2021 RAM 1500 problems & reliability
678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 RAM 1500, alongside 15 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
17 complaints report injuries (23 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 RAM 1500 vehicles were involved in 149 fatal crashes with 47 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 276 | 41% |
| Electrical System → | 197 | 29% |
| Unknown / Other | 103 | 15% |
| Power Train → | 98 | 14% |
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 68 | 10% |
| Service Brakes → | 54 | 8% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance → | 52 | 8% |
| Steering → | 50 | 7% |
| Structure → | 32 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 30 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 30 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 101 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 36,000 miles (middle 50% between 15,000 and 60,000 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I am writing to express my concern about vehicle warranty coverage being provided by RAM (Stellantis NA) on their vehicles. I have a 2021 Ram 1500 which has a motor generator unit (MGU) which has failed due to a defect with the bearings. This has been diagnosed by the dealership and identified as covered under the…”
Electrical System · filed Sep 16, 2026
“Unknown, my Ram has a glue issue with the dashboard especially the passenger side of the vehicle which may affect the airbag operating correctly the dashboard is coming apart do to glue not properly installed on 2021 Ram truck.”
Unknown / Other · filed Sep 13, 2026
“Purchase vehicle new and report issue with steering vibration and wandering feel after purchasing on multiple occasions when having the vehicle serviced by dealership. No issues found was the response each time, but condition continued. Front tire wear indicated something wasn't right. Replaced tires with OEM Goodyear…”
Steering · filed Sep 11, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- High pressure fuel pump failure
Engineering Analysis EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · open · led to recall 24V957
Technical service bulletins
1,127 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 RAM 1500. The 10 most recent:
Engine PNs: MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide…
9100898 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 8, 2026
Motor - window regulator
114072 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 17, 2026
Motor - window regulator
114073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 17, 2026
Blindspot Module For concern on Blindspot Module setting U11FB-00 Lost Communication with Left Blind Spot Sensor, U11FA-00 Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor. Some vehicle(s) where the Blindspot Module was…
9100274 Rev 1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 28, 2026
Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park
S2608000033 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2026
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates Customers may comment on one or more of the following: SYMPTOM: ● **Harsh or slipping feeling during upshifts (1st - 5th). ● Harsh or slipping feeling during kickdown…
21-056-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026
CORE – HEATER
113276 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
CORE – HEATER
113277 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
9100833 REV1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
SWITCH – HEADLAMP
113069 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 29, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 RAM 1500 has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 RAM 1500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 36,000 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.