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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | Back ordered part: Part # 68623194AB No ETA | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | While slowing down to stop at a stop sign the engine shut off on its own. Dash showed message to shift into park once the vehicle stopped. Parking brake also engaged on its own. After shifting into park, restarting the truck, and disengaging the parking brake I shifted back into drive but the vehicle wouldn't move. I shifted into reverse and it would go backwards. Shifted back into drive and it worked properly. It's not safe to have the engine just shut off while you are driving. Also having to put vehicle into reverse before getting it to go into drive is unsafe on a crowded road with vehicles behind you. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 28,000 |
| Apr 2025 | SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,126. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,126 |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2x within the same week after leaving a stop light/stop sign after the vehicle turns back on and starts to move forward it shuts off completely in the intersection and I had to wait for it to reset before it could be turned back on. Cars had to swerve around me to avoid hitting me. Took to RAM service and they stated a leak behind 3rd brake light got water into a RHF module. Was told after that 2 more trucks with same equipment were brought in for the same thing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I was driving and the engine stalled just like I shut it off . I pulled off the road and restarted the engine to have it do the same thing several more times. No codes no warning lights. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The tailgate has opened on its own twice in the last 6-8 months. This puts a risk for other vehicles if it were to open randomly. To my knowledge this was supposed to not happen after recall 22V904000. This vehicle has not been inspected since seeing this issue and no warning lights happened when this occurred, one specifically had been closed for around 24 hours then randomly opened after car had not been driven. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The rear window (backlite) has a known manufacturing defect that allows water intrusion, potentially damaging the RF hub and creating conditions conducive to mold growth (see TSB 23-098-23). My vehicle has been affected by this defect, yet FCA has only extended the warranty to select vehicles, excluding others of the same year, make, and model that are clearly impacted by the same issue. This defect has led to saturated floor boards/carpet under the rear seats and has lead to the growth of mold. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My vehicle has had 2 starter replacements, 2 batteries replaced , 1 radiator replacement. 3 times at the dealership for clock spring repair. Exhaust system replaced because of bolt rusted parts. This vehicle is a built to serve edition and it hasn’t led up to its name. Without me paying for an extended warranty i dont know what would i would’ve done.Does this vehicle require for a buy back from the corporate headquarters | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On 3/6/25 at 0520 hours, I 95 northbound in Stafford, VA. at mile marker 141 in left travel lane at approximately 75 mph the truck suddenly lost power slowing significantly. We pulled over onto the left shoulder as the truck slowed and stopped. The truck required shutting off the ignition and restarting the vehicle for it to operable. We had vehicles behind us slamming on brakes and quickly changing lanes in order to avoid hitting us. This truck has been checked by a dodge dealership for previous complaints of this occurring at lower speeds. Dodge dealership told us, there are no codes, no recalls ( only on V8) , we can note it in file but there is nothing else we can do. This is unacceptable and almost got us into a serious accident. There is something wrong with the etorque. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Upon starting the vehicle, shifting into drive from park, and depressing the gas pedal, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear into higher gears. The engine began to whine and the RPM gauge registered much higher than when the vehicle typically shifts into higher gears during acceleration. Upon realizing, I pulled over and shifted from Drive to Park. I then shifted back to drive and the vehicle operated normally. This is the first time the vehicle has behaved in this manner, although there have been times when the transmission feels as if it is not shifting as smooth as it should. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STEERING | I recently purchased this vehicle and have experienced intermittent power steering failure, posing a severe safety hazard. While I retain some control, steering is significantly more difficult than even older non-power-steering vehicles. On sharp or semi-sharp turns, this failure greatly increases the risk of an accident or fatality. The power steering warning light has appeared, and a diagnostic scan returned code C2-120-17 with an alternator status of Bad (14.99V). Despite replacing both the battery and alternator, the issue persists. Researching the problem, I found numerous complaints with no meaningful response from the manufacturer. It is concerning that similar issues were addressed in previous recalls, yet this defect continues. This ongoing failure not only puts my safety at risk but also creates a hardship for my family, as we cannot rely on the vehicle for daily use. Each time I drive, I face the possibility of an accident. Note: The error codes from the pictures I included I have fixed but the light indicating EPS failure persists. Given that I recently purchased the vehicle and have already invested additional money in attempted repairs, I cannot afford the costly fix that appears necessary. Based on widespread reports, this seems to be a manufacturer defect that should be covered, rather than leaving owners to bear the financial and safety burdens. I urge immediate action to resolve this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | I would like to submit a complaint regarding the Motor Generator Unit on a 2021 Ram 1500 e-torque motor. That part failed on my truck in early January, leaving me stranded for several hours. Thankfully the part did not fail while the truck was in motion, as the truck would have died and become completely inoperable. The vehicle has been at the dealership since January 4th, due to the part being on back order, with no ETA. I find it hard to believe that this is not a common problem, for that reason. There were no symptoms or check engine lights prior to this issue occurring. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I have had a grinding noise that was intermittent for several MONTHs, slowly getting worse. When I took it to the dealership, it was identified that the MGU had failed. The dealer advised that the part was not currently in stock anywhere and was not able to provide an ETA as there is a major shortage of this component. I was advised that eventually the battery voltage would drop from ~14v down below 11v and at this time the vehicle would throw engine warning lights which would lead the complete shutdown of the vehicle. This eventually happened in January 2025, where my vehicle voltage suddenly dropped, the dashboard lit up with different warning lights and the vehicle died. Fortunately it was in my driveway but now I have no vehicle and it is MARCH '25. It has been 2 months and when I contact all the local dealerships, NO ONE is able to provide an ETA and they advise they have MANY cars with similar issues waiting on the MGU part from Corporate. This is HORRIBLE. My truck was bought brand new in 2021 and has 64k miles. Fortunately it will be covered by the 8yr / 80k mile warranty, but the part needs to arrive first! I am missing work, I have an infant at home, and Ram is not able to assist with a loaner or rental!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Unknown | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | Was driving at low speed approaching a turn. As soon as I turn the vehicle shut off and I had to restart my truck. It is similar to what happened in this video [XXX] Believe the truck software needs a reflash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Recall NHTSA 22V-767 pertained to a potential faulty high pressure fuel pump. The recall notice states: "FCA US will repair your vehicle [2] free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will replace the HPFP, inspect and, if necessary, replace additional fuel system component." When I took the vehicle in for repair, the dealer replaced the fuel pump and also told me that there was a problem with the fuel pressure sensor that could cause the vehicle to stall at highway speeds. The said that only the fuel pump was covered by the recall, yet the recall notice also clearly states "additional fuel system components." Should the dealer be covering the fuel pressure sensor also given that it is a fuel system component that could cause the vehicle to stall at highway speeds? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Since purchase of the vehicle, I have experienced transmission surges and low power and fuel economy. When decelerating to a stop or U turn and the vehicle is in ECO, right before full stop, the RPMs will drop to 300-500 and surge back up to 1500-1800 causing a lunge forward. Vehicle has been in 6 times for a persistent transmission surge paired with low power and fuel economy. Dealer has replaced the valve body, transmission control module, wiring, and complete transmission replacement. I can reproduce the issue everyday near my place of employment and have video evidence of the issue. Additionally, since the transmission was replaced, when going 10+ miles on the highway, the engine cooling fan runs full out and fuel economy plumets. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Engine tick/knocking noise @ idle speed increases with RPM. 110k miles. No warning lamps or signals. Vehicle brought to dealership for inspection and service. Dealer stated cracks in both exhaust manifolds & broken bolts. Engine valves and rods being replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Rear window is leaking in both of the top corners and running down interior of vehicle. Damaged sensor under rear seat that had to be replaced and would not allow vehicle to unlock or start. Battery had to be disconnected and towed to repair facilty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | On 02/27/2025 my wife drove the 2021 RAM 1500 Limited Diesel truck and the engine certainly stopped running. It happened once around 2:10PM on the freeway I-5 Southbound near exit 189 in WA State. She was on the most inboard lane to prepare to take exit 189 with speed about 45-50 MPH. She was able to pull over to a safe location before the truck had completely stopped. Then she was able to start the engine and go again after 5-10 minutes. She drove for about 4 miles to her work place then the engine certainly stopped running again as soon as she pulled into the clinic parking lot around 2:30PM. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while reversing approximately 3 MPH into a parking space, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and all four wheels locked up. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the radio frequency module had been short circuited by water that had entered the vehicle either from the rear sliding window or the rear brake light assembly located at the rear and on top of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,070. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 45,070 |
| Feb 2025 | STEERING,PARKING BRAKE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred a short distance later. Neither the dealer nor independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,409. | Crash: No Fire: No | 51,409 |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My passenger side sun visor came lose where the arm attaches to the roof. I believe there are recall on certain 2019-2020 Ram trucks for this same issue. In researching on the internet, it appears this is a rampant problem on both driver and passenger Sun visors. Not being able to use the sun visors properly could significantly impact visibility not to mention potential electrical issues due to the vanity wiring being strained and possibly exposed. This is a major safety concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |