SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
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.govOverview
Our database contains 665 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 1,124 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | 11 | 69 |
| Oct 2021 | 22 | 91 |
| Nov 2021 | 18 | 109 |
| Dec 2021 | 11 | 120 |
| Jan 2022 | 18 | 138 |
| Feb 2022 | 13 | 151 |
| Mar 2022 | 13 | 164 |
| Apr 2022 | 13 | 177 |
| May 2022 | 13 | 190 |
| Jun 2022 | 8 | 198 |
| Jul 2022 | 8 | 206 |
| Aug 2022 | 7 | 213 |
| Sep 2022 | 4 | 217 |
| Oct 2022 | 5 | 222 |
| Nov 2022 | 4 | 226 |
| Dec 2022 | 7 | 233 |
| Jan 2023 | 12 | 245 |
| Feb 2023 | 12 | 257 |
| Mar 2023 | 11 | 268 |
| Apr 2023 | 13 | 281 |
| May 2023 | 7 | 288 |
| Jun 2023 | 6 | 294 |
| Jul 2023 | 8 | 302 |
| Aug 2023 | 10 | 312 |
| Sep 2023 | 12 | 324 |
| Oct 2023 | 7 | 331 |
| Nov 2023 | 6 | 337 |
| Dec 2023 | 10 | 347 |
| Jan 2024 | 7 | 354 |
| Feb 2024 | 5 | 359 |
| Mar 2024 | 10 | 369 |
| Apr 2024 | 6 | 375 |
| May 2024 | 6 | 381 |
| Jun 2024 | 5 | 386 |
| Jul 2024 | 8 | 394 |
| Aug 2024 | 2 | 396 |
| Sep 2024 | 11 | 407 |
| Oct 2024 | 19 | 426 |
| Nov 2024 | 11 | 437 |
| Dec 2024 | 6 | 443 |
| Jan 2025 | 13 | 456 |
| Feb 2025 | 17 | 473 |
| Mar 2025 | 12 | 485 |
| Apr 2025 | 19 | 504 |
| May 2025 | 19 | 523 |
| Jun 2025 | 12 | 535 |
| Jul 2025 | 10 | 545 |
| Aug 2025 | 14 | 559 |
| Sep 2025 | 17 | 576 |
| Oct 2025 | 11 | 587 |
| Nov 2025 | 5 | 592 |
| Dec 2025 | 9 | 601 |
| Jan 2026 | 9 | 610 |
| Feb 2026 | 6 | 616 |
| Mar 2026 | 10 | 626 |
| Apr 2026 | 11 | 637 |
| May 2026 | 6 | 643 |
| Jun 2026 | 10 | 653 |
| Jul 2026 | 9 | 662 |
| Aug 2026 | 3 | 665 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine27627.5%
- Electrical19319.2%
- Driver assistance10610.6%
- Powertrain (other)959.5%
- Fuel system949.4%
- Brakes767.6%
- Steering484.8%
- Body & structure323.2%
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.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL; STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
High pressure fuel pump failure
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
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
REAR WINDOW FRAME CRACKED AT BOTH CORNERS- WATER LEAKS INSIDE OF VEHICLE DURING RAIN. THIS CAN AFFECT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE AT THE REAR CAB INSIDE THE TRUCK. I NOTICED THIS A MONTH AGO BUT DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN THERE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755206
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2026
Engine ticking and trunk lock latch not opening
- NHTSA ID
- 11755099
- Incident
- Aug 5, 2026
I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington, Texas on November 11, 2025 and was advised they were going to do a software update. On July 27th , I contacted (formerly Don Davis) now Clay Cooley Ram dealership and spoke to a service representative, Jose Hernandez. I explained that the brakes feel very spongy and takes more time to slow the vehicle down (constantly have to brake several times when approaching other vehicles or at red lights). It is very noticeable and is dangerous for me and others on the roadway. He explained that I am now responsible for the diagnosis evaluation of $99.95 plus the fee to update the EBS software. Jose explained that everytime the brake system needs to be updated, then I am financially responsible for these fees because the 36,000 miles warranty has expired. I explained to him that I am guaranteed a "Lemon Law" protection in my purchase. In addition, this vehicle only has approximately 28,000 miles
- NHTSA ID
- 11754291
- Incident
- Jul 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized in place and failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753976
- Incident
- Jul 29, 2026
- Mileage
- 85,000 mi
RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753665
- Incident
- Jul 17, 2021
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
- NHTSA ID
- 11753305
- Incident
- Jul 26, 2026
MGU unit failed / car seized in the middle of the road - sent in to be repaired Unsafe to be stuck in the middle of the road, could not even put the car in neutral to push out of the road Known problem that RAM and Stellantis know about and are not placing warnings. We were told by the dealership we were 5,000 in line for a new part and that it would take a year. No warnings, truck ran perfectly before
- NHTSA ID
- 11752289
- Incident
- Jun 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the high beam headlights failed to illuminate while the button was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the CSSM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11752021
- Incident
- Jun 12, 2026
- Mileage
- 147,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at the pump and perform a visual inspection of the connector for and bent, spread, or pushed out terminals. Repair any issues found. Reconnect the plug and perform a push pull push to ensure the connector is fully installed. Then perform 3 keys cycles and listen to hear if the fuel pump is operational. If the fuel pump is heard that indicates that everything is operating correctly. If the pump is heard replacement is not necessary, any replacement will function in the same way.
CORE – HEATER
CORE – HEATER
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 71 | 5 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2025 | 308 | 7 | 0 | 58.0 |
| 2024 | 69 | 6 | 0 | 60.7 |
| 2023 | 191 | 11 | 0 | 60.2 |
| 2022 | 597 | 16 | 2 | 65.8 |
| 2021Viewing | 665 | 15 | 1 | 62.3 |
| 2020 | 620 | 14 | 1 | 63.4 |
| 2019 | 1,457 | 30 | 1 | 63.0 |
| 2018 | 646 | 15 | 2 | 63.9 |
| 2017 | 863 | 13 | 3 | 71.9 |
| 2016 | 1,517 | 17 | 4 | 70.5 |
| 2015 | 1,430 | 18 | 5 | 70.0 |
| 2014 | 1,745 | 17 | 5 | 68.4 |
| 2013 | 1,259 | 12 | 4 | 69.6 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2009 | 37 | 2 | 1 | 51.5 |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.