2021 RAM 1500 Suspension Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11732867

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

Mileage

53,806 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11659931

Incident

May 8, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11655122

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,126.

NHTSA ID

11653443

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Mileage

40,126 mi

Rpm goes up and down to 3 on 10-20 mph. back bed wiggles on 60mph lots of vibration going on! Brakes have some grinding sound.

NHTSA ID

11546127

Incident

Sep 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the wheel became stiff and was unable to turn. The contact attempted to pull over but crashed into the side of the road. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unaware of how fast they were driving at the time of the crash. The contact sustained a shoulder and neck injury from the seatbelt. Physical therapy and MRI medical treatment were needed for the injury. No police report was filed. The vehicle displayed warning messages for power steering wheel unavailable suspension system unavailable and electronic stability control unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent a Team to inspect the vehicle but the failure was not detected. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11537134

Incident

Jan 17, 2023

Mileage

36,000 mi

Another issues with this truck and ram needs to do a recall! Besides shutting off now I have major suspension issues! I have gotten an alignment pretty much every other month. Been through three sets of tires due to this suspension issue. Truck is maintained and has always been to dealer.

NHTSA ID

11533762

Incident

Jul 22, 2023

The ball joint separated from the upper control arm on the front driver side while the vehicle was in motion in a parking lot. There has never been any abuse or misuse of the vehicle and it only has 31700 miles on it. This could have been much worse had this happened while traveling down the road at much higher speeds.

NHTSA ID

11529588

Incident

Jun 20, 2023

While starting to drive forward or backward turning, there is a shutter vibration felt slightly heard. It also has grinding shutter vibration at turn in intersection during the turn. The dealer on the 3 complaint visit replaced a front passenger CV Joint and bearing, upon picking the truck up it did it immediately again. Could not return as it was the service department closing time. There is also vibration grinding around 50 mph and up. Dealer states they can not duplicate issue. This is abnormal and concerns me as in a turn or higher speed, something breaks will put my family's lives and other motorist in danger. Also when using AC defrost vent stays open and will cause dew on the windshield.

NHTSA ID

11475611

Incident

Apr 4, 2022