Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2021 Ram 1500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2022 to Dec 2025
The most reported issue is engine problems (78 complaints). 25 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (14)
NHTSA Campaign: 21V438000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V918000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V698000
Component: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."
Risk: A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V925000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V037000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
Risk: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V638000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V767000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V904000
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
NHTSA Campaign: 23V059000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
NHTSA Campaign: 23V265000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
NHTSA Campaign: 24V653000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
NHTSA Campaign: 24V754000
Component: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V298000
Component: AIR BAGS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V765000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 626)
Engine →3 issues
Your Check Engine Light came on and your truck began misfiring and stalling. Two mechanics found serious engine problems: one identified worn camshaft lobes caused by a failed lifter, while the other discovered a small crack in the cylinder wall allowing coolant to leak into the engine. Both recommended replacing the engine, which you had done with a rebuilt unit. This type of failure is unexpected on a 4-year-old truck and may require investigating the root cause of the initial defect.
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Your 2021 Ram 1500's oil pan is experiencing severe corrosion that could lead to premature failure. If the oil pan fails, engine oil will drain onto the road, creating a hazard for other vehicles and causing catastrophic engine damage that could disable your truck. The repair typically costs over $1,500 and involves removing and replacing the corroded oil pan.
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Your truck's MGU (motor generator unit) failed unexpectedly at 60,000 miles, causing battery warning lights and auto start/stop malfunctions before the engine shut down completely, leaving you stranded. The dealer estimates it could take 8 months to get a replacement part, and the repair may require replacing the entire MGU unit, which handles the truck's hybrid-like battery charging and engine start/stop functions.
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Power Train →2 issues
Your truck's engine may shut down unexpectedly while you're driving due to a software problem in the powertrain control module. RAM issued a recall for 2021 models built between June 2020 and September 2021 with the 5.7-liter Hemi eTorque engine to address this issue. The fix involves updating the powertrain control module software calibration at a dealership.
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Your truck's 4WD system intermittently displays an "Overheated Performance Temporarily Reduced" warning message, causing it to lose traction in snow—even just 1-2 inches prevents forward movement and causes the rear end to fishtail. The dealer replaced the differential and transfer case fluid, but the problem continues and they couldn't reproduce it during a follow-up visit. The issue may involve the transfer case or transfer case motor, though the exact cause hasn't been confirmed yet.
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Electrical System,engine →2 issues
Your alternator has failed and needs replacement. Due to supply shortages, there's a significant wait time (9-12 months) to get a replacement part. The fix will involve replacing the faulty alternator with a new one.
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Your heater core failed and leaked engine coolant into your cabin, causing coolant odors and fluid inside your vehicle. The repair required extensive dashboard and HVAC system disassembly and cost over $5,300, with a second visit needed when the driver's side actuator was also found damaged by the leak. You experienced loss of cabin heat and defrost capability, along with potential health concerns from coolant fumes in the enclosed passenger compartment.
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your rear running lights flicker or stop working completely due to a short circuit in the wiring between the computer module and tail lights. This electrical fault prevents the lights from functioning properly, which could make your vehicle less visible to other drivers. The repair will likely involve inspecting and replacing the damaged wire harness or connections between the computer module and rear lights.
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Your truck's battery is dying whenever it sits unused for more than 3 days, even in summer, requiring frequent jump-starts despite having less than 30,000 miles. You've also reported that the dealer modified your airbag system sensors to prevent them from triggering. The battery discharge issue suggests either a parasitic drain (something drawing power when the truck is off) or a defective battery or charging system.
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Visibility →2 issues
Your windshield washer fluid hose cracked and failed to spray fluid onto your windshield while driving in bad weather at 65 MPH, leaving you unable to see the road clearly. This happened at around 40,000 miles. The hose will need to be replaced to restore washer fluid function.
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Your driver's side rear window suddenly cracked and shattered while you were driving at 10 mph, without any impact or collision. You heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle right before discovering the damage. The glass failure occurred at 62,000 miles, and while the dealer was notified, the manufacturer provided no assistance with the repair.
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Electrical System,lane Departure,back Over Prevention →1 issue
Your truck experienced a complete electrical shutdown that disabled most safety features (blind spot detection, emergency braking, ABS, traction control), climate control (AC, heat, windows), and the infotainment screen and gauges. The owner traced the problem to moisture and a hairline crack in the driver's side brake light assembly, which was causing a short circuit affecting the entire electrical system. The issue may be resolved by repairing or replacing the brake light housing to prevent water intrusion.
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Engine,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your engine's oil gallery bolts are backing out, which reduces oil pressure and prevents proper lubrication to the rocker arms and camshaft. This causes the camshaft to wear severely and can lead to engine failure and unintended brake lockup. Multiple owners have reported this same issue, suggesting a potential manufacturing defect.
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your Ram's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system may be disabled due to a software problem in the ABS module, even though your VIN isn't listed in the official recall. This affects your vehicle's ability to maintain control during braking and collision avoidance. Stellantis has issued a recall for 1.2 million 2019-2024 Ram 1500 pickups for this issue. The fix will involve updating the ABS module software at a dealership.
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Air Bags →1 issue
During a crash where your truck went down a 15-foot embankment, the side airbags deployed but the driver and passenger airbags did not deploy. This is a serious safety system failure that left occupants without proper protection during impact.
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Steering →1 issue
Your power steering suddenly stopped working after 81,000 miles of trouble-free operation. When you started the vehicle, you got a dashboard warning light about an electric steering problem, and the steering became extremely difficult to turn. Restarting the vehicle multiple times and disconnecting/reconnecting the battery didn't fix it. The issue likely involves diagnosing the electric power steering motor, control module, or related electrical connections.
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Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Water is leaking into your truck's cab through the rear window, wetting electrical components underneath. The dealer diagnosed the problem as water entering from the top of the rear glass, likely due to a faulty window frame. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple vehicles of this model year. The fix will likely involve resealing or replacing the rear window frame and potentially drying out any damaged electrical components.
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Power Train,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
While driving at 60 mph with cruise control on, your truck's engine suddenly stalled without any warning lights or check engine light appearing. The electronic shifter became stuck in drive and wouldn't move to neutral, though the truck automatically shifted to park once it slowed to 2-3 mph. When you tried to restart the engine, it cranked but wouldn't start, and the same problem occurred after waiting 20-30 minutes. The truck had full electrical power and no warning lights during this time. The fuel pump engaged when you turned on the ignition, and oil level was normal. A fuel system diagnostic or fuel pump replacement may be needed to restore engine starting capability.
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Fuel System, Gasoline,engine →1 issue
Your 2021 Ram 1500 stalled while driving at 55-60 MPH with no warning lights appearing. The dealer replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under a recall, but also found the low-pressure fuel pump needed repair at your expense. The vehicle was only partially fixed. This happened at around 102,000 miles.
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Visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your rear driver's side window unexpectedly shattered while the truck was parked in the driveway with no impact or accident involved. The failure may have been caused by extreme cold weather conditions. Fixing this will require replacing the rear window glass.
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