2021 RAM 2500 power train problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 RAM 2500 — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is intermittent and…”
filed Apr 28, 2026
“The lifters failed at 64,000 miles they where replaced under warranty. but now the lifters are making noise again with 71,000 miles since replaced. it’s a bad design that could be fixed permanently with the right parts! No warning lights just failure.”
filed Jan 4, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission…Campaign 22V835000 · Nov 10, 2022
Related service bulletins
If customer concern diagnosis leads to suspect u-joint issue with the prop shaft, u-joint service kit should be utilized to fix concern. Prop shaft replacement would not be required.
9100841 Rev 1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 2026
Power Train problems in other 2500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 2500 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 2500 | 5 | 8% |
| 2024 2500 | 7 | 13% |
| 2023 2500 | 6 | 13% |
| 2022 2500 | 50 | 29% |
| 2020 2500 | 20 | 12% |
| 2019 2500 | 26 | 14% |
| 2018 2500 | 72 | 3% |
| 2017 2500 | 40 | 6% |
| 2016 2500 | 62 | 24% |
| 2015 2500 | 44 | 21% |
| 2014 2500 | 62 | 18% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 RAM 2500
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.