2021 RAM 1500 problems & reliability
664 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 RAM 1500, alongside 15 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 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 vehicles.
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 → | 272 | 41% |
| Electrical System → | 192 | 29% |
| Unknown OR Other | 99 | 15% |
| Power Train → | 97 | 15% |
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 67 | 10% |
| Service Brakes → | 54 | 8% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance → | 51 | 8% |
| Steering → | 48 | 7% |
| Structure → | 31 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 30 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 36,000 miles (middle 50% between 14,750 and 59,775 miles), based on 100 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington, Texas on November 11…”
Service Brakes · filed Aug 2, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact…”
Steering · filed Jul 31, 2026
“RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.”
Visibility/wiper · filed Jul 30, 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
1,124 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 RAM 1500. The 10 most recent:
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
SWITCH – HEADLAMP
113070 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 29, 2026
Spring kit - disc brake pad
113123 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 29, 2026
Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2208000045 REV.D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 26, 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.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 36,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.