Diagsheet

2021 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 73owner reports
  • 36,000median miles
  • 4involved a crash

Newest report Aug 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

73 of the 673 complaints on this car describe brake wear. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 73 reports

2
3
7
33
3

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (16 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the brakes cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

24V-653Sep 5, 2024
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

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
Risk: 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.
21V-037Feb 1, 2021
Do not drive Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder

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
Risk: 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.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 31,000 and 50,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.

1121
1222
1323
1824
1425
526

What owners wrote

“Was making a slow 10-15mph right hand turn out of my neighborhood and the truck stalled. Power was still on, park brake came on while in motion. Had to shift back to park to restart. Once restarted, no caution or warning lights on the dash.”

Filed Nov 22, 2022

“The parking brake started displaying not available on the heads up display. It did this several times within 5 minutes. When I was coming to a stop at around 5 mph the vehicle shifted into Park and set the parking brake and stopped. The engine stopped as well. I had to restart the vehicle to get it going and the check engine light was on after that.”

Filed May 4, 2022

“Engine shut off from a quick stop. After I pressed the gas to go again rolled through intersection and stopped. Had to be put in park restarted and take the e-brake off to get to go again”

Filed Mar 31, 2022

“I was making a turn at a slow speed and the the truck just stopped. Parking brake went on and basically had to restart my truck. From what Im reading online, this is a very common issue. I was in a very busy intersection and definitely put me at high risk.”

Filed Mar 18, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 4 of 73 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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