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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
| 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 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | HELLO SIMILAR INCIDENT TO THE HD 2020 RAM 2500 WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT OPERATE PROPERTLY. REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMING LOOSE IN WHICH PREVENTS IT FROM WIPING RIGHT AND LEFT MOTION AS IT WOULD NORMALLY WIPE. A VISUAL OF THE NUT INDICATE A RUSTY APPEARANCE (AND POSSIBLY A NOT A PROPER FITTING NUT) TOMMORROW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO ADDRESS , MANUFACTURE RECALL NUMBER 75B ON MY VEHICLE AND WILL ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. HERE IN PUERTO RICO IT IS RAINING QUITE A BIT LATELY SO THE ISSUE HAS APPEARED FOR THE FIRST TIME ONCE. I NEEDED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE SO, AFTER REMOVING THE NUT I APPLIED SOME PLUMBERS TAPE AND TIGHTENED THE NUT BACK IN PLACE. I WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF THIS ISSUE CAN BE ADDRESSED. THANK YOU | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING | On April 16, 2025 I was driving home from work. I went to steer to the right around a turn and my steering wheel felt like it locked up making it very hard to navigate through the curve. My steering was very tight and it caused a very uneasy feeling like I was going to crash. I called my local Ram dealer and they weren't able to get me in till April 28th. In the meantime I had another car to drive and it sat parked till they were able to take it in. They diagnosed it as the Rack and pinion being bad and told me it needed to be replaced and would cost over $4,000 out of my pocket!! My truck is still under the powertrain warranty and it would not be covered. They also told me they were charging me $163 dollars for a diagnosis fee since it's not covered by my warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving on the highway with cruise control engaged, the system became stuck and would not disengage. I attempted to cancel cruise control using the button, tap the brakes, and shift to neutral, but none of these actions worked immediately. The truck continued accelerating beyond the set speed, putting my life and the lives of others in serious danger. I eventually regained control after repeatedly braking and forcing the truck into neutral, but this was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in a fatal crash. To my knowledge, there were no warning lights or messages before or during the incident. I have not had the problem confirmed by a dealer yet, but I contacted the manufacturer (RAM customer service), and they instructed me to take the vehicle to a dealership for diagnostics at my own expense. This appears to be a serious defect in the cruise control or throttle system, and I am requesting a formal investigation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | Cracked passenger side exhaust manifold | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Part # 68623194AB alternator generator has failed twice and now the truck has been at the dealership for 1 month with no parts available. Truck bought new Oct 2021. Parts failed at 78,000 miles (09/24) and again at 95,0000 (04/25). I paid the $4000 bill on the 1st failure. Now I'm told 2nd repair is warrantied after they replaced the starter and in addition to need the alt/gen. My safety was at risk because the truck shut down while driving with no warning. The truck is currently at the dealership awaiting parts. The dealership told me the problem and that they can not get the parts needed to repair the vehicle. No warnings given before the failure. Any warning was concurrent at time of failure. My family was at risk. This is not acceptable. Please make this recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING | The steering rack on my 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 is defective. The steering system becomes disabled and shuts down with no prior warning causing the vehicle to become very dangerous to drive. The warning lamp indicates the word steering with an exclamation point. I had my vehicle taken to the auto repair shop and was told the steering rack was inoperative and needed a whole new rack costing just for the part alone $2415.00 plus an alignment and labor for a total cost of $3275.00. I have done research and found that Chrysler Corp is well aware of this situation for years but is ignoring the safety of customers that have put their faith in Chrysler by having a vehicles that is safe and reliable as stated by the dealerships and not putting lives at risk. I feel I have avoided a situation that could have change my life for years or even worse the lives of my loved ones . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | Made a turn at 15 mph and the car shut off by itself randomly. This is the fourth time it’s happened since owning the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | While making a turn in a parking garage at low speed, I heard a loud popping sound. When I got out to inspect, I discovered that the front wheel had collapsed inward. There was no collision, curb hit, or external damage—just a spontaneous failure of the suspension system. This is the second time this same failure has occurred within the past year on this vehicle. The incident caused a complete loss of steering control, putting my safety at risk. Fortunately, I was not driving at high speed or on a public road when this occurred. There were no warning lights, noises, or other symptoms leading up to the event. The failed parts appear to include critical suspension and steering components (likely control arm, tie rod, or ball joint), and photos are available. The failure has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer, but the vehicle is available for inspection if requested. Given that this is a 2021 RAM with relatively low mileage, and it has experienced two nearly identical failures, this raises serious concerns about a potential manufacturing or design defect that could affect other vehicles. Attached are pictures from both incidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated there was rainwater leaking into the rear passenger’s side cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the third brake light and applied sealant; however, the leak persisted. The contact was informed by the dealer that the leak failure may be caused by a faulty frame or window. No further information was available. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine, and while at the dealer the contact was informed that the exhaust manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the bolts inside the exhaust manifold were inadequate and were prone to failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,700. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 59,700 |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | While I was driving on the freeway, my check engine light came on and my battery voltage dropped rapidly (within 5 minutes I had a dead battery). My transmission, power train and electrical components all stopped working. Luckily I was pulling over before this happened so I didn’t get in a wreck on the freeway. I had a tow company take my vehicle to the dealer for inspection. After a few days they let me know it was the alternator inverter which was not functioning correctly and caused my battery to drain along with all my electrical components malfunctioning and engine stalling. The dealer has now had my truck for weeks and won’t let me drive it until they resolve the issue with a new inverter which is on back order with no updates on arrival. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS | My truck caught fire after I got a service airbag system alert on my dashboard | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |