RoadVitals

2021 RAM 1500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 21V037000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
678
+8 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
15
Latest Jul 30, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
31
23 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 678 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 RAM 1500, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and driver assistance categories. 15 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 1,127 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

15 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

Jul 30, 2026
1,271,294 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 67DView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Nov 6, 2025
532 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 14CView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

May 8, 2025
71 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 08CView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA23001OpenEngineering Analysis

High pressure fuel pump failure

Opened Mar 17, 2023

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

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPLed to recall 24V957

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Sep 16, 2026

I am writing to express my concern about vehicle warranty coverage being provided by RAM (Stellantis NA) on their vehicles. I have a 2021 Ram 1500 which has a motor generator unit (MGU) which has failed due to a defect with the bearings. This has been diagnosed by the dealership and identified as covered under the emissions warranty. This diagnosis was made by Kolosso Ram in Appleton, Wisconsin in June of 2026. At this time I was advised that it could be a 6 to 8 month wait for parts because of a parts shortage due to the demand for the replacement part. My vehicle has been out of service since April while I maintain loan payments, depreciation of value, insurance and have no vehicle for transportation. A call to Ram was unsuccessful on two occasions to obtain any kind of relief in form of loaner vehicle or faster procurement of the part. Ram continues to build vehicles with this MGU unit while customers are stuck with inoperable vehicles some of with are still under original warranty or covered by the emissions warranty. The failure of Ram to ensure that customers have working vehicles is causing undue stress both emotionally and financially. This is also a potential safety issue as failed parts could put operators in an unsafe position.

NHTSA ID
11764603
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Airbags
Filed Sep 13, 2026

Unknown, my Ram has a glue issue with the dashboard especially the passenger side of the vehicle which may affect the airbag operating correctly the dashboard is coming apart do to glue not properly installed on 2021 Ram truck.

NHTSA ID
11763927
Incident
May 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Sep 11, 2026
Crash reported

Purchase vehicle new and report issue with steering vibration and wandering feel after purchasing on multiple occasions when having the vehicle serviced by dealership. No issues found was the response each time, but condition continued. Front tire wear indicated something wasn't right. Replaced tires with OEM Goodyear tires even though symptoms persisted. While traveling this past winter in inclement weather vehicle lost traction while crossing a bridge as safe speed. Manage to correct but ended up in the guardrail. Report issue to Stellantis/RAM who investigate and reported no issues. Vehicle was repaired by dealer body and repair shop. Upon pickup vehicle was not drivable due to "Wobble of Death". Shop determined it was a bad wheel. Vehicle drove okay but front-end vibration returned. Spoke with shop manager and stated tires has flat spots. Truck was parked for service a long time. Purchase a new set of tires, Michelins thinking it may be the brand that was issue. Condition persists with vibration wear showing tires already,

NHTSA ID
11763700
Incident
Jan 25, 2026
Filed Sep 8, 2026

BULLITIN TSB 23 098 23 SLIDING REAR WINDOW LEAK PROBLEM FOR 2019-2021 DODGE RAM 1500. DEALER CHARGED $1,247.51 FOR THE REPAIR OF REPLACING THE WINDOW AND FRAME. ALSO THE WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE BACK SEAT ZAPPED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM THE WATER DAMAGE COSTING US $2,395.28. BULLITIN STELLANTIS ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION XL1 ALONGSIDE THIS BULLETIN EXTENDING THE BACKLITE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 8 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE ORIGINAL IN SERVICE DATE. WE WERE TOLD OUR VIN NUMBER NOT INCLUDED BUT SAME PART NUMBER OF THOSE COVERED UNDER THE BULLITIN, OUR VEHICLE SAME PROBELM AND IS A 2021 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA ID
11762835
Incident
Aug 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026

I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. I have already taken the vehicle to a Ram dealership for this same issue. The dealership performed a computer/software update in an attempt to correct the problem, but the P00AF issue continued afterward. I returned to the dealership and was told they could not reproduce the problem during their test drive and therefore could not repair it. The problem remains unresolved. I am concerned this may involve a premature failure or defect involving the turbocharger, electronic VGT actuator, or VGT control mechanism on the Gen 3 EcoDiesel. This is particularly concerning because I use the vehicle to tow an approximately 8,000-pound travel trailer. A turbocharger/VGT failure while towing could cause sudden loss of engine power, particularly under heavy load or while climbing grades, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. The intermittent nature of the problem makes it difficult for the dealership to reproduce, but the fault continues to occur during actual vehicle operation. A software update has already been attempted without resolving the issue. I request that NHTSA investigate whether there is a pattern of premature turbocharger/VGT actuator or VGT mechanism failures resulting in P00AF on 2020–2023 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 vehicles. I can provide dealership repair documentation, diagnostic information, photographs, mileage, and other supporting information if requested.

NHTSA ID
11762650
Incident
Sep 6, 2026
Driver assistanceSeat belts
Filed Sep 3, 2026

Driver side seatbelts issues, issues locking the buckle. Also car has engine light come up after emergency braking system error. Goes in to reduced power mode. If shut off and turn back on, truck is fine.

NHTSA ID
11761860
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ID
11761686
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Mileage
81,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 31, 2026

This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 22V-767 / Stellantis Recall Z96 for a defective Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. The recall remedy (HPFP replacement) was performed at an authorized Stellantis/Ram dealership on 3/29/2024. On 8/9/2026, while driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and blocked the road in the left lane. The vehicle failed to restart and needed to be towed. The vehicle was independently inspected at Saddleback Automotive Service Center, Santa Ana, CA (RO# 130026). The technician documented diagnostic trouble codes P0087 (fuel pressure governor deviation, low pressure), P025C (fuel pump module control circuit low), and P016F (closed-loop fuel pressure control at limit, pressure too low) — all consistent with the same CP4.2 HPFP failure mode the recall was intended to remedy. Photographic and video documentation confirms metallic contamination in the engine oil and fuel filter screen. This failure occurred more than two years after the recall repair, and Stellantis (Case #97888077) has denied consequential-damage coverage citing the standard 24-month Mopar parts warranty on the replaced pump. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy performed in March 2024 appears to have been inadequate: the vehicle experienced a recurrence of the same fault codes associated with the recalled component, and the resulting metal contamination caused catastrophic engine damage. I believe this indicates the recall remedy did not fully address the underlying defect and that other vehicles that received the same recall remedy may be at risk of the same outcome. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the 22V-767/Z96 recall remedy is adequately preventing this failure mode in vehicles that received the HPFP replacement, and that this complaint be associated with any existing investigation into recurring CP4.2-related failures post-remedy.

NHTSA ID
11761142
Incident
Aug 9, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9100898

ENGINE

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

114072

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MOTOR - WINDOW REGULATOR

114073

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MOTOR - WINDOW REGULATOR

9100274 Rev 1

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Blindspot Module For concern on Blindspot Module setting U11FB-00 Lost Communication with Left Blind Spot Sensor, U11FA-00 Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor. Some vehicle(s) where the Blindspot Module was replaced had no issues found with the Blindspot Module after testing. Please verify no wiring or connector issues are present prior to module replacement.

S2608000033

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park

21-056-26

POWER TRAIN

Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates Customers may comment on one or more of the following: SYMPTOM: ● **Harsh or slipping feeling during upshifts (1st - 5th). ● Harsh or slipping feeling during kickdown events under throttle. ● Transmission fluid odor (burnt smell).** ● During a 2 - 3 transmission upshift, the engine is hitting rev limit. ● Hesitation feel during a pedal tip in, while engine is warming up below 1 °C (30 °F) ambient temp. This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

RAM 1500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026967057.6
20253518057.8
2024746062.4
202320111060.1
202261216265.3
2021Viewing67815161.7
202062814163.1
20191,47730162.6
201866115264.1
201787813371.7
20161,54117470.1
20151,44818570.0
20141,76617568.1
20131,27612469.1
2012001—
2011001—
2010002—
2009372151.5
2008000—
2003000—
1997000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.