2021 RAM 1500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 667 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 15 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2021 RAM 1500 receives a 5.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 667 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 15 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 7,200 miles (IQR: 2,916 – 19,750 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
16.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
15 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).”
“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 to...”
“Me and my 2 children and my husband were traveling to Springfield Mo . We had stopped for some snacks at Dollar general . When we all go back in the vehicle . My husband tried to start our truck he was turning the key over and over and it just wasn’t starting . Here it is 95 d...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i...”
“REAR WINDOW FRAME CRACKED AT BOTH CORNERS- WATER LEAKS INSIDE OF VEHICLE DURING RAIN. THIS CAN AFFECT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE AT THE REAR CAB INSIDE THE TRUCK. I NOTICED THIS A MONTH AGO BUT DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN THERE.”
“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.”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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 dealers...”
“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. Approximately six months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, ABS, stability control, and brake warning lights illumin...”
“I am experiencing a severe, life-threatening stalling issue with my 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. While driving at low speeds through a neighborhood (between 5 and 15 mph), the engine suddenly and cleanly shuts down without any prior warning, sputte...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“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 to...”
“Me and my 2 children and my husband were traveling to Springfield Mo . We had stopped for some snacks at Dollar general . When we all go back in the vehicle . My husband tried to start our truck he was turning the key over and over and it just wasn’t starting . Here it is 95 d...”
“I am experiencing a severe, life-threatening stalling issue with my 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. While driving at low speeds through a neighborhood (between 5 and 15 mph), the engine suddenly and cleanly shuts down without any prior warning, sputte...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was ...”
“REAR WINDOW FRAME CRACKED AT BOTH CORNERS- WATER LEAKS INSIDE OF VEHICLE DURING RAIN. THIS CAN AFFECT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE AT THE REAR CAB INSIDE THE TRUCK. I NOTICED THIS A MONTH AGO BUT DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN THERE.”
“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...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“My 2021 RAM 1500 ecodiesel was subject to an NHTSA recall (23V-263). The recall included a replacement High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) due to a mechanical defect in the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that causes the pump to fail prematurely and destroy itself intern...”
“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was unable to be jump-started. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that fuel was not reaching the fuel housing. The contact was informe...”
“Wa driving with cruise on at 60 mph. Truck stalled with no notice, no warning lights or check engine light. All temperatures and pressures seemed okay at time of incident. Could not move electronic shifter into neutral, was stuck in drive. Alarm came up to shift to park, I did...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint I am submitting this complaint to request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate a potential safety defect involving the dashboard on my 2021 Ram TRX. The dashboard on my vehicle has developed significant bubbling and...”
“The leather-wrapped dashboard on my 2021 Ram 1500 is bubbling and delaminating on both the driver and passenger sides. The material is lifting and separating from the base, creating glare and reflections that impair forward visibility while driving. It also raises potential co...”
“air bags, warning lamps on, it could be dangerous. don't know if it's been checked no accidents yet.”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (15)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: 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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: 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."
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Summary: 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."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: 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."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Summary: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: 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."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: 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."
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Summary: 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."
AIR BAGS
Summary: 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."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: 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."
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 RAM 1500
Before purchasing a used 2021 RAM 1500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 15 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 RAM 1500
Is the 2021 RAM 1500 a reliable used car?
The 2021 RAM 1500 earns a 5.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 667 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 RAM 1500?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 7,200 miles (IQR: 2,916 – 19,750 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 RAM 1500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 15 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.