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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Failed Motor Generator unit. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | I just recently purchased this vehicle about a month ago. It had 39,000 miles when I bought it. This past weekend I was changing the oil and found out that the oil pan was rusted through. It was oil seeping from the pan. My concern is that if I hadn't noticed that and a rock hit it, the oil could've drained from the pan and seized the motor. Which ultimately could've caused an accident. I had it towed to a dealer. They told me that it was not covered under warranty. I approved the work because I need my vehicle back. I filed a complaint with FCA. A quick search online shows that this is a common issue with those vehicles up in the north but when you look at competing vehicles, this doesn't seem to be an issue for them so it's evident to me that FCA uses an inferior part for a critical component. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The Alternator/MGU has failed. There was a mild whuring noise at first. Within a few days, the truck died at a stop light and would no longer start or go into neutral. I got two warnings, one the day before the failure saying "Battery saver activated", then right before the truck died, I got this again and the alternator light lit up on the dash. With almost zero warning of this failure, we ended up stuck in rush hour traffice at a stop light. The truck is being towed to a dealership now, after the shop we were towed to told us they wouldn't be able to repair the truck due to lack of parts. I'm being told there are massive backorders for the part and it could be months before my vehicle is returned. Reading many reports of this happening to others with the RAM etorque engine. This should be recalled and remedied before it causes someone to be hurt. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | LEFT HAND TURN SINGLE WILL NOT CANCEL/TURN OFF. I SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY TRUCK WAS/IN NOT PART OF IT | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My truck is equipped with a swing gate tailgate. Today I tried to open the tailgate multiple times and it would not open. It would not let down, nor would the swing gate open. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the rear window. The contact stated that the radiofrequency (RF) module had short-circuited. The contact stated that the key fob failed to function as intended and the steering wheel and brakes seized. The contact used the physical key to unlock the door. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiofrequency module (RF) had short-circuited. The radio-frequency module was replaced, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 61,000 |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Ram eTorque system failed. Alternator/MGU unit has a bad bearing and failed. This is a safety issue because the truck could lose power while driving. Unit start whining and screeching then eventually stops. Voltage reading starts going down and truck eventually won't run. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound intermittently coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that the navigation system and the climate control system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 69,000 |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have had 2 separate instances where I had my foot on the brake and the accelerator kicked in, the engine revved up and the truck tried to move forward all while I had my foot still pressed down as hard as I could on the brake. Once the engine was not revving any longer, I put the truck in park and sat for a second so I could gather my composure. After I sat for a second and put it back in Drive it didn't do it again. This happened in the same manner both times. It happened once in October 2024 and the 2nd time in January 2025. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | The truck has 58,xxx miles and on my way home from work today it just shut down in the middle of the highway. I could start it back up but as soon as I would shift into gear it would shut down again. Finally, after about 15-20 times of starting it and it shutting right back off, it stayed running and got me to within 5 miles of my home before doing it again. Now, I can’t get it to stay running so I’m going to have to have it towed in to be checked. I was able to get it off the road but it was extremely dangerous shutting down on a busy highway. I see that it has a recall that I hope will fix this issue when I’m able to get it taken in | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I was driving East bound at 8:00 am into the sun. I lowered my sun visor to block the sun. About 15 mins down the road the sun visor assembly completely separated from the ceiling mount. Looking this issue up online I found a YouTube video of another owner who had the same problem. Many comments from viewers describing that their drivers sun visor has separated from the mounting bracket. My truck only has 26k miles on it and it’s not even 4 yrs old yet, but out of warranty by 5 months. This is a serious driving hazard as someone might try to catch the falling visor while driving in sun glare. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I am having a horrendous noise coming from the MGU untit on the vehicle. This is the part that sits on top of the alternator and is like a mini generator. This part is screeching and making a ton of noise. I have read through forums and it seems like many many people have had the same problem with this part. I think it is time that they re-engineer a new part as this part has been failing for some within the first 5K miles on the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The bolts that connect the two parts of the exhaust pipe, about midway on the truck, sheared off. The truck is a 2021 with only 47,000 miles on. These bolts should not be shearing off like this | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I am submitting this report to alert the NHTSA of potential safety violations and undisclosed structural damage, drivetrain modifications, and possible engine replacement regarding my 2021 RAM 1500, which was purchased from Courtesy Chevrolet after being previously owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Unreported Frame Damage & Structural Repairs Multiple inconsistent and unseen frame welds were discovered, indicating prior accident damage and unreported frame repair. Frame welds do not match factory precision welding, suggesting post-factory reinforcement or structural fixes. Undisclosed Transmission Swap from 8-Speed to 6-Speed According to NHTSA records and the vehicle’s VIN, my RAM 1500 was manufactured with an 8-speed transmission. After purchase, I discovered that the 8-speed had been swapped for an older 6-speed transmission (6HP70), which was never disclosed. This creates potential drivability and safety concerns, as the truck’s ECU may not be calibrated for the correct transmission. Possible Undisclosed Engine Swap The engine in my truck has multiple ink and paint markings, which are commonly seen on replacement engines. RFID engine label does not provide a matching serial number, making it difficult to confirm if the engine is original. The casting number on the engine sticker is inconsistent with the vehicle’s model year and VIN (2021), raising concerns that it may be from an older model. Engine mount bolts and wiring appear disturbed, suggesting prior removal and reinstallation. If my truck has an older or higher-mileage engine, this impacts performance, emissions compliance, warranty status, and safety. Lack of Maintenance Records & Vehicle History Transparency | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | STEERING | While driving the power steering cuts out and flashes on the dash power steering unavailable, service required. It happens intermittently, but when it happens the steering wheel locks up while driving. I have had it to the Ashland Chrysler dealership, they charged me to say that it happened because it was cold outside. It keeps happening even though it's not cold | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The etorque MGU is failing at a high rate, worse in the winter months. Currently, 4500 people waiting for parts with no help from RAM. Trucks are completely out of service. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Started hearing bearing noise from the eTorque MGU (motor generator Unit) at around 40,000 miles on odometer. Took the vehicle to dealer for problem determination and they confirmed it was a problem with the MGU. I was told a total failure can cause the main electrical fuse to fail without warning leaving the vehicle completely without power in traffic. There is also the possibility of the bearings seizing and the entire pulley shearing off while in operation. Through two different online owner forums, I have verified that this appears to be an increasingly common problem with 2019-2024 models. RAM appears to be aware of this problem as they issued a Technical Service Bulletin on 1/1/2022 (S2208000009) which talks about the bearing noise and underlying problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | STRUCTURE | Ive had two incidence were the tail gate was frozen shut. The 1st incident the tail gate opened while sitting in my garage & it came open a day later hit the wall. The second incident i was in a cabin in the mountains of Tennessee & it snowed & again the tailgate was frozen shut so we couldn’t access the cargo. While driving down the road the tailgate came open no warnings came on didn’t know it was open until we stopped for gas. We had cargo carrier on the back with a mobility chair and the tailgate hit it & damaged my tailgate | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in 35 degree weather I finished refueling My 2021 Dodge Ram limited Hemi Etorque at conserve fuel in buellton Ca . Another car was at the pump in front of me so I put the truck into reverse to back up from pump and exit . When truck started in reverse it felt like the Emergency brake automatically engaged itself as it made a loud brake rubbing sound in and completely stopped very quickly . This seemed very harsh on the vehicle . I had a current safely recall fixed for software update on 1/20/25 at crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Ram in Ventura Ca. I was recently rear ended and have whiplash and this agitated my neck more as it was so sudden with no warning noises or alerts on dash . When I drove to nearest ram dealer in Santa Maria I was told they where to busy with no mechanics to look at truck and to take it back to Ventura service who did safety recall and never provided me what work was actually done to truck . This is a huge inconvenience as i to drive 45 mins south or one hour north to get to dodge dealers .just purchased this used truck last Saturday not knowing about this issue and software effecting vehicle . I will try and contact gas station to see if this was captured on outdoor surveillance cameras . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | The defective part is an exhaust manifold, both on the left and right hand side. Yes, it is available for inspection anytime. I have the right side part off of the vehicle for inspection as I have had it replaced. I tried to get the Dodge ram company to replace the left side for free and after exhausting every possibility making several phone calls, they refuse to do anything. I have carbon monoxide fumes entering the cab of the vehicle, and there’s no way to stop it as when you use the defrost or the heater, it brings through fresh air and you cannot eliminate. that situation. Also, the carbon monoxide fumes enter into the atmosphere, polluting the air because it is escaping before going through the catalytic converter . It has been verified by Cooks ram dodge dealer and also Harford tire an independent shop, that the two parts are defective on both left and right hand side. I have this in writing. The independent dealer also said it would be 2 to 4 weeks to get the part in because so many are defective and there is a long waiting list. He also informed me that Ford has the same problem except but a lot worse. Our Maryland state police use the Ford SUVs. The situation is poisoning our police officers and the general public. It is poisoning you also as it goes into the atmosphere. It started out as a minor exhaust leak noise and progressed over time. There was only a fraction of a piece of metal that was not split in half.. The metal split almost all the way down. It is approximately 1/8 inch thick and is held on with 12 bolts. This part typically never breaks in any vehicles lifetime. My guess would be it is not a proper type of metal to withstand the heat, and when it goes from hot to cold that it eventually put stress on the metal and starts to crack it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I just purchased a new truck on Friday and was told on car fax it had a open recall .On 1/20/25 around 0835 I arrived at service entrance and was not greeted or checked in after being told I would be charged a diagnosis fee for a very important safety recall related to ABS . I would like this incident investigated as it jeopardizes my and my family safety . Also told him the truck was under warranty and the wireless charging for phones was not working and got bring it back to where you bought it . I requested his supervisor and he walked away and acted like he was on the phone . This is my only local dodge dealer and now forced to goad hour south to get this fixed . I took a card because service manager never came out to address me as customer this dealership needs looked into .I think I was also discriminated at for being Caucasian as both service techs are Hispanic info email of service manager from card is Location of Dodge dealer . The person that wanted to charge me avoided me asking his name but had long curly hair and younger thug attitude guy . Also was told to leave after like anyone would be upset of a safety recall that are free and being told I would be charged. I’m requesting an investigation into this matter and or pursuing legal action . I know it’s a federal holiday and I have a 3 day weekend but hope this matter can be addressed soon as this is not right . Thank you . New Century Motors of Santa Barbara 300 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara Ca 93105 aaguilera@newcenturymotors.com | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | I was driving and my vehicle make a dinging sound, all the lights on the dash came on and the truck started accelerating on its own. I did not have the cruise control nor was I pressing the accelerator and the truck was accelerating by itself. If i used the brakes the truck would slow down, but when I released the brakes the truck would self accelerate again. If I turned the truck completely off and back on it went away for a couple days but then happened again. This was a super dangerous situation as it was happening suddenly and without warning and I could have easily struck another vehicle or a pedestrian or lost control of my vehicle and wrecked. The issue happened out of no where on its own, was not triggered by anything and could easily cause serious harm to others if this happens to them. The issue has been confirmed and repair by Safford Dodge of Fredericksburg VA. (See attached service invoices) They deemed it a failed connection for acceleration pedal. They replaced it and there has not been an issue since. All of the warning lights and service lights on the dash became lit when this issue started happening. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Water leaked into their vehicle into my Ram 1500 cabin. Water leaks from the third brake light above the rear window into the cabin. It caused the Radiofrequency hub to short circuit, and my vehicle wouldn't turn on; it killed my battery, and when I replaced my battery, it automatically drained. Also an issue in the cab is the following: bad odors, smells, and mildew. I have children and not knowing that there is mildew growing in my vehicle is a major health concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | The truck went on fire after 15 min parking on [XXX]. Dodge did an initial inspection and could find nothing. I am glad we moved out of the vehicle with my pregnant wife and a 2-year-old toddler. I seriously feel there is some issue with the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX. I lost the truck as it went into flames to ashes. Please do the needful. Kind Regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | STEERING | Steering wheel/power steering sticks at a certain point when steering to the left on road curves at a lower speed. Power steering also makes grinding noise on cold start and very stiff prior to vehicle warming up. This has been brought up at the dealership during oil change service who stated that power steering service is not covered by warranty and wanted $300 to try and diagnose the issue. I mentioned that my wife drives the truck with 4 kids and power steering issues should not be something they should ignore but they didn't seem to care much. It seems like the noise is getting worse and I don't feel I should have to pay for a power steering issues on vehicle that's less than 4 years old and under 40,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |