2021 Ram 1500 recalls and problems

The 2021 Ram 1500 has 15 safety recalls and 691 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer.

Urgent: recall 21V-037 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
15
Complaints
691
Crashes / fires
27 / 4
Injuries / deaths
23 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Ram 1500 recalls

Recall 26V-495: Seat Belts

Reported Jul 30, 2026 · 1,271,294 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side 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."

Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.

Recall 25V-765: Steering, Air Bags

Reported Nov 6, 2025 · 532 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

Recall 25V-298: Air Bags, Electrical System

Reported May 8, 2025 · 71 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

Recall 24V-754: Visibility

Reported Oct 10, 2024 · 31,676 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.

Recall 24V-653: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Sep 5, 2024 · 1,025,432 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.

Recall 23V-265: Power Train

Reported Apr 13, 2023 · 131,700 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.

Recall 23V-059: Back Over Prevention

Reported Feb 9, 2023 · 77,079 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).

Recall 22V-904: Structure

Reported Dec 8, 2022 · 1,224,078 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

Recall 22V-767: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 13, 2022 · 60,413 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

Recall 22V-638: Back Over Prevention

Reported Aug 25, 2022 · 7,895 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

Recall 21V-925: Air Bags

Reported Nov 24, 2021 · 376 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.

Recall 21V-918: Steering, Back Over Prevention

Reported Nov 23, 2021 · 38,157 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.

Recall 21V-698: Tires

Reported Sep 9, 2021 · 2 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.

Recall 21V-438: Back Over Prevention

Reported Jun 10, 2021 · 14,096 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.

Recall 21V-037: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Feb 1, 2021 · 683 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.

2021 Ram 1500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine278
Electrical System202
Power Train103
Unknown or Other103
Fuel/Propulsion System70
Forward Collision Avoidance57
Service Brakes54
Steering50
Structure34
Vehicle Speed Control30
Air Bags27
Fuel System, Gasoline24

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 46
  • Structure › Body — 29
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 8
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 7
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 5
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 5
  • Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Ram 1500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 10, 2026
While driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle experienced transmission slipping, shuddering, and loss of forward motive power. The vehicle was brought to Certified Transmissions in Prescott, AZ (RO #1053874) at 96,031 miles. Diagnostic fluid inspection and transmission assembly teardown at Certified Transmissions (RO #1053874) confirmed severely degraded black fluid with sludge, metallic flakes, a large metal sliver in the filter, and damaged D and E clutch hub splines. A full custom rebuild was required ($10,279.62). The vehicle was maintained per manufacturer guidelines, but Ram's owner…
Electrical System · reported Nov 7, 2026
Complainant [XXX], a licensed contractor, master plumber, and master craftsman in [XXX], reports an unresolved, hazardous defect pattern on a 2021 RAM 1500 TRX (odometer: ~27,842). The vehicle features a 702-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 requiring specialized auxiliary cooling to prevent acute thermal derating, engine shutdown, and loss of motive power at highway speeds. BeginningXXX, recurring check-engine lights, "Intercooler Coolant Low" warnings, and confirmed DTCs P026E (Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Performance) and P0EA7 (Auxiliary Coolant Pump Control Circuit Performance) emerged, governed…
Exterior Lighting · reported Nov 6, 2026
There are issues where the dash display goes blank and the headlights do not operate properly. The headlights will not switch from dim to bright automatically or manually. At times one or more lights will not even illuminate. It is not a constant problem but intermittent instead. We are not comfortable driving the vehicle after dark because it may happen at any time.
Engine · reported Oct 29, 2026
The engine oil pan severely corroded and over 30% of the 18 gauge steel scaled away. For an 18-gauge steel oil pan (nominal thickness of 0.0478 inches or 1.2 mm), the threshold where rust becomes hazardous is remarkably thin—literally and figuratively. Because an oil pan holds hot, chemically active fluid and is subjected to constant vibration and thermal cycling, the margin for corrosion safety is very small: 1. The Pinhole and Leak Threshold (25% to 30% Loss) * The Limit: If deep rust pitting or scaling eats away more than 0.012 to 0.015 inches (roughly 25% to 30% of the wall thickness)…
Power Train · reported Oct 29, 2026
Transmission issues are a known problem in the 2021 Ram 1500 and have been for a while, with no recalls. Slipping of gear. Delay or jerking into reverse. Putting it in reverse and it telling me to put it into park or it auto-correcting itself into park. While driving twice and going from complete stop after the auto correcting went to pull off & the vehicle did not go into gear the RPM was raised and the truck moved forward but would not go into gear. The smell of transmission fluid and possible coolant seem to be in truck through vent. The Malfunction Indicator light came on. Had a Shop check…

Other Ram 1500 years

Compare all Ram 1500 years · All Ram models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ram 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500: 26V-495 (seat belts), 25V-765 (steering, air bags), 25V-298 (air bags, electrical system), 24V-754 (visibility), 24V-653 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ram 1500?

Owners report engine problems most often (278 reports), followed by electrical system (202). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,000 miles.

Are Ram recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ram dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.