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Ram · NHTSA safety record

2021 Ram 2500

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

Owners have filed 108 safety complaints about the 2021 Ram 2500 with the US government. Of those, 6 describe a crash, 8 mention a fire, 2 people were injured and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 35 complaints, 32% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 34,000 miles, the median across the 15 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers April 2021 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

108 complaints on file

108

Complaints

6

Describe a crash

8

Mention fire

2

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 35 · 32%
ENGINE 26 · 24%
POWER TRAIN 25 · 23%
STRUCTURE 12 · 11%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8 · 7%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 · 7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8 · 7%
STEERING 5 · 5%
AIR BAGS 4 · 4%
SEAT BELTS 4 · 4%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 4 · 4%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 2 · 2%
0 15 31

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 108.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 44.

48 36 24 12
21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2021 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2021 Ram 2500, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test Crew PU/CC 2WD Crew PU/CC 4WD Mega PU/EC 4WD Regular PU/RC 2WD Regular PU/RC 4WD
Overall Not rated Not rated Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated Not rated Not rated
Frontal, driver Not rated Not rated Not rated
Frontal, passenger Not rated Not rated Not rated
Side crash Not rated Not rated Not rated
Side barrier Not rated Not rated Not rated
Side pole Not rated Not rated Not rated
Rollover
Chance of rollover 19.8% 29.2% 29.2% 19.8% 29.2%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

23V060000 · February 9, 2023

Park outside until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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) · up to 302,067 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

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

22V835000 · November 10, 2022

The defect
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.
The risk
Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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) · up to 250,079 vehicles across all model years covered

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

22V140000 · March 10, 2022

The defect
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."
The risk
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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) · up to 370,437 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

21V798000 · October 14, 2021

Park outside until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The 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) · up to 131,177 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21V163000 · March 11, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 19,214 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

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

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

I was driving my 2021 ram 2500 west at approximately 35mph when a oncoming vehicle a 2008 Dodge Nitro failed to navigate a curve in the road crossing center line of road hitting me head on at a estimated 50-6- mph. (Driver was ticket for to fast for conditions) It was a clear , dry day. The Ram trucks air bag and seatbelt restraint system did not deploy/lockup . There were no warning lights , messages, or symptoms making me aware of any problems. The vehicle was towed from the scene, incapable of moving on its own. Vehicle has only 2000mi. The vehicle was inspected by insurance company and found to need a complete new frame due to the impact. 100s of people from police officers to dealers

NHTSA complaint 11428902, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

There was a severe head on collision and airbags did not deploy. The dealership says there was no deceleration however, the crash was severe enough that they should have deployed, the driver also tried to stop and the trucks airbag system did not detect the sudden brake. This is a 2021 truck that has a sudden brake sensor, that combined with the collision should have caused the airbags to deploy.

NHTSA complaint 11438830. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire

At a stop light after 10 min of normal driving on country and city roads my truck started smoking from front passenger wheel well. Smoke intensified and quickly turned black. Immediately pulled over and found flames burning through front passenger wheel liner and from around passenger side battery and intake filter. Fire was put out with fire extinguisher and engine bay sprayed down by fire truck when they arrived on scene. Fire melted through battery case leaking battery acid, parts of the intake filter housing, all surrounding electrical wiring and completely through wheel well. Was building in intensity until put out with fire extinguisher. Truck was purchased in June 2021 and had 0

NHTSA complaint 11429824, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 10,200 miles

The contact owned a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V798000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with a fob key from inside his residence, he did not hear the engine start. The contact looked outside when he noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's driveway, not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall however, the dealer did not perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of

NHTSA complaint 11441016, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
ABS/Forward Collision/Traction Control/4WD/Cruise Control warning lights on. Braking is inconsistent. Sometimes hard to brake, sometimes brake pedal is real spongy and will go almost to floor.

NHTSA complaint 11766669. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally follow up regarding complaint/case number 97989810 through Dodge and to request that this matter be elevated for a complete technical review concerning my 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, VIN [XXX]. Time - Line PRIOR FACTORY-WARRANTY REPAIR The XXX factory-warranty repair is an important part of this vehicle's mechanical history. That repair involved the timing-cover/timing-gear-case area and front crankshaft seal. As part of that repair, the harmonic balancer/vibration damper was removed and reinstalled. Approximately 26,000 miles later, the vehicle experienced a failure involving the vibration damper and its associated mounting bolts. +++ Vehicle receipt will be

NHTSA complaint 11763494, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
There is a known issue with the Ram Power Wagon locking differential system where the electronic locking differential wiring harness will fault one of three ways. The first being that the wiring harness is two short so when the rear axle articulates there isn't enough slack therefore causing the plug in the diff housing to fail. The second is that sensor inside the housing faults due to gear oil build up on the sensor. Finally the third if the locker wiring inside the housing wears out causes the locker to fault. Any of these three issues causes a "Service Axle Locker System" and prevents the front and rear lockers to be used indefinitely. This can cause the truck to become stuck during off

NHTSA complaint 11762597, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair might take 2 or 3 days to be completed. The dealer was only able to pay for a rental vehicle for two days. The contact stated that 5 days later, the dealer was still waiting on parts from the manufacturer to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The

NHTSA complaint 11753967, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

34,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and associated the failure with the recall. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA complaint 11753071. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
This problem first occurred on a state highway in [XXX] in 2023 and again in 2026 (this incident.) While driving south on XXX, there was an undulation/slight bump in the interstate while in a mild right hand curve. My vehicles brakes engaged without my input and slowed me down from 70mph to 35mph with traffic behind me. My gas accelerator and brake pedal were unresponsive from user input. At no point was my vehicle out of control to trigger such aggressive braking from my ESC, ERM, or ABS. The concern here is that thankfully this was on dry roads and traffic was far enough behind me to avoid a collision. My concern is this happening in winter weather/icy/wet roads, or with significant

NHTSA complaint 11751811, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ram 2500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 26 7 —
2025 62 6 —
2024 59 5 —
2023 49 8 —
2022 181 12 —
2020 162 10 —
2019 193 12 —
2018 2,594 9 1
2017 696 11 —
2016 258 12 1
2015 214 13 —
2014 341 14 —
2013 178 14 —

Other 2021 Ram models

1500 679 Promaster 111 3500 62

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Ram on this site — 68 vehicles.

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. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

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