2021 RAM 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 RAM 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine27627.5%
- Electrical19319.2%
- Driver assistance10610.6%
- Powertrain (other)959.5%
- Fuel system949.4%
- Brakes767.6%
- Steering484.8%
- Body & structure323.2%
- Airbags252.5%
- Visibility232.3%
- Exterior lighting121.2%
- Suspension90.9%
- Other / unspecified50.5%
- Tires & wheels40.4%
- Seat belts30.3%
- Transmission20.2%
- Interior & seats10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Engine ticking and trunk lock latch not opening
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
air bags, warning lamps on, it could be dangerous. don't know if it's been checked no accidents yet.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
My 2021 RAM 1500 ecodiesel was subject to an NHTSA recall (23V-263). The recall included a replacement High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) due to a mechanical defect in the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that causes the pump to fail prematurely and destroy itself internally. The HPFP was replaced under the recall over two years ago, only for the new fuel pump to fail catastrophically and send parts through the fuel loop. The failure has been confirmed by a manufacturer dealership service center (Huntington Beach, CA). The failure lead to immediate engine shutoff while driving in traffic. The vehicle could not be moved out of a busy street under its own power. There were no warning signs prior to failure.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
In January I experienced a “backlite leak” that allowed water to enter the cab of my vehicle. As a direct result of this water intrusion, my RFH (Radio Frequency Hub) module failed due to electrical shorting caused by moisture exposure. This failure was sudden and completely outside of my control and was not the result of misuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. Not to mention the risk it put my family in as I was driving with my wife and daughter when the module failed and caused total power failure. I was driving down the road with my family in the vehicle when without any warning the truck completely shut down and didn’t have any power. I brought it to the dealership I bought it from and they stated they fixed the leak and replaced the RFH. Fast forward to this past week, there was another leak in the rear window. The dealership then stated it was a faulty back window unit that needs to be completely replaced. Stellantis (formerly FCA) previously acknowledged this defect through extended warranty coverage. However, my vehicle’s model year was later excluded despite being affected by the same known issue. This exclusion is particularly concerning given that the defect ultimately caused collateral electrical damage beyond the window itself. Given the documented nature of this issue, its prior recognition under extended warranty, and the risk of safety it put my family in I wanted to document this issue
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The leather-wrapped dashboard on my 2021 Ram 1500 is bubbling and delaminating on both the driver and passenger sides. The material is lifting and separating from the base, creating glare and reflections that impair forward visibility while driving. It also raises potential concerns with passenger airbag deployment due to the distorted/bubbling surface over the airbag module area. This is a widespread known defect on 2019–2021 RAM trucks with leather dashboards. I have an open case with Ram Customer Care (#96620269) where only partial coverage was offered. Attached are photos showing the bubbling/delamination on both sides. This defect affects safe vehicle operation. Please investigate.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Alt/Gen failure stopped the truck in the middle of an intersection No transmission power steering lights. Had to walk back home to charge the battery in a driving rain storm leaving the truck in the intersection.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2021 Ram 1500, which I purchased on March 29, 2024, as a certified pre-owned truck, and the primary issue involves a serious failure of the front wheel assembly. On three separate occasions, the front wheels have detached from the truck while it was in motion—on June 14, 2024, February 26, 2026, and most recently on April 17, 2026, when the left front wheel came off. I was driving the vehicle all three times during the incidents. Although the dealership has stated that repairs were completed after each incident, the problem continues to occur, indicating that the defect has not been properly resolved. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, along with all supporting documentation. This defect creates a severe safety hazard, as losing the front wheels while driving greatly increases the risk of a crash and poses a danger to both me and others on the road. I have reported the issue to the dealership multiple times, and they have evaluated the vehicle, confirming a recurring and unresolved problem, along with additional major mechanical concerns that have not been adequately addressed under warranty. Despite having warranty coverage, I have paid high out-of-pocket costs for repairs, yet the problem has not been fixed. Despite these efforts, no effective or lasting repair has been made. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives, but I am willing to make it available for further review. Given the repeated and dangerous nature of this failure, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle and I am requesting immediate assistance and a proper resolution.
While undergoing an annual vehicle inspection it was detected that ball joints have failed and are in need of replacement. This is a 2021 Ram 1500 with 77,500 miles. This seems to be a pre-mature failure of a critical component.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
My bearings in my rear assembly has failed before 100K miles. In addition, I had to replace the eTorque generator before 100K miles.
While making a turn in a parking garage at low speed, I heard a loud popping sound. When I got out to inspect, I discovered that the front wheel had collapsed inward. There was no collision, curb hit, or external damage—just a spontaneous failure of the suspension system. This is the second time this same failure has occurred within the past year on this vehicle. The incident caused a complete loss of steering control, putting my safety at risk. Fortunately, I was not driving at high speed or on a public road when this occurred. There were no warning lights, noises, or other symptoms leading up to the event. The failed parts appear to include critical suspension and steering components (likely control arm, tie rod, or ball joint), and photos are available. The failure has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer, but the vehicle is available for inspection if requested. Given that this is a 2021 RAM with relatively low mileage, and it has experienced two nearly identical failures, this raises serious concerns about a potential manufacturing or design defect that could affect other vehicles. Attached are pictures from both incidents.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 12-4-2025 I purchased a set of kumho mavis mountaineers apt tires at the Thomson GA. location. They didn't balance the tires when they were installed. So I had to go back for them to be balanced. After 5 months my truck was still riding really rough and the tires had worn considerably more than they should have so I called Mavis about this problem and was instructed to go to the Evans GA location on 5-22-2026 for a tire inspection. This location said all for tires were dry-rotted and I haven't had these tires for 7 full months and have put 22,000 miles on them. One tire has worn to the point of being slick and this is the only vehicle my family has right now. This has been on going since the date of purchase and there is a good chance these tires will cause an accident.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2021 Ram 1500 Longhorn Anniversary addition vin: [XXX] Navigation/console Display flashes “115V Cargo outlet on”, the front windows don’t work, main display off/dark, heater turns on, A/C doesn’t work, seatbelt alarm doesn’t work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to fasten the front passenger’s and driver’s side seat belts, the seat belts failed to retract. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that VIN was not under recall, and no assistance could be provided with the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM software needed to be updated; however, the contact was unsure if the update was performed. The contact stated that he was informed by the dealer that a failure needed to occur before the vehicle was repaired. The contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was released and deemed safe to drive. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the front hood latch suddenly failed causing the front hood to erroneously open and make contact with the front windshield. During the incident, the glass windshield shattered causing shards of glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle. Both the front driver and front passenger sustained small lacerations from the shards of glass making contact. No medical treatment was required. The front windshield frame and the roof of the vehicle were also damaged. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,200.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .