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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
| 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 | 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 |