Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2021 Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 685 owner complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve engine (277) and electrical system (198). The EPA rates it 17–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–26mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
15campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
685
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

15 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Feb 1, 2021NHTSA 21V037000

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

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."

Seat beltsReported Jul 30, 2026NHTSA 26V495000

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

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."

Air bagsReported Nov 6, 2025NHTSA 25V765000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 2, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

685 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine277
  2. Electrical system198
  3. Power train100
  4. Fuel/propulsion system69
  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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200937
2011689
20131,282
20141,780
20151,460
20161,554
2017884
2018667
20191,496
2020642
2021685
2022637
2023205
20240
20260
Crashes reported
27
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
23
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 2, 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

198 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 2, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl hybrid · 5.7L 8-cyl hybrid · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · 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 2, 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 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
223226$3,600390
1500 HFE 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
233326$3,600384
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
212924$3,900418
1500 HFE 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202623$2,800394
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque · Rear-Wheel Drive
202522$2,900407
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque · 4-Wheel Drive
192421$3,050417
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$3,900467
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque · 4-Wheel Drive
172219$3,900472
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,350514
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
152117$4,350523
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    22 city · 32 hwy · $3,600/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 HFE 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    23 city · 33 hwy · $3,600/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    21 city · 29 hwy · $3,900/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 HFE 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque
    20 city · 25 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,900/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid; eTorque
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,900/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 2, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Ram 1500 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%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 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 2, 2026Vehicle 15507Vehicle 15506Vehicle 15484
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 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?

15 safety recalls as of Nov 2, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 685 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (277), electrical system (198), 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 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Ram 1500 at 17–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

How safe is the 2021 Ram 1500?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ram 1500 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 2, 2026