CSR

Ram · NHTSA safety record

2021 Ram 1500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

666

Complaints

26

Crashes

4

Fires

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2021 Ram 1500 have filed 666 safety complaints with NHTSA between November 2020 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 272 of them (41%). The typical failure was reported at 35,000 miles, the median across the 107 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 15 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (15)

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

26V495000 · July 30, 2026

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row 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."
The risk
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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) · up to 1,271,294 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

25V765000 · November 6, 2025

The defect
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."
The risk
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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) · up to 532 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS

25V298000 · May 8, 2025

The defect
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."
The risk
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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) · up to 71 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

24V754000 · October 10, 2024

The defect
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."
The risk
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 31,676 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

24V653000 · September 5, 2024

The defect
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."
The risk
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 1,025,432 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

23V265000 · April 13, 2023

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 131,700 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

23V059000 · February 9, 2023

The defect
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."
The risk
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.
The 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) · up to 77,079 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

22V904000 · December 8, 2022

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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) · up to 1,224,078 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

22V767000 · October 13, 2022

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 60,413 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

22V638000 · August 25, 2022

The defect
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."
The risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 7,895 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

21V925000 · November 24, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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) · up to 376 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

21V918000 · November 23, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 38,157 vehicles across all model years covered

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

21V698000 · September 9, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
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.
The 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) · up to 2 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

21V438000 · June 10, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 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) · up to 14,096 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

21V037000 · February 1, 2021

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 683 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

High pressure fuel pump failure

EA23001

Still open engineering analysis · opened March 17, 2023 · led to recall 24V957

the diesel fuel system

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 666.

ENGINE 272 41%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 194 29%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 100 15%
POWER TRAIN 97 15%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 67 10%
SERVICE BRAKES 54 8%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 51 8%
STEERING 48 7%
STRUCTURE 32 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 30 5%
AIR BAGS 25 4%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 24 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 158.

2020 2025 2026
2020 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE

4 injured

Once again for the about 100th time our 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel cuts off and when I means cuts off everything is off. No warning of any sort. Was going about 50mph and just completely shutdown on 880 Southbound in SF Bay Area. Truck has 52k miles is maintained and no codes no nothing. I had my children in the vehicle at the time of incident. We slowly pulled the shoulder with the help of rig driver slowing down to make sure no one hit us. It’s ridiculous that the current recalls aren’t as important and hazardous as trucks shutting off yet here we are cause it’s never duplicated while at the dealer. Is the FCA going to wait till someone or folks lives are taken cause of this very

NHTSA complaint 11506647, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 10,700 miles

WHILE NEARLY COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY WITH A SPEED UNDER 3 MPH AND APPROXIMATE 20 DEGREE INCLINE I WAS STRUCK BY GMC TERRAIN JUST BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WITH POSTED SPEED OF 40 MPH ON THE STREET. THE FORCE OF IMPACT PUSHED MY TRUCK INTO A TELEPHONE POLE NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY IMPACTING THE REAR DOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE THE REAR DOOR GLASS SHATTERED AND LANDED 10 TO 15 FT IN THE YARD, THE TRUCK CAME TO REST FACING 180 DEGREES THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL IN THE CENTER OF A FOUR LANE STREET, THE SUV THAT STUCK ME CONTINUED APPROXIMATELY 330 FT. ACROSS 3 LANES COMING TO REST IN A YARD. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOR SEAT BELT TENSIONING WAS APPARENT, DRIVER WEIGHT 185LBS

NHTSA complaint 11416232, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 1,500 miles

The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving at 30 MPH, another vehicle had rear ended his vehicle. The force of the collision then propelled the vehicle into the vehicle in front of him. Due to the force of the collision, his son-in-law's head hit the steering wheel which caused him to black out.The vehicle was then hit by two other vehicles on both the passenger and the driver side as the vehicle was in the middle of an intersection. The air bags did not deploy at anytime during the collision. The contact's son- in-law was taken to hospital and treated for a fractured right side knee and ankle as well as several bruises to various parts of his

NHTSA complaint 11427155, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 injured · towed · 8,200 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the front hood latch suddenly failed causing the front hood to erroneously open and make contact with the front windshield. During the incident, the glass windshield shattered causing shards of glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle. Both the front driver and front passenger sustained small lacerations from the shards of glass making contact. No medical treatment was required. The front windshield frame and the roof of the vehicle were also damaged. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The

NHTSA complaint 11575224, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i reverse. This does not happen every time but does happen often. I haven't had it checked out professionally because it hasn't been permanent but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

NHTSA complaint 11756871. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
REAR WINDOW FRAME CRACKED AT BOTH CORNERS- WATER LEAKS INSIDE OF VEHICLE DURING RAIN. THIS CAN AFFECT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE AT THE REAR CAB INSIDE THE TRUCK. I NOTICED THIS A MONTH AGO BUT DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN THERE.

NHTSA complaint 11755206. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine ticking and trunk lock latch not opening

NHTSA complaint 11755099. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington, Texas on November 11, 2025 and was advised they were going to do a software update. On July 27th , I contacted (formerly Don Davis) now Clay Cooley Ram dealership and spoke to a service representative, Jose Hernandez. I explained that the brakes feel very spongy and takes more time to slow the vehicle down (constantly have to brake several times when approaching other vehicles or at red lights). It is

NHTSA complaint 11754291, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

85,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized in place and failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint 11753976. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.

NHTSA complaint 11753665. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ram 1500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 75 5
2025 314 7
2024 70 6
2023 193 11
2022 597 16 2
2020 621 14 1
2019 1,459 29 1
2018 648 15
2017 864 13 1
2016 1,521 16 5
2015 1,432 17 4
2014 1,747 16
2013 1,263 11

Other 2021 Ram models

Every Ram on this site — 67 vehicles, 202 recall campaigns and 6 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst