2021 RAM 3500 Powertrain (other) Problems

Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithia Dodge of Grants Pass, OR stated they could not make an appt for the vehicle to get looked at for 2 weeks out, scheduled 8/22/25. Dealership seems to think this is not an issue with safety and this issue can occur while the vehicle is in motion which is a huge safety issue. No warning lights flashed before the first one indicating the vehicle would shut down/lose all power.

NHTSA ID

11679340

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to drive forward or to reverse. The RPM was raised high, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to the farm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11644514

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Mileage

64,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and cleaned the oil pan. The contact determined that the fluid was not coming from the oil pan. The contact inspected the transmission dip stick and determined that the leaking fluid was coming from the transmission fluid reservoir. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11617584

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

Well traveling up a hill the transmission locked up shut the truck down had to hold the brakes to keep for rolling Backwards got the truck in park was able to restart it put it back in gear The transmission started making A loud grinding noise slammed in to gear really hard when I put it back in to drive then it Was it like it went into neutral again? Then it slammed into gear again was able to get the truck off the road and it Kept making the loud grinding and locking up then going into Neutral again.

NHTSA ID

11607655

Incident

Aug 7, 2024

Transmission will not go in to Park when stopped, Truck will roll away if parked on grade. Dealer reports no recall on this Transmission. Has not been inspected by anyone at this time. No warning lights ,before or after problem started. Problem start about 6 month ago, at about 18,000 miles

NHTSA ID

11574283

Incident

Sep 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train), 22V904000 (Structure), and 23V060000 (Electrical System); 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11550253

Incident

Oct 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train), 22V904000 (Structure) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11542710

Incident

Sep 5, 2023

When coming to a complete stop and the brake fully pressed down, the truck will lunge forward and almost hit the car in front of me. Then the trucks idle will reduce and it will start to shake. Several people have reported this issue on this year vehicle. Many people have stated that it is due to a faulty solenoid Torque Converter Clutch (TCC). Please investigate as this could cause a serious accident if the truck lunges and hits a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

NHTSA ID

11522492

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) 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 repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11520035

Incident

Nov 10, 2022

The transmission’s light came on saying that it was heated. I parked as soon as possible and that’s when the flames were coming out of the hood. I did burned my hands trying to put out the fire with 3 fire extinguishers. I did not want my truck to burn. Now, the dealer is trying to say that they can’t get a conclusion of what started the fire. The truck smells like burned transmission fluid. I sent pictures of the truck to the dealer. There is a recall in February 2020 with the same problem that I had with my 2021 Ram. Prior to this incident, the truck did not have any warnings or lights on.

NHTSA ID

11457648

Incident

Mar 5, 2022

Brand new truck (226 miles) STOPPED RUNNING on Interstate 90 in Montana. Very dangerous situation, although was able to pull to side of interstate and was able to tow truck to Butte Montana and no one was injured. Nonetheless, had this occurred in rural area, snowy mountain passes, pulling livestock trailer etc (purpose for which truck is intended), could have easily been life threatening. Understand this may be the same fuel pump issue affecting many others. Should be recalled immediately. No warning, truck just went from 75 mph to zero in very rapid fashion. Please help put a stop to this asap. Extremely dangerous in winter and rural situation, and pulling livestock or other trailers, goose neck and 5th wheel. Happy to provide more info or answer questions. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11437405

Incident

Sep 27, 2021