CarModelProblems.com

2021 Ram 1500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
655Complaints
14Recalls
26Crashes
4Fires
23Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (41.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine270 · 41.2%No official action
Electrical System184 · 28.1%No official action
Power Train92 · 14%RecalledRecall 23V265000
Fuel/propulsion System66 · 10.1%RecalledRecall 22V767000
Service Brakes53 · 8.1%RecalledRecall 21V037000 · Recall 24V653000
Steering45 · 6.9%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE270 · 41.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM184 · 28.1%
Unspecified / other98 · 15%
POWER TRAIN92 · 14%
SERVICE BRAKES53 · 8.1%
STEERING45 · 6.9%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING45 · 6.9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL30 · 4.6%
STRUCTURE:BODY28 · 4.3%

Percentages are the share of the 655 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 14 campaigns

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 21V438000 · 2021 · reported 06/10/2021

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 21V918000 · 2021 · reported 11/23/2021

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

NHTSA campaign 21V698000 · 2021 · reported 09/09/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain

NHTSA campaign 21V925000 · 2021 · reported 11/24/2021

An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

NHTSA campaign 21V037000 · 2021 · reported 02/01/2021

A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 22V638000 · 2022 · reported 08/25/2022

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 22V767000 · 2022 · reported 10/13/2022

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

NHTSA campaign 22V904000 · 2022 · reported 12/08/2022

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 23V059000 · 2023 · reported 02/09/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 23V265000 · 2023 · reported 04/13/2023

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 24V653000 · 2024 · reported 09/05/2024

Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices

NHTSA campaign 24V754000 · 2024 · reported 10/10/2024

Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 25V298000 · 2025 · reported 05/08/2025

A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal

NHTSA campaign 25V765000 · 2025 · reported 11/06/2025

A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“On two occasions vehicle has stalled after making a stop and then turning onto another roadway. First incident occurred at approximately 60 miles on odometer…”NHTSA complaint 11437627 — filed 10/21/2021 · ENGINE
“Twice in one week the Truck has stalled in the middle of the road at very low speed. Maybe it a issue with the etorque…”NHTSA complaint 11437621 — filed 10/21/2021 · ENGINE
“I left my house 10/18/21 to go to work, drove the truck approximately 2 miles going into two separate curves and then stopping at a…”NHTSA complaint 11437259 — filed 10/18/2021 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

5202022220212032022198202315520242362025872026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 1500?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 270 of 655 NHTSA complaints (41.2%), followed by electrical system (184), unspecified/other issues (98), power train (92). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?

655 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 26 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 23 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Ram 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — 14 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V438000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Ram 1500's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.