2021 RAM 1500

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337

Complainant [XXX], a licensed contractor, master plumber, and master craftsman in [XXX], reports an unresolved, hazardous defect pattern on a 2021 RAM 1500 TRX (odometer: ~27,842). The vehicle features a 702-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 requiring specialized auxiliary cooling to prevent acute thermal derating, engine shutdown, and loss of motive power at highway speeds. BeginningXXX, recurring check-engine lights, "Intercooler Coolant Low" warnings, and confirmed DTCs P026E (Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Performance) and P0EA7 (Auxiliary Coolant Pump Control Circuit Performance) emerged, governed by Stellantis TSB 07-003-22. The vehicle was brought repeatedly to authorized dealer [XXX] CDJR ([XXX]) under Service Director [XXX] for safety remediation. Instead of curing the root electrical and cooling failures, the dealer engaged in a 5-month cycle of clearing codes, withholding Wi-Tech diagnostic logs, and holding the truck across multiple visits for over 45 cumulative days. During these extended holds, the vehicle suffered multiple deep-discharge battery cycles and parasitic drains, further degrading safety-critical electrical modules. The dealer then refused to release the vehicle without payment of an unsubstantiated $1,796.98 balance, unlawfully grounding a compromised vehicle while withholding proof of diagnostic repairs. Despite exhaustive pre-suit efforts, dealer management stonewalled all resolution. Formal complaints were logged with the WA Attorney General (File XXX), WA Dept. of Licensing (File XXX), and FTC (Report XXX). Active civil litigation is pending in Clark County Superior Court (Case XXX) with a 12-person jury pursuit. Chronic auxiliary cooling pump failure creates severe sudden shutdown risks in traffic. Federal defect investigation is urgently requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776429

Incident

Sep 22, 2026

There are issues where the dash display goes blank and the headlights do not operate properly. The headlights will not switch from dim to bright automatically or manually. At times one or more lights will not even illuminate. It is not a constant problem but intermittent instead. We are not comfortable driving the vehicle after dark because it may happen at any time.

NHTSA ID

11776224

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Ram 1500. At the time of purchase in June 2024, the vehicle mileage was 16,203. The vehicle was dealer sale. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy while attempting to trade in the vehicle to another dealer, who presented a Carfax report listing the mileage at 16,244 in May 2024. Additionally, the Carfax report indicated that the vehicle had been serviced every 50,000 miles at Szott M-59 Jeep (6700 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48383). The contact stated the vehicle had never been serviced at Szott M-59 Jeep. The current mileage was 52,517.

NHTSA ID

11776174

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Mileage

52,517 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the diesel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11775693

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

Transmission issues are a known problem in the 2021 Ram 1500 and have been for a while, with no recalls. Slipping of gear. Delay or jerking into reverse. Putting it in reverse and it telling me to put it into park or it auto-correcting itself into park. While driving twice and going from complete stop after the auto correcting went to pull off & the vehicle did not go into gear the RPM was raised and the truck moved forward but would not go into gear. The smell of transmission fluid and possible coolant seem to be in truck through vent. The Malfunction Indicator light came on. Had a Shop check code said it showed Valve Body. All these are known issues with the transmission and should be recalled as this is very dangerous for driving as it could stop in road, loose power going up hill on interstate and if there are leaks it could cause a fire. There should have been recalls and investigations. Manufacture knows these issues are and have been happening but does not want to spend the money to fix problems. Ignores and hopes warranty will be gone before it happens so it will be on the owner. That is what they did with me.

NHTSA ID

11774505

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

The engine oil pan severely corroded and over 30% of the 18 gauge steel scaled away. For an 18-gauge steel oil pan (nominal thickness of 0.0478 inches or 1.2 mm), the threshold where rust becomes hazardous is remarkably thin—literally and figuratively. Because an oil pan holds hot, chemically active fluid and is subjected to constant vibration and thermal cycling, the margin for corrosion safety is very small: 1. The Pinhole and Leak Threshold (25% to 30% Loss) * The Limit: If deep rust pitting or scaling eats away more than 0.012 to 0.015 inches (roughly 25% to 30% of the wall thickness), the metal is no longer structurally sound enough to contain the oil under thermal expansion and vibration. * The Hazard: At this stage, microscopic or sudden pinhole leaks will form. Even a slow weep can drain enough oil over time to starve the engine, or worse, spray atomized oil onto a hot exhaust pipe, creating a severe fire hazard.

NHTSA ID

11774477

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

A check engine light issue fuel filler neck replace, eism leak detection pump and fuel line bundle

NHTSA ID

11774443

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. Once I come to a stop, the e-brake is automatically applied and the vehicle will not restart or respond to any inputs from the keyfob. Vehicle is towed to nearest dealer, am told that the issue is related to an open recall that they have fixed and is now operating as normal. Less than one week later, the exact same thing occurs again, once again while traveling at highway speeds. Is towed into another dealer for service, and it is identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced due to a water leak. Repair is completed and vehicle returns to normal operation. 10/16/26 I attempt to start the vehicle with no success. After evaluating for a dead battery the vehicle is once again towed to a dealer (the same one that serviced it the first time). It is again identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced again due to a water leak around the back glass. I point out the Warranty Bulletin D-23-17 that would cover my vehicle and pertains to back glass water leaks. Am told by the dealer and Ram customer care that it does not in fact apply to my vehicle based on manufacturing date, despite it directly conflicting with the dates reflected on the notice. The TSB and the Warranty Bulletin appear to have conflicting dates for manufacture on them. This is incredibly deceptive behavior by Ram and should be looked into further. I have identified at least 8 previous complaints submitted to the NHTSA pertaining to the water leak/RF Module issue within the last 18 months along with acknowledgement from multiple service advisors at the dealerships that it is a known issue, yet no recall has been issued for it. Due to the potential and documented history of this leading to sudden power loss, it is merely a matter of time before this results in severe injury or loss of life.

NHTSA ID

11772120

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

GEAR MOTOR - TRANSFER CASE

GEAR MOTOR - TRANSFER CASE

After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive.

After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive.

The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE Transmission Only)

Engine PNs: MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide sufficient clearance for proper routing of the MDS solenoid jumper harness (PN 05148163AE). As a result, the harness may become compressed by the foam cover. To prevent unnecessary part replacement, the MDS solenoid jumper harness (PN 05148163AE) should be inspected for damage or pinch conditions prior to replacing the following part numbers: Engine PNs: 68409343AA 68409357AA 68450915AA OCV PNs: 53022338AB Phaser PNs: 53022298AA 53022298AB