2021 Ram 1500 ClassicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 687 owner complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. Most complaints involve engine (277) and electrical system (199). The EPA rates it 17–20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Engine
“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), the metal is no longer structurally sound enough to contain the oil under thermal expansion and vibration. * The Hazard: At this stage, microscopic or sudden pinhole leaks will form. Even a slow weep can drain enough oil over time to starve the engine, or worse, spray atomized oil onto a hot exhaust pipe, creating a severe fire hazard.”
Electrical system
“Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. Once I come to a stop, the e-brake is automatically applied and the vehicle will not restart or respond to any inputs from the keyfob. Vehicle is towed to nearest dealer, am told that the issue is related to an open recall that they have fixed and is now operating as normal. Less than one week later, the exact same thing occurs again, once again while traveling at highway speeds. Is towed into another dealer for service, and it is identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced due to a water leak. Repair is completed and vehicle returns to normal operation. 10/16/26 I attempt to start the vehicle with no success. After evaluating for a dead battery the vehicle is once again towed to a dealer (the same one that serviced it the first time). It is again identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced again due to a water leak around the back glass. I point out the Warranty Bulletin D-23-17 that would cover my vehicle and pertains to back glass water…”
Power train
“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 code said it showed Valve Body. All these are known issues with the transmission and should be recalled as this is very dangerous for driving as it could stop in road, loose power going up hill on interstate and if there are leaks it could cause a fire. There should have been recalls and investigations. Manufacture knows these issues are and have been happening but does not want to spend the money to fix problems. Ignores and hopes warranty will be gone before it happens so it will be on the owner. That is what they did with me.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 450 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 474 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 513 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,200 | 526 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2021 1500 Classic questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Ram 1500 Classic problems?
Owners filed 687 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (277), electrical system (199), power train (100). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic at 17–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic 4 out of 5 stars overall.