2021 Ram 1500: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 611 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and transmission. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 611
- Recalls
- 14
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 24
- 23 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to stop driving until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2021 Ram 1500: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/4
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which 1500 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Ram 1500. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 12 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 24–26 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 21–23 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 19 mpg |
- The 2021 Ram 1500 was sold in six versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A 1500 that averages well under the EPA 12 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Low-speed stall, parking brake engages
1,000–14,800 miles
Power steering loss
5,000–10,396 miles
Fuel pump failure and stalling
14,000–38,000 miles
EcoDiesel timing cover leak
17,500–18,000 miles
Exhaust manifold cracking, ticking
36,000–54,850 miles
Oil pan rust-through
39,000–45,053 miles
eTorque motor generator failure
40,000–74,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical1531 crash
The truck shuts down while driving, often with no warning light and no stored code, and dealers frequently cannot reproduce it. Stalls happen both in slow turns and at highway speed. Other patterns include alternator and eTorque motor generator failures with long waits for parts, and batteries that die after a few days parked. Rear window leaks soak the module behind the rear seat, which can leave the truck locked in anti-theft mode and unable to start. Reports in this category include 2 fires, 1 crash, and 4 injuries.
Engine88No crashes
Stalling in slow turns is the main complaint. The engine cuts out at roughly 5 to 15 mph, the parking brake engages by itself, and the driver loses power steering and full braking until a restart. Many cases involve eTorque Hemi trucks with low mileage, and dealers often find no codes. Separate patterns include oil pans rusting through, which dealers decline to cover as corrosion, EcoDiesel timing cover leaks that return after repair, and exhaust ticking on cold start. One report describes a fire in a parked TRX.
Transmission84No crashes
Sudden engine shutoff while moving is common here too, followed by the truck shifting itself into Park and setting the parking brake hard enough to throw occupants forward. One injury is reported. Transmission complaints describe sticking in first or third gear, lunging shifts, slipping, and a dealer diagnosis of premature fourth-gear failure, with at least one transmission replaced. Exhaust manifolds crack on both sides in the low 50,000-mile range after a period of cold-start tapping. Motor generator bearings whine before failing, and replacement parts are often backordered.
Fuel system541 crash
Fuel pump failures and the high-pressure fuel pump recall 22V-767 lead this category. Some owners say dealers could not get parts for two years, and an open recall blocks them from trading or selling the truck. Refueling problems are common: the pump nozzle clicks off, fuel spits back out of the filler, or the tank overflows, and one fuel tank was replaced. Other reports describe highway shutdowns with an electronic throttle warning and EcoDiesel timing cover oil leaks that send burning-oil fumes into the cab. One crash and one injury are reported.
Nearly all of these reports concern recall 22V767000 for the high-pressure fuel pump, and many say the part is not available. A large share of the owners have not had a failure yet and are just waiting on parts. When the pump does fail, the truck stalls and loses power at anywhere from 15 to 75 mph, sometimes while towing, and may not restart. Some trucks fail again after the recall repair, or need a low-pressure pump at the owner's cost.
Steering425 crashes
Electric power steering cuts out suddenly, sometimes at highway speed or while towing, leaving the wheel very hard to turn. A "Power Steering Unavailable" message often appears, though some failures come with no warning. Dealers replace the rack and pinion or steering gear, and some trucks lose steering again within a few hundred miles. Failures show up as early as 72 miles. Steering also drops out during the full electrical shutdowns and stalls reported elsewhere. This category includes 5 crashes and 1 injury.
Brakes38No crashes
Most of these reports concern recall 24V653000 for the ABS and stability control system, and many say the repair part is unavailable. Symptoms include a pedal that sinks to the floor or feels spongy, longer stopping distances, and much weaker braking at highway speed. ABS and stability control warnings switch off cruise control, traction control, and four-wheel drive. Some trucks keep failing after the recall work. Others describe the parking brake setting harshly while reversing.
Body and structure20No crashes
Tailgates pop open while driving or parked, even after recall 22V904000 work, with no warning, and owners lose cargo on the road. Rear window seals leak water into the cab, causing mold under the carpet and dripping onto modules and the 48-volt battery on eTorque trucks. One hood latch let go at 70 mph and the hood shattered the windshield. Other reports include a sunroof that shattered, a cab separating from the bed, and a door panel falling off. Three injuries are reported.
Airbags1912 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes. This category has 12 crash reports and 11 injuries, including frontal impacts around 42 to 50 mph and side impacts that totaled the truck. Most say no airbag warning appeared beforehand. A second pattern is an airbag warning light that comes back after repair, and in one case the dealer could not get parts for about a year. The occupant classification module also comes up.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints 1500 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The truck previously shut off twice during a left and then a right turn. That was around 120 and 200 miles on the truck, respectively. Only other issue was during a turn the radio changed channel autonomously. Today with 1700 mile I backed it up and then put it in drive. The truck shut off and kicked every fault code on the truck. When trying to start it back it would not turnover and kept turning things on and off like the electrical system was possessed.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
As I’m preparing to turn on the road the vehicle turns off and leaves me stranded in the middle of the roadway. The parking brake comes on and messages appear on the dash. This has happened multiple times with and without passengers in the vehicle. I’ve reported it to Lithia Ram Jeep in Calallen and was brushed off. I’ve taken pictures of the dash on a few occasions when it occurred. I am the first owner and it happened with less than 3-5 k miles.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2022
My 2021 Dodge RAM 1500 eTorque just stalls while driving. It's happened twice in the last 2 weeks. Both times were making a left hand turn going approximately 10-15 miles an hour. The engine just stalls. No power steering and limited brakes. While rolling to a stop, the e-brake comes on automatically causing a violent stop. This is a known issue. It's been in the shop for 2 days now and they can't reproduce it and are giving the truck back today.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2022
This following has now happened twice, first time 9/7/21- second time 11/12/21. While slowing from approximately 35-40 MPH to make a right hand turn the vehicle shuts off - auto braking engages - must restart the vehicle. As stated, this has now happened twice (truck has 10K miles) - vehicle shutting off in traffic and applying auto braking is highly dangerous and placing myself and my passengers at risk.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2021
2nd Time it has been taken to the shop for Timing cover oil leak, Environmental hazard and Oil on my Garage floor caused me to Fall while taking out the Trash. This was after I cleaned the Garage Floor after the first Leak. I did some research online and see that this is a CONTINUIOS PROBLEM with many other EcoDiesel Trucks. My Truck is under 18000 miles and has been repaired once and is currently in the Shop as of Today 5-18-2024 been a week so far.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2024
Gas mile sensor goes from 250miles to 60miles left in tank. It jumps up and down on the miles. It said I had 175 miles till tank to be empty. I was driving for 10 minute it drop to 10 miles and then car shut off. It had no gas. Transmission when driving it sometime doesn’t change gear. Rpm goes up 6000 7000 driving 15-20 mph. It happen more often when going up a steep hill and going on a flat road the gear won’t change
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
Gas filler line (exterior of car to gas tank) exhibits blowback when filling gas tank resulting in backup of gasoline /fuel often spilling on to pavement and clothing/shoes. This is a personal safety and environmental impact item. Multiple instances reported in on line forums and verbally acknowledged as a frequent problem in RAM 1500 vehicles. No lights/warnings were noted. Problem started at greater than 65000 miles. Problem is not intermittent.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
My truck has 72k miles for the second time now it shuts down during highway driving with the sign in dashboard electronic throtle control, after first time I took it to dealer and they claimed it was repaired, this is putting my and my family's life in danger. Based on my research it appears a known and ongoing issue with Stelanis/Chrysler.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
How the 2021 compares with other 1500 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks second for owner complaints among 9 1500 years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical15390
- Engine8844
- Transmission8452
- Fuel system5424
- Steering4261
- Brakes3820
Recalls to confirm (14)
Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
21V037000BrakesDo not driveFeb 2021
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.
25V765000AirbagsNov 2025
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.
25V298000AirbagsMay 2025
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.
24V754000Wipers and visibilityOct 2024
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.
24V653000BrakesSep 2024
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.
23V265000TransmissionApr 2023
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.
23V059000Backup cameraFeb 2023
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).
22V904000Body and structureDec 2022
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.
22V767000Fuel systemOct 2022
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.
22V638000Backup cameraAug 2022
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.
21V925000AirbagsNov 2021
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.
21V918000Backup cameraNov 2021
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.
21V698000Wheels and tiresSep 2021
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.
21V438000Backup cameraJun 2021
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.
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