Fifth generation (DT Heavy Duty)
2021 Ram 2500
The most reported problem on the 2021 Ram 2500 is brake wear, with 10 complaints.
- 108owner complaints
- 8recalls
- 6involved a crash
- 30,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2021 Ram 2500 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 reliable?
The 2021 Ram 2500 has 108 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 259 for 2021 pickups on this site. Of the 13 2500 model years since 2014, it has the 9th 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 18 complaints for each year on the road, the 2021 runs below the 2020 (23) and well under the 2022 (36).
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, brake wear, covers 10 of the 108 complaints (9%), and fire is next with 7 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). Too few of the brake wear reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 14 of the 108 complaints (13%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 6 reports mention a crash, 8 mention a fire and 2 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 8 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2023, with 44 complaints, 2.9 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 14 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: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 10 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
108 complaints is 1.8 times fewer than the median 2021 model on this site and 2.4 times fewer than the median 2021 pickup. Among the 10 2500 model years here it ranks 9th 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 2500
Ram filed 556 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 Ram 2500. 64 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.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 10 complaints
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C0050-00-Brake System Hydraulic Leak Set After Recent Repair.
CALIPER ASSEMBLY Disc Brake, Front/Rear For brake feel/sensation concerns, please call engineering FCA Redacted Content before performing repairs. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
1 more on this problem
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.
Tailgate or liftgate will not open or close 2 bulletins · 7 complaints
Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
Water Leak At Upper D-pillar Or Liftgate Area
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 6 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.
Check engine light or misfire 17 bulletins · 5 complaints
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 ...
Cummins 6.7L Air Filter Replacement DTC P0299 Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P0299-00 - Turbocharger Underboost.
15 more on this problem
Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 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 ...
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates 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
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover For US dealers, and 21-22 model year vehicles only. If replacing the cylinder head cover/fuel injector harness gasket due to an oil leak, please also replace the following components: 1.
Updated Fuel Filler Cap This bulletin involves updating the fuel filler cap with improved version. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0471 ? Exhaust Pressure Sensor 1 Performance, Set.
Check Engine Light and/or Service Air Suspension, Service Diesel Exhaust System or Multiple Cluster Warning Lamps Illuminated With Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Messages
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
No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
Plus 5 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 31 bulletins · 5 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).
Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
29 more on this problem
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)
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.
Back-Up Camera Inoperative Complaints, Radio Display Blue or Blank When Placed in Reverse
Apple CarPlay Does Not Work Or Not Connecting
Plus 19 older ones not listed here.
Seat belt or seat problems 3 bulletins · 5 complaints
The customer may experience an airbag light on or seat belt chime when buckled.
Heated Seat LED Indicator Turns On And Back Off. One Or More Heated Seat DTC?s
1 more on this problem
RKE Does Not Unlock The Doors After A Remote Start Event
Doors, latches or locks fail 2 bulletins · 5 complaints
Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock.
Engine rattles or ticks 5 bulletins · 5 complaints
Light Random Tick Noise From The Engine.
Cummins Valvetrain Noise Diagnostics Customers may comment on one or more of the following: ● Ticking noise. ● Clicking noise. ● Engine noise.
3 more on this problem
Clicking Noisse from Engine At Idle Customers may comment on the following: ● A clicking noise from the engine at idle. This bulletin involves adding oil system protection and letting the engine idle.
Clicking Noise From Engine At Idle Customers may comment on the following: ● A clicking noise from the engine at idle. REPAIR SUMMARY: This bulletin involves adding oil system protection and letting the engine idle.
Squeak, Chirp, Or Tick Noise From The Serpentine Belt Area. Additional Diagnostics.
Complaints filed by year
44 complaints came in 2023, 4.9 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2021 Ram 2500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.
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.
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. 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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
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 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.
All 8 recalls on the 2021 Ram 2500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 Ram 2500?
Brake wear, with 10 of the 108 complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Ram 2500 problems start?
Of the 21 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 19,000 miles and half by about 30,000.
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has fewer complaints than both the 2020 and the 2022: 18 a year against 23 and 36.
How many 2021 Ram 2500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
14 of them (13%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2021 Ram 2500?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 22V-140. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.