2021 RAM 1500 Owner Complaints

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XXX -- four days before I purchased the vehicle. The dealer, John Heister Dodge Ram, did not disclose this open recall at any point during the sale, and the vehicle was sold to me with the defect unrepaired. This is a known safety-related defect, as new vehicles are required to have open recalls repaired before delivery. The recall remedy has not yet been performed on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760353

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

Air bag light on. Needed temp start

NHTSA ID

11760173

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", and "Self-Park Assist Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under an unknown recall associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The dealer stated that the failure might be electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11759110

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.

NHTSA ID

11758255

Incident

Aug 16, 2026

Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i reverse. This does not happen every time but does happen often. I haven't had it checked out professionally because it hasn't been permanent but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

NHTSA ID

11756871

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

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

NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint I am submitting this complaint to request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate a potential safety defect involving the dashboard on my 2021 Ram TRX. The dashboard on my vehicle has developed significant bubbling and delamination in the area of the passenger-side airbag deployment seam. While the manufacturer and dealership have characterized this condition as a cosmetic issue, I believe this assessment fails to address the potential safety implications associated with deformation of the dashboard in a critical airbag deployment zone.The passenger airbag is engineered to deploy through a designated seam in the dashboard. When the dashboard material bubbles, separates, warps, or delaminates in this area, there is a reasonable concern that the airbag's intended deployment path could be altered or obstructed. Any interference with the airbag's deployment could reduce its effectiveness or create an additional hazard to vehicle occupants during a collision.I recognize that I cannot determine whether my specific vehicle's airbag performance has been affected without engineering analysis or crash testing. However, I believe the condition presents a legitimate safety concern that warrants investigation because it involves a safety-critical component designed to protect occupants during a crash.I have also become aware that numerous owners of Ram trucks have reported similar dashboard bubbling and delamination, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but rather a recurring defect. If this condition is widespread and occurs in the airbag deployment area, it raises concerns that extend beyond appearance and into occupant safety.The purpose of this complaint is not simply to seek a cosmetic repair. My concern is that a defect affecting the dashboard in the passenger airbag deployment zone has the potential to compromise the proper operation of a federally required safety system.

NHTSA ID

11751363

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

Me and my 2 children and my husband were traveling to Springfield Mo . We had stopped for some snacks at Dollar general . When we all go back in the vehicle . My husband tried to start our truck he was turning the key over and over and it just wasn’t starting . Here it is 95 degrees outside with 2 small children and our truck is our only transportation . So my husband explained to AI what issue we were having and it said an issue with our Powertrain Control Module . The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is your vehicle's central computer, effectively serving as its brain. It combines the functions of the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) to manage how your car moves, continually monitoring data like fuel-to-air ratios, ignition timing, and gear shifts. Ai explained to us to disconnect our negative terminal to our battery and wait a few minutes and everything would reset . After waiting we were finally able to start our truck . After we got home I called a dodge dealership near me and asked them to look up any recalls on our vehicle and they said none active . This is a safety issue because the last thing I need is to have our only vehicle stuck on the side with two small children in 95° weather heat stuck on the side of the road somewhere. Please we need to make known that this is a safety issue so no one including myself has this issue with their 2021 Laramie 1500 truck . Thank you , I am a concerned mother

NHTSA ID

11751341

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. Approximately six months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, ABS, stability control, and brake warning lights illuminated, and the "Auto Park Disabled," "Service Antilock Brake System," and "Service ABS System" warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor and the wheel bearing needed to be replaced. Diagnostic trouble codes U0415, C0572, C053D, and C10F5 were retrieved. The speed sensor and the wheel bearing were replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to backordered parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11749322

Incident

Feb 15, 2025

I am experiencing a severe, life-threatening stalling issue with my 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. While driving at low speeds through a neighborhood (between 5 and 15 mph), the engine suddenly and cleanly shuts down without any prior warning, sputtering, or illumination of dashboard error lights.As soon as the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion, the truck's transmission safety system triggers 'AutoPark' and instantly activates the electronic parking brake. This causes the truck to violently slam to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway, locking the rear wheels. After coming to a complete stop, the vehicle can be immediately restarted and will drive normally without storing any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).This exact failure mode matches the dangerous behavior outlined in NHTSA Recall 23V-265 (FCA Recall 37A). However, the manufacturer's database lists this recall as 'completed' on my specific VIN. The software update either failed to permanently resolve the issue, or a hardware defect within the eTorque electrical/grounding system is mimicking the safety defect. The sudden, uncommanded braking in active traffic poses an extreme risk of a rear-end collision or crash. This has happened a few times while the vehicle was under warranty

NHTSA ID

11748408

Incident

Jul 1, 2026