Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Ram 1500 problems

Owners filed 685 complaints about the 2021 Ram 1500 with NHTSA between Nov 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (277).

Complaints
685
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
27
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
23
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Air bags27
  11. Fuel system, gasoline24
  12. Visibility/wiper20
  13. Service brakes, hydraulic19
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)16

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 2, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20202
2021118
2022113
2023114
202496
2025158
202684

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 crash1 related recall
“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

Fuel/propulsion system

69 reports1 crash
“My 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel previously had the federal high-pressure fuel pump safety recall completed (Recall Z96 / NHTSA Campaign 22V767000) on February 12, 2024, where remedy part CSSMZ461-AA was installed. Recently, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of motive power due to a sudden, catastrophic internal failure of this replacement fuel pump. The dealership service department has officially diagnosed the truck and confirmed that the replacement fuel pump blew up internally, sending metal shards throughout the entire fuel system and requiring a complete $9,080 replacement of the fuel loop. This is a complete failure of a federal safety recall remedy, duplicating the exact highway stalling hazard the recall was issued to fix. Stellantis/FCA must investigate why these replacement remedy pumps are continuing to fail and creating dangerous conditions for drivers.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769033

Service brakes

54 reports4 crashes
“I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington, Texas on November 11, 2025 and was advised they were going to do a software update. On July 27th , I contacted (formerly Don Davis) now Clay Cooley Ram dealership and spoke to a service representative, Jose Hernandez. I explained that the brakes feel very spongy and takes more time to slow the vehicle down (constantly have to brake several times when approaching other vehicles or at red lights). It is very noticeable and is dangerous for me and others on the roadway. He explained that I am now responsible for the diagnosis evaluation of $99.95 plus the fee to update the EBS software. Jose explained that everytime the brake system needs to be updated, then I am financially responsible for these fees because the 36,000 miles warranty has expired. I explained to him that I am guaranteed a "Lemon Law" protection in my purchase. In addition, this vehicle only has approximately 28,000 miles”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2026Service brakesODI 11754291

Forward collision avoidance

52 reports2 crashes
“Driver side seatbelts issues, issues locking the buckle. Also car has engine light come up after emergency braking system error. Goes in to reduced power mode. If shut off and turn back on, truck is fine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026Seat belts, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11761860
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 2, 2026

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