2021 RAM 2500 Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair might take 2 or 3 days to be completed. The dealer was only able to pay for a rental vehicle for two days. The contact stated that 5 days later, the dealer was still waiting on parts from the manufacturer to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11753967

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and associated the failure with the recall. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer 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 34,000.

NHTSA ID

11753071

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Mileage

34,000 mi

This problem first occurred on a state highway in [XXX] in 2023 and again in 2026 (this incident.) While driving south on XXX, there was an undulation/slight bump in the interstate while in a mild right hand curve. My vehicles brakes engaged without my input and slowed me down from 70mph to 35mph with traffic behind me. My gas accelerator and brake pedal were unresponsive from user input. At no point was my vehicle out of control to trigger such aggressive braking from my ESC, ERM, or ABS. The concern here is that thankfully this was on dry roads and traffic was far enough behind me to avoid a collision. My concern is this happening in winter weather/icy/wet roads, or with significant traffic behind me causing a possible high speed rear-end vehicle accident. There was a safety recall for ESC/ABS a few years ago on my vehicle that I dealt with through the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751811

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

There was a tailgate recall for the tailgate falling down potentially spilling cargo onto the road. The dealership Autonation Dodge in [XXX] tried fixing the recall multiple times but the tailgate kept falling down after they tried to fix it 2 or 3 times. Now they're trying to make me sign a service fee authorization which I don't agree with because either the recall isn't fixed, or there are other issues that can cause the tailgate to fall down which should be included in this recall because they can potentially cause the same dangerous situation which caused the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744491

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is intermittent and temperature-dependent, which means it cannot be predicted or avoided by the driver. The vehicle is used to tow an enclosed cargo trailer weighing approximately 7,000 pounds.The safety risk: inability to engage reverse on demand creates a hazard in any situation requiring reverse motion, including backing away from a stopped vehicle, reversing out of a fuel station, backing a loaded trailer at a campground or boat ramp, or executing an evasive reverse maneuver. With a trailer attached, loss of reverse function can leave the truck and trailer stranded in active traffic lanes or at intersections.The defect was first reported to a dealer in August 2023 with diagnostic trouble code P2701 stored (Friction Element B implausible pressure, internal transmission fault). The code was logged but not addressed at that visit. Over the following 32 months the same defect was reported to the same dealer four additional times. On the fourth visit the dealer replaced the complete transmission and torque converter under warranty and certified the repair complete after a documented 77 mile dealer test drive. The same defect returned approximately 4 customer miles after the truck was returned to me. The truck is currently at the dealer for the fifth repair attempt, with the dealer's own write-up confirming that the vehicle will not move while in reverse at operating temperature.The defect has been confirmed by the dealer service department through their own diagnostic process, has been documented across five repair orders, and has resulted in a complete factory transmission and torque converter replacement that failed to resolve the issue.Warning indicators: a P2701 diagnostic trouble code was s

NHTSA ID

11734218

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

THE VEHICLE HAS UNEVEN RESPONSE WHEN TURNING OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL PROPERLY AND IT HAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS THE STEERING ISNT CONSISTENT WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BUT THEIR TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY OF THE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING WORN SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.THIS PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING AND CLICKING SOUND HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BACK IN DECEMBER WITH MULTIPLE CLUES AFTER VISUAL EXAMINATION OF A PRIOR ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11731733

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood. Unknown if fire was due to electrical or leaking fuel issues under the hood. Major safety risk to occupants, especially children in car seats. Fire became out of control and burned the interior of the vehicle to bare metal. There were no injuries in this incident. This report being submitted by Law Enforcement on owners behalf. Full report from Law Enforcement included in this complaint.

NHTSA ID

11726100

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

Ram is refusing to repair and item on my truck egr cooler is cracked, leaking and burning coolant. They have recalled every year model but mine. All have same issue, all have same part and part number. Dealership suggested I contact NTSB to see if I could get it recalled. It is said to cause ifres in some trucks

NHTSA ID

11725303

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Front right wheel detached while driving on the highway - going about 45mph due to snow on roadway. We are glad no one was injured. All the lugs had come off the wheel. Now need wheel and rim replacement, and new hub assembly and lugs. It will be repaired at the dealer where we bought the vehicle new, Ed Tomko in Avon, OH. The service dept there has looked at it and gave the diagnosis. No warning indicators. Reporting because we saw a similar issue as recall for different lines of the same year Ram trucks. Wondering if the 2500 is also in that situation.

NHTSA ID

11713474

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

The rear right seat belt became stuck and would not release, trapping my [XXX] son. Although the buckle was unlatched, he was entangled in the seat belt, and the retraction system would not loosen. The vehicle was stationary at the time of the incident. Due to the inability to safely release the seat belt, emergency services were contacted. Police and fire department personnel responded to the scene and conducted an assessment. Based on their evaluation, they determined that the safest and most appropriate course of action was to cut the seat belt in order to free my son. This type of malfunction has never occurred previously with this vehicle. At no point before or during the incident were any warning lights, alerts, or messages displayed indicating a restraint system fault. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11708827

Incident

Dec 27, 2025

The lifters failed at 64,000 miles they where replaced under warranty. but now the lifters are making noise again with 71,000 miles since replaced. it’s a bad design that could be fixed permanently with the right parts! No warning lights just failure.

NHTSA ID

11708630

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The truck has experienced three separate transmission failures within a few months. Each time the transmission was replaced, the vehicle failed again shortly afterward. At one point, the dealership returned the truck to me without transmission fluid, causing additional internal damage and creating an extreme safety risk. I have also had steering issues since the truck was new, which continue today despite multiple service attempts. Shortly after purchase, the truck developed severe mold and water intrusion after the roof stop lamp was removed or stolen while the vehicle was at the dealership for service. This caused water to leak into the interior and contaminate the carpet. The dealership replaced the carpet but the issues continued. The repeated transmission failures, steering defects, and water intrusion have made this truck unsafe to drive. The vehicle has lost significant value, and the dealership and manufacturer have been unable to correct the defects after numerous attempts. I am requesting an NHTSA investigation into these issues, including: •Repeated transmission failures •Ongoing steering defects •Improper repair practices •Water intrusion and mold exposure •Dealer negligence These failures represent a serious safety hazard to both myself and others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11703074

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

My vehicle was repaired for a known recall related to the tailgate unlatching issue. NHTSA ID Number: 22V904000 This repair was completed, and then my tailgate continued to open unexpectedly. I have taken it back to the dealership after damage was caused to my tailgate when it fell while I was driving. They have denied my claim and continue to advise that it was repaired when, in fact, I have still been experiencing issues with it. I would like to have my tailgate damage repaired and realgind properly.

NHTSA ID

11695035

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

After starting the vehicle, fire smell came into the cab. After exiting the vehicle smoke was coming from the engine. The engine caught on fire and car was totaled within 10 minutes.

NHTSA ID

11689556

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

Leather dash is delaminating and shrinking starting at the defrost vents. This appears to impact the passenger airbag deployment. Chrysler/Stellantis is aware of the issue, but considers the dash to be an accessory and refuses to correct if not under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11684649

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The Transmision went out at 80k miles leaving me stranded. They did correct the issue. However, thought that I would report this because I was in traffic causing and almost wrecked

NHTSA ID

11675291

Incident

May 1, 2025

Been driving over 2 months and zero issues. On a Thursday headed to store and transmission would not get out of first gear.made it to a shop 1.5 miles away and they said transmission was gone.

NHTSA ID

11668436

Incident

Jun 19, 2025

TRANSMISSON MAKES A WHINING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS WHEN EXCELERATING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL RAM DEALERSHIP 4X NOW. FCA DID APPROVE A SMALL TRANSMISSION PART REPAIR, BUT UNFORTUNALTY IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11667678

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

I have a seized brake caliper that is a direct result of a faulty brake hose. The brakes were looked at by a brake specialist business and I was told the brake hoses had to be replaced as well as the calipers, rotors and pads on the front. I took it to the Lake City, Florida dealer looking for a recall after reading online that some 2021 Ram 2500 trucks had brake hose recalls. They told me there was no recall on my particular truck for brake issues. However, when they quoted me there price and reason they needed to repair is that it had a seized brake caliper and all components are now no good. They also told me the brake hoses need to be replaced due to the passenger side brake hose having collapsed internally but they want me to pay $3500 to repair. This issue is a direct result of a faulty brake hose that they said collapsed. There are other trucks that have recalls for the same failure. Why is mine not covered under a recall with the safety issue that has developed? I need these parts covered as well as all the parts that have to be replaced due to the faulty hose. Please let me know what to do.

NHTSA ID

11666809

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

Backup camera fails to activate when vehicle is put in reverse gear

NHTSA ID

11664192

Incident

May 30, 2025

Tailgate was repaired in February 2025 for issue under 22V-904 and then after the repairs were completed my tailgate dropped again resulting in damage to my tailgate.

NHTSA ID

11658575

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

Imminent lifter failure. Has a very loud tick. This is a very common and almost always catastrophic failure. This is on the 6.7L Cummins engine

NHTSA ID

11657727

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was plugged in charging for about 15 minutes and unoccupied when it suddenly caught fire. The contact noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There were no reported injuries. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact mentioned that the fire spread to the home causing damage. There was no police report filed, crash, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) on December 20, 2024. The vehicle remained at the scene of the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11644856

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

Mileage

62,000 mi

Steering wheel started to make a snap noise when being turn either to the left or right. Didn't happen every turn but would come and go and became more frequent. Took to dealer for diagnosis and they said it's the same noise the 1500s have when the clock spring failed or broke. He tried to see if we had that recall since it was on some 1500s and some 2500s but ours wasnt so we had to pay out of pocket.

NHTSA ID

11644773

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

The engine has had camshaft and lifter failure multiple times. The dealership has replaced the camshaft and lifters twice already , and now they have failed a 3rd time which has lead to metal in oil lubrication system. This has caused further damage to the engine crankshaft bearings, in my case the engine was still running with a tapping/knocking noise. However, this can result in engine locking up and causing vehicle to no longer operate. In the event of engine failure this heavy duty truck will have no power steering or power brakes, leading to a high likely hood of collision. This issue is widespread for all 2019+ RAM 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins engine. Ram has done nothing to address the faulty parts , and continue to replace with same flawed parts, and not correctly addressing the damage done to the engine after a lifter failure. Ram HD 2500,3500,4500,5500 are still being sold currently with these faulty parts.

NHTSA ID

11641149

Incident

Nov 13, 2024