN didn't qualify although it met all of the criteria. This is a serious and dangerous electrical problem that effects drivability as it caused my truck to shutdown in traffic | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | The first time, the vehicle was, in effect, "dead," as nothing worked. After 24 hours it started without any codes being present. The second time, the vehicle stopped, shut down and engaged the e-brake. Nothing was thereafter operational. Four days later, it started without any mechanical intervention The only thing I did was remove the battery connections and then reinstall them. Three to four hours later it started. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SEAT BELTS | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to fasten the front passenger’s and driver’s side seat belts, the seat belts failed to retract. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that VIN was not under recall, and no assistance could be provided with the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I've had 2 incidents so far. 1. I stopped at a 2 way stop and as I accelerated to drive across the intersection (a truck was coming at me on my right side) my truck hesitated and I had no power to continue to go forward. I stepped on the gas, it revved up and continue to cross the road. 2. I was driving around a roundabout and went to accelerate on the straight away and it had a hesitation, I lost power (control ). I pressed on the gas a couple of times and then it came back and I was accelerating fast onto the on ramp. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | POWER TRAIN | My vehicle is only 4 years old, and the torque generator has gone out in the vehicle. I haven't towed anything in my vehicle. It has 90,XXX miles on it. It has taken over two months for me to get the part in for the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | AIR BAGS | I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving my partner’s 2021 Dodge Ram Bighorn, which was involved in a collision on May 9, 2025. The vehicle was severely damaged and deemed a total loss, yet none of the airbags deployed at the time of the crash. This incident raises significant questions about the safety and reliability of the airbag system in this vehicle. Given the severity of the impact, it is our belief that the airbags should have deployed in accordance with the vehicle’s safety design. Thankfully, my partner survived, but had the circumstances been slightly different, the consequences could have been far more serious. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | After idling for 30-45 minutes in a parking lot my radio suddenly turned off (black screen), the dash indicated that my 115V Outlet showed that it was on as the indication flickered continuously. A/C will not function, only hot air blows progressively worse while driving. Windows will not roll up or down anymore, clock on the dash no longer shows up, side mirrors will not close with the button, power steps will not deploy. The vehicle also states that the blind spot indicator is off. Doors will not lock either. I disconnected the battery for 15 minutes and made sure EVERY FUSE WAS SEATED PROPERLY (interior and engine bay) as they were almost ALL loose. Now I am attempting to let the truck sit disconnected for up to two hours with the doors open and will factory reset the radio after to get the 12” screen functioning if possible. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was water leaking from the third brake light and had leaked onto the battery pack control module and RF hub, and the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,259. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 46,259 |
| May 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving exhaust fumes entering the cabin of my 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn, particularly during cold starts or remote starts while idling. Despite multiple attempts to have this issue repaired through authorized dealerships, the problem has not been resolved. On the first visit, dealership technicians discovered two cracked exhaust manifolds, which were replaced. On a second visit, they found and tightened bolts further. On the third visit, they claimed there was no longer a problem, but no physical diagnostic tests (such as pressure, bubble, or smoke testing) were conducted. Still concerned for my family’s safety, I paid for an independent diagnostic inspection. The certified mechanic confirmed an exhaust leak at the junction between the exhaust manifold and collector pipe, citing either improper installation or flawed sealing from previous repairs. The technician verified this using a stethoscope and noted a strong odor inside the cabin via the HVAC system. This issue poses a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to occupants, especially during colder conditions when the vehicle is idling and windows are closed. RAM case management (case #92878431) has been involved, but there has been poor communication and no clear resolution. I am concerned this is a manufacturing or design defect and that it could affect other owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue due to the serious health and safety risks associated with exhaust fume exposure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | At 45mph the engine cut off. I had to coast to a stop on the side of the road and place the truck into park and then restart the engine. I have already taken the vehicle into the dealership to have recall 37A remediation performed last year. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SUSPENSION | While undergoing an annual vehicle inspection it was detected that ball joints have failed and are in need of replacement. This is a 2021 Ram 1500 with 77,500 miles. This seems to be a pre-mature failure of a critical component. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |