Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

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.

Combined MPG
17–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
687
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

687 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2020 – Nov 2026
  1. Engine277
  2. Electrical system199
  3. Power train100
  4. Fuel/propulsion system70
  5. Service brakes54
  6. Forward collision avoidance52
  7. Steering50
  8. Structure33
  9. Vehicle speed control30

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 1500 Classic model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20191,498
2020644
2021687
2022639
Crashes reported
27
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
23
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

277 reports1 crash2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2026EngineODI 11774477

Electrical system

199 reports2 crashes3 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Electrical system, VisibilityODI 11772120

Power train

100 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2026Power trainODI 11774505
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,100450
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162319$3,300474
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,200513
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
152117$4,200526
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,200/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Classic Regular PU/RC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 15505Vehicle 15504Vehicle 15503
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026