2021 Ram 1500 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 14 recalls and 611 owner complaints on file for the 2021 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 24 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (153), Engine (88), Power Train (84).

1500 reliability snapshot

63/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$691

Avg annual repair cost vs $936 category avg

#1/17

Ranking in fullsize trucks · better than 94% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ram 1500 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Best year to buyReliability, price and listing depth combined Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Resale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2021 Ram 1500 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Electrical System153
Engine88
Power Train84
Unknown Or Other65
Steering42
Fuel Propulsion System29

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Ram 1500

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Inspect for engine shutdowns at low speeds
Check for electrical system warning lights and battery issues
Test power steering for stiffness or failure
Verify fuel pump operation and check for refueling issues
Inspect exhaust manifolds for cracks or leaks
Check for water leaks in rear glass assembly
Test vehicle for unexpected stalling or shifting into park

What owners reported

2021 Ram 1500 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 24 crashes, 3 fires and 23 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 1500. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints153

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Ram 1500, particularly involving the alternator and eTorque MGU hybrid motor, with parts often on backorder. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle stalling, loss of power, dashboard warning lights flashing, and battery drainage. These issues often appear at mileages ranging from 30,000 to 81,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash, two fires, and four injuries linked to these electrical problems. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential reliability concerns and parts availability challenges associated with this model year.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints88

ENGINE

Owners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report engine shutdowns while driving, often at low speeds, with symptoms including the engine dying unexpectedly, the emergency parking brake engaging, and the need to restart the vehicle. These issues often occur at mileage as low as 2,600 and can persist beyond 50,000 miles. Another common problem involves exhaust manifold failures, with owners describing cracked manifolds leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin, posing potential health risks from carbon monoxide exposure. Additionally, there are reports of rusted oil pans and difficulties obtaining replacement parts for the motor generator unit, resulting in extended vehicle downtime. Notably, one complaint involves a vehicle fire occurring shortly after parking, highlighting a potential safety concern. These patterns suggest potential reliability and safety issues that used car buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints84

POWER TRAIN

Owners report several power train issues with the 2021 Ram 1500, including unexpected stalling and loss of power, often accompanied by warning lights or error messages. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shifting into park independently, especially at low speeds, and issues with the four-wheel-drive system losing traction in snowy conditions. Symptoms such as engine vibrations, unusual noises, and transmission hesitations are also noted, typically occurring around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of sudden deceleration or loss of vehicle control, with one injury reported. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints65

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with stalling while driving, with multiple complaints describing the vehicle shutting down without warning. Some owners mention that the motor decelerates and fails to shift properly, requiring a restart to resolve the issue. Additionally, there are reports of exhaust system problems, including leaks and broken bolts, which may allow fumes to enter the cabin. Complaints also describe problems with electronic systems, such as the Uconnect radio freezing and issues with the emergency braking system activating unexpectedly. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 22,000 miles. The stalling and exhaust issues could pose safety risks, particularly if they occur at high speeds or in traffic.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints42

STEERING

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Ram 1500's power steering, often resulting in a complete loss of power steering assistance, which makes the vehicle difficult or nearly impossible to steer. Complaints frequently mention warning lights for power steering failures and describe symptoms such as the steering wheel locking up or becoming extremely tight. These issues typically arise across a range of mileages, with some reports occurring as early as 37,800 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes due to steering failures, including incidents where vehicles collided with stationary objects or other vehicles. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints38

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues related to the service brakes, often linked to a recall for the ABS module and electronic stability control. Common symptoms include illuminated warning lights for the ABS and ECS, mushy brake pedals, and a reduction in braking power, with some experiencing extended braking distances or complete loss of braking function. These issues are often reported around mileages of 30,000 to 71,000. Several owners describe safety implications such as loss of vehicle control or sudden stops due to automatic engagement of the parking brake. The complaints also highlight delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts, which may be a consideration for potential buyers.

Owner complaints29

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the fuel propulsion system, notably involving fuel pump failures and difficulties with refueling. Symptoms include stalling, changes in acceleration, and the inability to fill the fuel tank without spillage or slow refueling, often leading to fuel overflow and environmental hazards. These issues commonly arise around 20,000 to 72,000 miles, with some owners experiencing them shortly after purchase. Safety implications are noted, with one crash and one injury reported, and concerns of fire hazards from fuel leaks and electrical melting. Potential buyers should be aware of unresolved recall parts and the possibility of stalling or shutdowns, particularly at higher mileages.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints19

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy or deploying without inflating, even in high-impact collisions, resulting in 12 crashes and 11 injuries. Typical symptoms include illuminated airbag warning lights and repeated airbag system failures, with some owners experiencing persistent issues despite multiple repair attempts. These problems are reported across a wide range of mileages, with some vehicles having over 80,000 miles and others as low as 1,500 miles. The safety implications are significant, as non-deployment of airbags during accidents is a recurrent theme, suggesting potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 12 crash, 0 fire, 11 injury reports

Owner complaints16

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report multiple issues with the 2021 Ram 1500 related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving unexpected acceleration and engine stalling. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating without input from the driver, often requiring hard braking to avoid collisions, with one incident resulting in a crash and injury. Stalling is also a common issue, with some owners experiencing the engine shutting off while driving at various speeds, sometimes accompanied by a "service electronic throttle control" warning. These problems are noted at mileage ranges from as low as 21 miles to over 68,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries, as well as situations where loss of control could have led to accidents.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints3

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Ram 1500 related to the engine and engine cooling. Complaints frequently mention problems with the exhaust system, specifically citing inadequate or failing exhaust manifold bolts, which can lead to detachment or loud sounds from the exhaust. These issues are noted at mileages around 46,000 to 59,700 miles. Additionally, one owner describes a stalling issue when driving or turning, and an unexpected engagement of the parking brake at approximately 1,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the stalling and parking brake engagement could pose safety risks due to potential loss of control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model.

2021 1500 recalls (14)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 21V037000Feb 1, 2021
Do not drive — park immediately
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.
Consequence: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
AIR BAGS, STEERINGNHTSA 25V765000Nov 6, 2025
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."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V298000May 8, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the 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."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 24V754000Oct 10, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 24V653000Sep 5, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V265000Apr 13, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V059000Feb 9, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
STRUCTURENHTSA 22V904000Dec 8, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINENHTSA 22V767000Oct 13, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V638000Aug 25, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V925000Nov 24, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, STEERINGNHTSA 21V918000Nov 23, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
TIRESNHTSA 21V698000Sep 9, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 21V438000Jun 10, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.

Used-market value

2021 Ram 1500 resale snapshot

67.3%estimated value retained after 5 years

717listings in the model-level benchmark

$35,996median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Ram 1500 value by year →Full Ram 1500 market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 Ram 1500 on the road

485,497 2021 Ram 1500 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Ram 1500 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Ford F-150

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Chevrolet Silverado

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Ford F-150 Lightning

Reliability: 66/100·Rivalry score: 90

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GMC Sierra 1500

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Ram 1500

With a 66/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2021 Ram 1500 lands below the class norm for reliability. The gap isn’t extreme, but it points to a higher-than-typical likelihood of owner-reported problems compared with competing full-size pickups.

Issue patterns look broadly distributed rather than confined to a single system. Electrical concerns lead the mix, while engine and powertrain complaints also represent meaningful shares, suggesting multiple core areas contribute to the overall reliability picture. A notable “unknown or other” portion further indicates that reported problems aren’t neatly concentrated in one category. Recall activity is elevated, which adds to the model’s overall reliability workload.

Overall, buyer risk level is moderate to elevated relative to the segment average.

What you get in a 2021 Ram 1500 report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Ram 1500 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?

14 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ram 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Ram 1500 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Ram 1500 problem areas are: Electrical System (153), Engine (88), Power Train (84).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Ram 1500?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Ram 1500, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.