2021 RAM 1500 power train problems
98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 RAM 1500 — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle…”
filed Aug 24, 2026
“MGU unit failed / car seized in the middle of the road - sent in to be repaired Unsafe to be stuck in the middle of the road, could not even put the car in neutral to push out of the road Known problem that RAM and Stellantis know about and are not placing warnings. We were told by the dealership…”
filed Jul 23, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the…Campaign 23V265000 · Apr 13, 2023
Related service bulletins
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
Power Train problems in other 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 1500 | 8 | 9% |
| 2025 1500 | 44 | 13% |
| 2024 1500 | 14 | 19% |
| 2023 1500 | 28 | 14% |
| 2022 1500 | 101 | 17% |
| 2020 1500 | 62 | 10% |
| 2019 1500 | 205 | 14% |
| 2018 1500 | 59 | 9% |
| 2017 1500 | 97 | 11% |
| 2016 1500 | 202 | 13% |
| 2015 1500 | 225 | 16% |
| 2014 1500 | 191 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 RAM 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.