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2021 RAM 1500 Reliability & Recall Report

Based on 15 NHTSA recalls and 683 owner complaints. All data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — free, no signup required.

F
13/100

Very High Reported Activity — 2021 RAM 1500

The 2021 RAM 1500 shows very high recall and complaint activity in NHTSA data. Counts are raw and are higher for popular models, so see how we score this below. Review the issues and recalls carefully, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.

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15
NHTSA Recalls
15 recalls on record
683
Owner Complaints
Filed with NHTSA
27
Crash Reports
4 fire reports
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NHTSA Recalls — 2021 RAM 1500 (15)

All recalls listed below must be repaired by an authorized RAM dealer at no charge to the owner.

🔧 Back Over Prevention: Display Function
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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…
NHTSA #21V438000
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Display Function
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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,…
NHTSA #21V918000
🔧 Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
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.
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….
NHTSA #21V698000
🔧 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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…
NHTSA #21V925000
🔧 Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder
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…
NHTSA #21V037000
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Display Function
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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…
NHTSA #22V638000
🔧 Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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…
NHTSA #22V767000
🔧 Structure: Body: Tailgate: Hinge And Attachments
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.
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…
NHTSA #22V904000
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Display Function
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.
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…
NHTSA #23V059000
🔧 Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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….
NHTSA #23V265000

Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

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Most Common Problems — 2021 RAM 1500

Based on 683 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Bars show relative complaint frequency.

Electrical System
171
Engine
99
Power Train
93
Unknown Or Other
68
Steering
50
Service Brakes
40
Fuel/propulsion System
31
Fuel System
26
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RAM 1500 — Complaints by Year

A spike means more owner complaints were filed for that model year. The 2021 model year is highlighted.

→ Recently checked RAM 1500 VINs — free recall, safety and specs report for any VIN.

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⚠ Higher-complaint years: 2015, 2016, 2019 — These model years have more owner complaints in NHTSA data than the other years compared.

✅ Best model years: 2023, 2024, 2025 — Lowest complaint rates for this model.

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Frequently Asked Questions — 2021 RAM 1500

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 RAM 1500 has 15 recall campaigns and 683 owner complaints. This model year shows elevated recall or complaint activity — review the details and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2021 RAM 1500 have?
The 2021 RAM 1500 has 15 NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include: see recall details above. All recalls are repaired free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 RAM 1500?
The most commonly reported problems for the 2021 RAM 1500 are: Electrical System, Engine, Power Train, Unknown Or Other. See the complaint breakdown above for full details.
Is the 2021 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
The 2021 RAM 1500 has some safety and reliability items to review before buying. Ensure all 15 recalls are completed at a dealer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended.
What year RAM 1500 should I buy?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the best years for the RAM 1500 are: 2023, 2024, 2025. These show the lowest complaint rates. Years with higher complaint counts: 2015, 2016, 2019.
How we score this: The score starts at 100 and subtracts points for the number of NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints filed for this model year, and for complaints that report crashes or fires. Newer model years get a small bonus because they have had less time to collect reports. These are raw counts and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so popular models tend to have more recalls and complaints. Complaints are unverified owner reports. This grade is not a prediction about any individual vehicle and is not an inspection: check a specific car’s VIN for open recalls and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Data source: All recall and complaint data is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public API. Data is cached and refreshed every 7 days. Recall and complaint counts reflect data available at the time of last cache update. For the most current recall status on a specific vehicle, enter the VIN above or visit NHTSA.gov/recalls.