2021 RAM 1500 Driver assistance Problems

air bags, warning lamps on, it could be dangerous. don't know if it's been checked no accidents yet.

NHTSA ID

11736338

Incident

May 31, 2025

the reverse camera quit working, trailer reverse function inop, service electric throttle light is on. I have had the recall completed. the programing did not completely correct the issue. the vehicle s at the dealership now - has been there for a week now- no word on what the problem is.

NHTSA ID

11731381

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

Electrical system shutdown including loss of all safety features (blind spot, emergency braking, abs, traction control, towing), climate control options (AC, Heat, window operations) and user interfaces (U-Connect screen, center gauge cluster). Initial warnings (2) on center cluster on listed- 1. Blind Spot Detection Disabled 2. 115 Volt Cargo Power Outlet On All electronics, controls were then disabled- black screens, inoperable controls. Passenger rear windows, sliding back glass, panoramic sunroof and drivers side mirror are the only working electronics other than speedometer. Upon inspection of all fuses, relays, battery, alternator, and checking all accessible wiring related to blind spot and auxiliary power and finding no defective issues, web searches were performed. Based on numerous other RAM owners on multiple forums on RAM trucks 2020 and newer with blind spot avoidance, we found a likely culprit in the driver's side brake light. Upon inspection of the left rear brake light assembly, a small hairline crack was located with signs of internal moisture/ condensation. After observing the internal moisture the drivers side rear brake housing was removed and disconnected for closer inspection and potential repair. While the driver side brake light assembly was removed, an instance occurred when my wife needed the vehicle. Upon and during the entirety of operation over the next 1.5 hrs driving approximately 63 miles, all electrical options worked as intended minus the blind spot avoidance and a new warning on brake lamps (obvious as tail light had been removed). During this time, the proximity sensor housing was removed from the assembly, water accumulation dried, and allowed to remain open next to a dehumidifier for 4 hours. Epoxy was applied over the hairline Crack, and any area that looked as if could be affected. Unit was reinstalled, however all electronic failure returned. Unit removed again to attempt humidity removal- all electronics res

NHTSA ID

11728155

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

Engine malfunction cause low oil pressure and cause a catastrophic failure and lock brakes up multiple people i know have had same issue as me and it due to a manufacturer error on oil gallery bolts backing out and causes rockers not to get proper oil and chews cams up

NHTSA ID

11726139

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

Stellantis is recalling over 1.2 million 2019-2024 Ram 1500 pickups, including the 2021 model year, due to a software flaw in the ABS module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system My ram vin is not listed, but i am receiving this error.

NHTSA ID

11721459

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed from service immediately and taken to an authorized RAM dealer. Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management have acknowledged the defect and identified a required replacement part; however, the part has been on national backorder since October 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the vehicle has been out of service for over three months. Stellantis has provided at least ten different estimated repair dates, all of which have passed without resolution. Despite the steering-related nature of the failure, Stellantis has stated there is no active safety recall. The vehicle remains unrepaired due to the unavailability of the required steering-related component. I am concerned that this defect may affect other vehicles and that the prolonged inability to repair a known steering failure presents an ongoing public safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to request formal review of this issue and to document the safety implications of this unresolved steering defect.

NHTSA ID

11708022

Incident

May 1, 2025

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 while reversing downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travelled down to the floorboard and became stiff, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal several times, the brake pedal responded as intended, and the vehicle slowly decelerated; however, the braking distance was extended. A brake message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11703235

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

Mileage

30,000 mi

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 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 stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Battery Low Voltage" was displayed and the vehicle experienced loss of power steering functionality and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to the recall. Additionally, the contact was informed that the E-Torque generator also needed to be replaced but the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11701509

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an Over-the-Air update was been performed on the vehicle overnight and the following day the battery was drained and needed to be replaced. The contact drove another vehicle to an independent mechanic and purchased a new battery. After replacing the battery, an error code for a firmware failure was displayed on the instrument panel. As a result of the message, the radio module became defective, and the back over prevention system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11694043

Incident

Sep 20, 2025

Mileage

50,000 mi

I was driving on the highway going the speed limit and the car suddenly slowed to 35 and all sorts of lights (check engine light and others) came on and messages went across the screen about the throttle control and stability control. This is the 4th time this has happened to me. Each time I bring it to the dealer and am told "its a known computer glitch" or that there is a fix but it continues to happen again. Suddenly losing power and speed has caused other drivers to slam on breaks, swerve, etc. In order to reset the car I have to pull over on the highway to restart it. This is putting my safety and the safety of others at risk.

NHTSA ID

11690329

Incident

Sep 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and ECS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the ABS. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11688348

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

Mileage

62,000 mi

Mine was flickering the 115v cargo outlet and the radio was Turning on and off… blind monitoring system, Cap applying the brakes, automatically thinking something was in front or behind me

NHTSA ID

11674110

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

THE VEHICLE STARTS BUT WILL NOT ACCELERATE, and the necessary replacement part is still unavailable. I was informed that the manufacturer does not have the part in stock and that it needs to be manufactured, with an estimated arrival date of July 29th.

NHTSA ID

11672633

Incident

Jun 26, 2025

When driving home in the rain going 65+/- MPH my truck just shut off and turned back on, but was not able to accelerate. Had to pull off on the side of the road and the car started back up. This happened at least 5 more times on my 30 minute ride back home. When I finally got it home the truck would not cut off. I had to disconnect the batter which still did NOT stall the truck. Luckily I found a forum that advised to pull a specific fuse to cut the truck off. My biggest concern was that no warning lights or error codes came up on the dash it just went blank and came back on. The vehicle is currently at Roger Williams Ram Dealership in Weatherford TX. They have had the truck over a week and are still trying to figure out what the problem is. They have replaced a fuse box to my knowledge but this didnt fix the issue. I have video of the incident (driving with no power).

NHTSA ID

11669395

Incident

Jun 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the electronic stability control system warning light illuminated. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the contact noticed a mushy sensation and a significant reduction in braking power. The contact proceeded to use the brakes on the trailer to be able to slow the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the ABS had failed, and a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

NHTSA ID

11665820

Incident

Apr 29, 2025

Mileage

71,000 mi

While driving on the highway with cruise control engaged, the system became stuck and would not disengage. I attempted to cancel cruise control using the button, tap the brakes, and shift to neutral, but none of these actions worked immediately. The truck continued accelerating beyond the set speed, putting my life and the lives of others in serious danger. I eventually regained control after repeatedly braking and forcing the truck into neutral, but this was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in a fatal crash. To my knowledge, there were no warning lights or messages before or during the incident. I have not had the problem confirmed by a dealer yet, but I contacted the manufacturer (RAM customer service), and they instructed me to take the vehicle to a dealership for diagnostics at my own expense. This appears to be a serious defect in the cruise control or throttle system, and I am requesting a formal investigation.

NHTSA ID

11657520

Incident

Apr 29, 2025

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in 35 degree weather I finished refueling My 2021 Dodge Ram limited Hemi Etorque at conserve fuel in buellton Ca . Another car was at the pump in front of me so I put the truck into reverse to back up from pump and exit . When truck started in reverse it felt like the Emergency brake automatically engaged itself as it made a loud brake rubbing sound in and completely stopped very quickly . This seemed very harsh on the vehicle . I had a current safely recall fixed for software update on 1/20/25 at crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Ram in Ventura Ca. I was recently rear ended and have whiplash and this agitated my neck more as it was so sudden with no warning noises or alerts on dash . When I drove to nearest ram dealer in Santa Maria I was told they where to busy with no mechanics to look at truck and to take it back to Ventura service who did safety recall and never provided me what work was actually done to truck . This is a huge inconvenience as i to drive 45 mins south or one hour north to get to dodge dealers .just purchased this used truck last Saturday not knowing about this issue and software effecting vehicle . I will try and contact gas station to see if this was captured on outdoor surveillance cameras . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11637844

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

I just purchased a new truck on Friday and was told on car fax it had a open recall .On 1/20/25 around 0835 I arrived at service entrance and was not greeted or checked in after being told I would be charged a diagnosis fee for a very important safety recall related to ABS . I would like this incident investigated as it jeopardizes my and my family safety . Also told him the truck was under warranty and the wireless charging for phones was not working and got bring it back to where you bought it . I requested his supervisor and he walked away and acted like he was on the phone . This is my only local dodge dealer and now forced to goad hour south to get this fixed . I took a card because service manager never came out to address me as customer this dealership needs looked into .I think I was also discriminated at for being Caucasian as both service techs are Hispanic info email of service manager from card is Location of Dodge dealer . The person that wanted to charge me avoided me asking his name but had long curly hair and younger thug attitude guy . Also was told to leave after like anyone would be upset of a safety recall that are free and being told I would be charged. I’m requesting an investigation into this matter and or pursuing legal action . I know it’s a federal holiday and I have a 3 day weekend but hope this matter can be addressed soon as this is not right . Thank you . New Century Motors of Santa Barbara 300 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara Ca 93105 [email protected]

NHTSA ID

11637060

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11634017

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11632707

Incident

Dec 5, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11630309

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID

11629091

Incident

Dec 5, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11627602

Incident

Nov 26, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11627366

Incident

Mar 25, 2024

Mileage

35,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11626509

Incident

Nov 20, 2024