AI Damage2021 RAM 1500: common problems
Owners of the 2021 RAM 1500 filed 683 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and electrical system. The maker issued 1,129 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 683
- involving a crash
- 27
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 1,129
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 40% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 29% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 14% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 11% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 10% of all complaints
- 6 Forward collision avoidance 8% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 7% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 5% of all complaints
- Engine: 276 complaints (40% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 60.
- Electrical system: 198 complaints (29% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 335.
- Powertrain: 99 complaints (14% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 145.
- Service brakes: 73 complaints (11% of all), 4 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 25.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 69 complaints (10% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 7.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 5.7 L · petrol · 8 cylnamed in 9 complaints
- 6.2 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl
- 3 L · diesel · turbo · 6 cylnamed in 17 complaints
- 3.6 L · hybrid · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 5.7 L · hybrid · 8 cylnamed in 9 complaints
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: 4WD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 683 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 276 | 1 | 60 |
| Electrical system | 198 | 2 | 335 |
| Powertrain | 99 | 1 | 145 |
| Service brakes | 73 | 4 | 25 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 69 | 1 | 7 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 52 | 2 | 3 |
| Steering | 50 | 7 | 41 |
| Structure | 33 | 0 | 136 |
| Vehicle speed control | 30 | 2 | 22 |
| Visibility | 27 | 0 | 80 |
| Fuel system | 27 | 0 | 52 |
| Air bags | 27 | 13 | 31 |
| Electronic stability control | 16 | 1 | 15 |
| Backover prevention | 15 | 2 | 92 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Purchase vehicle new and report issue with steering vibration and wandering feel after purchasing on multiple occasions when having the vehicle serviced by dealership. No issues found was the response each time, but condition continued. Front tire wear indicated something wasn't right.
There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts before or after the incident. The vehicle did not maintain stability as expected during braking on ice. I am unsure whether the ABS/ESC system functioned properly at the time of the incident. The crash resulted in vehicle damage and property damage.
Discovered recently the fuel pump was causing the problem. Also the air bag light comes on and warning of a safety issue.
The contact stated that while driving at 5 to 10 MPH, the power steering became inoperable and crashed into a pole. The vehicle was restarted, and he continued to drive. While driving the next day, the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated.
The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction contract warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering and the service brakes did not function as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended.
The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unaware of how fast they were driving at the time of the crash. The contact sustained a shoulder and neck injury from the seatbelt. Physical therapy and MRI medical treatment were needed for the injury. No police report was filed.
The airbags failed to deploy with an offset front end collision going 42 mph. My husband was in an accident and now has a brain injury. The airbags did not go off. The vehicle has been inspected by the body shop but no one will tell me why the airbags did not go off.
I hit the brakes hard once and then again to stop the sudden acceleration. Truck had a mind of its own. Dangerous situation, fortunately no one was in front of me to run into.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 76 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 4% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 1500 has 494 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 683, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive
- The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward…
The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE…
- Engine PNs
MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide sufficient…
- MOTOR - WINDOW REGULATOR
- Blindspot Module For concern on Blindspot Module setting U11FB-00 Lost Communication with Left Blind Spot…
Blindspot Module For concern on Blindspot Module setting U11FB-00 Lost Communication with Left Blind Spot Sensor, U11FA-00 Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor. Some vehicle(s) where the Blindspot Module was…
- Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park
- CORE – HEATER
- Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long…
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…
- Flash
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates Customers may comment on one or more of the following: SYMPTOM: ● **Harsh or slipping feeling during upshifts (1st - 5th). ● Harsh or slipping feeling during kickdown events…
- SWITCH – HEADLAMP
- SPRING KIT - DISC BRAKE PAD
- Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
NHTSA lists 1,129 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 RAM 1500?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, electrical system, powertrain. Total complaints: 683. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (20%), warning lights, check engine (20%), rollaway, parking brake (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 RAM 1500?
NHTSA lists 1,129 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 RAM 1500 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.