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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Nov 2024 | STRUCTURE | First off the recall for the tailgate issued was supposedly checked and OK. We pulled up to a light on [XXX], Pelham, AL 35124. When turning right onto [XXX] , the tailgate popped open and a $750.00 Drill and about $1,500.00 in concrete drills and chisels fell out in a case in the roadway. They were picked up and stolen before we could turn around and return to the scene to get them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Ram continues to refuse to implement a fix for Recall 24V-653. The ABS disabling the Electronic Stability Control is extremely dangerous and renders my truck unfit for its intended purpose. Additionally the failure to implement a fix has made it impossible to sell or trade in my truck fir it's full market value. | 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 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 | POWER TRAIN | Ice and snow packs in the underbody of the truck. Specifically, over the exposed cable that moves a few inches to transition the truck to park (for ram trucks with rotary knob for shifter) Ice builds up on exposed cable and prevents truck from safely shifting into park causing error messages and rolling concerns. This issue has been confirmed with my dealership and is all over ram 1500 online forums from 2016 to present. Cable needs to be protected (encased) from snow/ice build up. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING | The Electronic Power Steering malfunction while driving. The “Service Power Steering” warning light was illumiated and no power assisted steering was available during failure. The vehicle was nearly impossible to steer off the highway. Luckily other drivers were paying attention and were able to steer clear of me. Waited about an hour in a parking lot with the Truck off and when I restarted it Power Steering was working again. The Truck was brought to the Dealership and I was told they were unable to replicate the issue and to bring it back if it does. I also started hearing a grinding sound when making a slow right hand turn. After the 3rd occurance of losing Power Steering while driving I brought it back to the Dealer and they replaced the steering rack. After about a year the replacement rack is exhibiting the same symptoms. I tow a 5th wheel trailer and if I lose Power Steering while hauling that heavy load myself and others around me can be seriously injured. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE | 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the anti-slip control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service Vehicle" and "4-wheel Drive Failure" were displayed. The front wheels of the vehicle seized, causing the vehicle to start pulling to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My lights on dash come on stablizer,abs, anti slip and 4 wheel drive and it wants to jerk to left like brake activating had it looked at poages Hannibal mo fixed wheel speed sensor didn't help so now said nothing they can do theres no solution. I can't drive my truck to scared of it . Need to get something I don't have a vehicle and making a payment on something I can't drive. Don't know if I can trust this vehicle anymore can't trade it In nobody wants it please somebody help GET RAM company in gear to take care of this before somebody gets hurt or even killed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 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 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 |
| Oct 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate unlatched unintendedly. The contact was able to close the tailgate; however, the tailgate had since failed to unlatch and was no longer able to be opened. After inspecting the vehicle and researching the cause of the failure, the contact concluded that the tailgate was out of alignment. The dealer was made aware of the failure but had not inspected, diagnosed, or repaired the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle had already received the one-time free repair under recall. The failure mileage was 68,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 68,000 |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Open recall 75B on 21 ram 1500 dealer and manufacture says they don’t not have software update for my vehicle and there nothing they can do. Hard to get into contact with anyone and once I do I’m transferred or waiting on hold for hours | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Recall on vehicle I just bought for a long trip, has no remedy! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |