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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Jan 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Steele North Star texted me about a Recall for ABS module on my RAM truck. “Steele North Start CJDR - Service Hi [XXX] , this is Steele North Star Dodge. We are contacting you to let you know that there is a recall on your 2021 Ram 1500. This recall is for ABS Module Configuration. We would love to take care of this recall for you free of charge! We would also like to offer you a rental covered by Chrysler while we have your vehicle in service for the recall. Please contact us back at 210-341-2251 or you can reply to this text message and we can get you scheduled. Thank you and have a wonderful day!” I called for appointment they said they would call me back on Thursday but didn’t. Then when I called them the next day today Friday they said they wanted to charge a $10 admin fee but I said their text said repair would be FREE so when I questioned & said I didn’t feel a charge is fair then they refused to schedule repair & told me to take my truck to another dealership. Steele is my closest dealer. They lied about a free recall repair expecting people to pay a $10 admin fee. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control - ESC) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several other undisclosed failures after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the same repair approximately five times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,803. | Crash: No Fire: No | 27,803 |
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Just driving normal condition and speed all of a sudden my car jam or brake on it’s own, causing a quick sudden jerk and almost getting hit from the back. All of my front sensors and back sensors was shut off at this time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | Receiver hub got wet due to either leaking window or third brake light. Receiver hub was damaged and made the vehicle became inoperable. Dealership and Chrysler refuse to cover repairs saying that it’s not covered under any warranty | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | dash board is bubbling and the vehicle has 46k miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE | Rear Tail light assembly is faulty and allows water intrusion which affects the blind spot alert to send alert that service is needed. When this happens it causes the entire infotainment area and dash to begin flashing and going haywire. Nothing works. Windows will not respond or go up or down. Speedometer is not present at all. This happened to us while on a highway which was quite alarming. The blind spot alert is tied to the whole computer system for the truck so when this fails it affects everything else. Upon taking to dealership we were told Ram is aware of this issue and has changed the design of the newer tail light assemblies including better weather stripping to keep water out. So they admit there is an issue but will not cover replacement of the faulty part and instead quotes almost $2000 to fix this. We called Ram directly at 800-334-9200 to lodge a complaint and inform them that this is a serious safety issue. Case #[XXX] was opened. This problem is not limited to just us as a simple google search of “blind spot alert ram truck “ yields hundreds of people who have and are experiencing this same issue. It seems a recall should be issued to address this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction contract warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering and the service brakes did not function as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the steering was inoperable and very hard to steer. The contact stated that snow was on the ground and due to the failure, the contact's vehicle crashed into a concrete curve. The contact stated that when the vehicle crashed into the concrete curve, the service brakes and the steering were independently reset. The vehicle was damaged on the front driver's side rim, however, the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was being towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,327. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | 75,327 |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Gas filler line (exterior of car to gas tank) exhibits blowback when filling gas tank resulting in backup of gasoline /fuel often spilling on to pavement and clothing/shoes. This is a personal safety and environmental impact item. Multiple instances reported in on line forums and verbally acknowledged as a frequent problem in RAM 1500 vehicles. No lights/warnings were noted. Problem started at greater than 65000 miles. Problem is not intermittent. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongey as if the brake fluid level was low. The contact continued to drive the vehicle normally. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle, the contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control - (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control(ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon using an OBD reader to scan the vehicle, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble code U0415, which indicated an ABS failure. A Canadian local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 45,000 |