DT
2021 Ram 1500
The most reported problem on the 2021 Ram 1500 is stalling, with 199 complaints, usually around 9,000 miles.
- 679owner complaints
- 15recalls
- 27involved a crash
- 31,700median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your 1500 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2021 model year.
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 reliable?
The 2021 Ram 1500 has 679 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.6 times the median of 259 for 2021 pickups on this site. Of the 13 1500 model years since 2014, it has the 6th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2020 and 2022
- At 113 complaints for each year on the road, the 2021 runs above the 2020 (90) and close to the 2022 (123).
- Top problem
- Stalling leads with 199 of the 679 complaints (29%), ahead of brake wear at 73. Stalling tends to show up early. Of the 52 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 9,000 miles and a quarter under about 3,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 37 of the 679 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 27 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 23 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 13 of 27, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Brake wear has a recall on the same system (21V-037 and 24V-653). Stalling and infotainment have none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 158, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 78 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 199 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
679 complaints is 3.6 times the median 2021 model on this site and 2.6 times the median 2021 pickup. Among the 13 1500 model years here it ranks 6th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2021 Ram 1500
Ram filed 1,127 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 Ram 1500. 98 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 3 bulletins · 199 complaints
Navigation (NAV) Reboot When MOTA Fails The customer may describe one of more of the following: ? Radio navigation continues to reboot after a Map Update (MOTA). ? Navigation regularly cuts out and back on again.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software.
1 more on this problem
Start/Stall And Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination After Replacement Fuel Line Chassis Bundle Installation
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 73 complaints
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C0050-00-Brake System Hydraulic Leak Set After Recent Repair.
ESC Light Illuminated. DTC C1252-92 VACUUM PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT And Or P258B ELECTRONIC VACUUM PUMP PERFORMANCE
4 more on this problem
Squeak Noise From Brake Pedal When Pressed And Or Released.
Customer may complain of a MIL lamp on. Upon further investigation there could be a fault code in the PCM for P1524 ? Oil Pressure Out of Range ? Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled.
VALVE, HIGH PRESSURE EGR If you are replacing the high pressure EGR valve (68490212A$) due to DTC P0407 or P0408 please refer to all published service information regarding proper diagnosis before proceeding. These DTCs are for the low pressure EGR system.
Front Brake (Chirp/Squeak) Noise This bulletin involves applying grease to the anti-rattle clips on both sides ofthe front brakes. The customer may comment on the following: A chirp and/or squeak from front of vehicle over bumps when the brakesare not applied.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 30 bulletins · 58 complaints
Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data).
Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00, B1A15-00, B1A16-00, and B1A17-00 in The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)
28 more on this problem
Radio Over The Air Update from QR39.82F to QR40.12 Software Version Customer may experience one or more of the following: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Update from LR34.51 to LR35.41 Software Version Customer may experience one or more of the following: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Update from QR39.5 to QR40.11 Software Version Customer may experience one or more of the following: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Updating to QR40.12 Software Version Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone, when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Update to LR34.31 to LR35.41 Software Version Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Update to Q339.3 to QR39.62 Software Version Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Updating From QR39.6 to QR40.12 Software Version Customers may experience one or more of the following symptoms: ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up.
Apple CarPlay Does Not Work Or Not Connecting
Radio Over The Air Updating to QR40.12 Software Version ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives "No Internet" connection message on phone, when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Updating from PR39.92 to PR40.12 Software Version ? Radio Wi-Fi Hotspot connection not working. This bulletin provides information regarding the latest Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) update and provides the service technician an overview of ...
Plus 18 older ones not listed here.
Battery dies or the car will not start 9 bulletins · 42 complaints
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
Flash: Amplifier (AMP) Diagnostic and System Updates **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** ● B143B-12 - ANC Microphone ...
7 more on this problem
Battery Drain Suspected or "Identified" From USB or Media Hub
Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) Software Update Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Ambient Air Temperature Missing, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Lamp On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open, P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Ambient Air Temperature Missing, MIL Lamp On, DTC P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open; P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Lithium Ion Batteries Beginning April 1, 2022, a $5,000 penalty will be assessed to dealers who return any visually damaged battery to the supplier. Improper handling of damaged lithium ion batteries can cause property damage, serious injury or even death.
Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
Power Window Regulator or Motor Owners may complain that the Driver and or Passenger Windows are inoperative. Technician may find DTC?s B18BA-12 - Window Control - Circuit Short to Battery, B18BA-13 - Window Control - Circuit Open (stored or active).
Check engine light or misfire 43 bulletins · 32 complaints
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at the pump and perform a visual inspection ...
Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Performance Setting In The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
41 more on this problem
Camshaft cap bolts within the cylinder head assembly may cause damage to other components. DO NOT replace entire long block when only left OR right cylinder heads need to be replaced.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air ...
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates **Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0300-00 - Multiple Cylinder ...
Dealer technicians have reported failures involving camshaft cap bolts breaking within the cylinder head assembly. This can lead to damage to camshaft towers, camshafts, and other cylinder head components.
Misfire Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Rough Idle, Valvetrain Noise Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0301 - Cylinder 1 ...
3.6L PSU Long Block Misfire DTC codes and/or rough idle and/or valvetrain noise. Refer to SOL # S2509000004. It is also important to confirm that the vehicle being repaired has the latest calibration/software update for oil pump operation mode (high pressure ...
Misfire DTCs, Rough Idle, Valvetrain Noise
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) C006A-49 Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Internal Electronic Failure And C10CC-00 ESC Sensors.
3.6L PSU Long Block Misfire DTC codes and/or rough idle and/or valvetrain noise. These conditions may be related to worn intake camshaft high lift lobe(s), and intake rocker arm(s) high lift slider. High mileage failure (10,000-60,000 miles). 1.
Thermostat Assy For 2022-2024MY 3.6L Pentastar Upgrade with P0128 failure code. PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT, PROCEED WITH INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE LATEST VERSION OF STAR ONLINE PUBLICATION S2309000014
Plus 31 older ones not listed here.
Fuel pump failure 1 bulletin · 27 complaints
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Fuel Pressure Sensor ?A? Circuit, and/or Fuel Pump Control Module Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Set.
Airbag warning light or recall 4 bulletins · 27 complaints
Water Leak At Headliner Near Driver Microphone
A/C Performance Not As Hot/Cold On Driver Side - DTC's B11CB-92, B11CB-11
2 more on this problem
Check Engine Lamp On, P2504 Charge System Output High
Front Brake (Chirp/Squeak) Noise This bulletin involves applying grease to the anti-rattle clips on both sides ofthe front brakes. The customer may comment on the following: A chirp and/or squeak from front of vehicle over bumps when the brakesare not applied.
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 2 bulletins · 23 complaints
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C221F-00, C2223-00, C221C-00, C0051-54 Present After Electric Power Steering (EPS) Replacement.
Flash: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Module Updates This bulletin involves updating the EPS module with the latest available software. Customers may experience the following:Vibration felt or noise heard when turning right at low speeds.
Complaints filed by year
158 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
High pressure fuel pump failure. Open, led to recall 24V-957.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2021 Ram 1500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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).
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 15 recalls on the 2021 Ram 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide One recall here carries a do-not-drive warning. What that means
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 Ram 1500?
Stalling, with 199 of the 679 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 9,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2021 Ram 1500 problems start?
Of the 186 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 9,000 miles and half by about 32,000.
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has more complaints than the 2020 and about as many complaints as the 2022: 113 a year against 90 and 123.
How many 2021 Ram 1500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
37 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2021 Ram 1500?
No recall on file for the 2021 Ram 1500 is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.