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Your vehicleHome›Ram›1500› 2021
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Ram · Large Pickup truck

2021 Ram 1500

Hybrid Gas Diesel
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
15 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
47 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 4–5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 15
Complaints27 crash · 4 fire · 23 injured reported 683
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 26 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Ram 1500 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid, gas and diesel large pickup truck with 15 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 1500 2WD, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 683 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ram Pickup — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ram Pickup · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
1500 HFE 2WDHybridRWD3.6L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion202623$2,900
1500 2WDHybridRWD3.6L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion202522$3,050
1500 4WDHybrid4WD3.6L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion192421$3,200
1500 2WDHybridRWD5.7L 8-cyl + 48V Li-Ion172319$4,000
1500 4WDHybrid4WD5.7L 8-cyl + 48V Li-Ion172219$4,000
1500 Classic 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl172520$3,350
1500 Classic 4WDGas4WD3.6L 6-cyl162319$3,550
1500 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,450
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,450
1500 Classic 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,450
1500 Classic 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,450
1500 TRX 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl101412$6,850
1500 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223226$3,700
1500 HFE 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo233326$3,700
1500 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212924$4,000

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43415, 43006, 43014, 43008, 43016, 43461, 43468, 43009, 43017, 43462.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
1500 2WD, 1500 4WD, 1500 HFE 2WD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
1500 Classic 2WD, 1500 Classic 4WD3 / 10California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
1500 2WD, 1500 4WD, 1500 HFE 2WD, 1500 TRX 4WD1 / 10California LEV-III LEV160 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 160All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement5.7 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower395 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Big Horn, Lonestar, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length205.9–242.1 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.1–79.5 in
Height74.4–78.0 in
Wheelbase120.5–153.5 in
Track, front68.1–68.5 in
Track, rear67.7–68.1 in
Curb weight4,511–5,386 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear57/43

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 16 configurations: Crew Cab 5.7-FT Box 2WD, Crew Cab 5.7-FT Box 4X4, Crew Cab 6.4-FT Box 2WD, Crew Cab 6.4-FT Box 4X4, Quad Cab 6.4-FT Box 2WD, Quad Cab 6.4-FT Box 4X4 …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 1500
Head to head vs the 2021 Ford F-150 Other years The 2027 1500 Recalls Ram recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Ram 1500 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seat Belts

67D
1,271,294 vehicles
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side 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." Risk An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V495000 reported Jul 30, 2026 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

14C
532 vehicles 30% reported repaired
Problem 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 A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V765000 reported Nov 6, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

08C
71 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V298000 reported May 8, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Visibility

86B
31,676 vehicles 49% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V754000 reported Oct 10, 2024 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

75B
1,025,432 vehicles 72% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V653000 reported Sep 5, 2024 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

37A
131,700 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V265000 reported Apr 13, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

14A
77,079 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem 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." 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. Fix 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).
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V059000 reported Feb 9, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

ZB8
1,224,078 vehicles 81% reported repaired
Problem 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 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V904000 reported Dec 8, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

Z96
60,413 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V767000 reported Oct 13, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

Z86
7,895 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V638000 reported Aug 25, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

Y99
376 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem 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 An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V925000 reported Nov 24, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

Y80
38,157 vehicles
Problem 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." Risk A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V918000 reported Nov 23, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Tires

Y62
2 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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." 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V698000 reported Sep 9, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

Y30
14,096 vehicles
Problem 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." Risk A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V438000 reported Jun 10, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Y04
Do not drive 683 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V037000 reported Feb 1, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump — High pressure fuel pump failure open

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 re

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · action EA23001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific 1500

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ram publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ram’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Ram 1500, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Ram 1500

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this 1500 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
683complaints filed

27 involved a crash · 4 a fire · 23 injuries · 0 deaths reported

19 per 10,000 built · Ram reported 364,753 1500 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2020: 2 · 2021: 118 · 2022: 113 · 2023: 114 · 2024: 96 · 2025: 158 · 2026: 82

Most-cited components

Engine → 280
Electrical System → 198
Unspecified 103
Power Train → 100
Fuel/Propulsion System → 96
Service Brakes → 74

In depth: engine problems → · electrical problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · fuel system problems → · brake problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Making a right hand turn into school parking lot at 7:11 am this morning the engine died, steering went stiff and emergence parking break set. Almost caused a very serious accident with injury's to multiple minors. Was moving 11 MPH with my foot on the brake into the right turn, when I let off the brake the engine died.
Engine May 24, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11418271
At 10221 mileage totally lost the steering and at that time indicator displays "Power Steering Unavailable, Service Required". Lost control of vehicle. Stopped and re-started engine and indicator was off and steering returned for right hand turns.. Very difficult to turn left.
Steering May 18, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11417682
Driving vehicle about 2 MPH, taking a right turn - vehicle stalled out and emergency brake light came on. Was able to restart pts ignition without issue, then drive again. Truck has 600+ miles current. Found other Ram owners on 5thgenrams. Com forums stating they are experiencing same issue, so I AM concerned.
Electrical System at 600 miles May 13, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11416441
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.
Air Bags at 10,700 miles May 12, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11416232
Driving at 35 MPH the engine just died and the truck engage the auto shift parking creating a dangerous condition. Second time in about 3 days. This is driving me nuts
Service Brakes at 4,700 miles Apr 22, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11413419
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and shifted to park inadvertently. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle would not move because the automatic emergency braking had engaged inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired.
Power Train at 2,850 miles Apr 19, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11412814

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ram itself: 117 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 3 killed, 145 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 32 per 100,000 built. Every 1500 model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 36k

miles, typically

Half the 106 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 11,000 and 60,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 25
10k–20k 8
20k–30k 9
30k–40k 17
40k–50k 12
50k–60k 8
60k–70k 6
70k–80k 4
80k–90k 10
90k–100k 0
100k–150k 7
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine3627,8030.56×
Electrical System2445,0701.61×
Power Train2028,0000.57×
Service Brakes1440,1262.01×
Fuel/Propulsion System1430,0000.65×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2021-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: engine (0.56×), power train (0.57×), fuel/propulsion system (0.65×); later: electrical system (1.61×), service brakes (2.01×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the Ram 1500 ranks 47 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.19× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 25,600 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/RC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 8 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

2 more in this page’s JSON.

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Stellantis warranty extension (117) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 1,130
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-09
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 1115 service bulletins, 8 warranty extensions, 7 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Engine, Power Train, Structure.

  • S2623000057 Service bulletin
    2026-10-09 · Air Bags
  • After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive.
  • S2623000057 Service bulletin
    2026-10-09 · Air Bags
  • After Recent Service, A Replacement Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Is Non-Responsive.
  • S2621000004 Service bulletin
    2026-09-30 · Power Train
  • 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 Transmission Only)
  • 9100898 Service bulletin
    2026-09-08 · Engine
  • 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 clearance for proper routing of the MDS solenoid jumper harness (PN 05148163AE). As a result, the harness may become compressed by the foam cover. To prevent unnecessary
  • 114072 Service bulletin
    2026-08-17 · Electrical System
  • MOTOR - WINDOW REGULATOR
  • 114073 Service bulletin
    2026-08-17 · Electrical System
  • MOTOR - WINDOW REGULATOR
  • 9100274 Rev 1 Service bulletin
    2026-07-28 · Lane Departure — Blind Spot Detection
  • 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 replaced had no issues found with the Blindspot Module after testing. Please verify no wiring or connector issues are present prior to module replacement.
  • S2608000033 Service bulletin
    2026-07-17 · Structure — Body
  • Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0073
P0073 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →9 bulletins
B2286Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →8 bulletins
P0174The engine is running lean on bank 2.Electrical System · Mass air flow sensor →7 bulletins
P062A
P062A on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →6 bulletins
P208B
P208B on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Service Brakes · Brake pads →6 bulletins
P20E8
P20E8 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Service Brakes · Brake pads →6 bulletins
P0128
P0128 on Ram →		The engine is not reaching its normal operating temperature in the expected time — usually the thermostat.Engine · Thermostat →5 bulletins
P0133The upstream bank 1 oxygen sensor is responding too slowly to be trusted.Electrical System · Oxygen sensor →5 bulletins
P0153The upstream bank 2 oxygen sensor is responding too slowly.Electrical System · Battery →5 bulletins
P0171The engine is running lean on bank 1: too much air, or not enough fuel, for the mixture the computer wants.Electrical System · Mass air flow sensor →5 bulletins
P0403A fault in the exhaust gas recirculation control circuit.Exterior Lighting · Headlight assembly →5 bulletins
P203E
P203E on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Exterior Lighting · Headlight assembly →5 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ram 1500 failed the emissions check on 1.9% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.4% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 1.9%

failed emissions

12,817 initial inspections of 12,631 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 1500Every 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.9%1.9%12,786
Failed the safety inspection1.4%1.5%12,817
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.18%0.19%12,817
Miles driven a year11,61910,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer61,48554,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Compare the 2021 1500 with

Any vehicle, your weights →
Head-to-headVerdict
2021 Ford F-150 · Large Pickup truck · grade F1500 +2

1500 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 22 mpg2026 D 9 103 22 mpg2025 D 8 365 23 mpg2024 C 6 77 23 mpg2023 D 11 203 24 mpg2022 F 16 631 26 mpg2021 this page F 15 683 Do not drive2020 F 14 640 26 mpg2019 F 29 1,494 23 mpg2018 F 15 667 23 mpg2017 F 13 884 23 mpg2016 F 16 1,554 24 mpg

Common questions about the 2021 1500

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Ram 1500 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 15 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ram 1500, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 21V037000, covering Service Brakes, Hydraulic. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. There is an active do not drive advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Ram 1500?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Ram 1500 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (47/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ram 1500?

Across the 15 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Ram 1500, the best EPA combined figure is 26 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Ram 1500?

Transport Canada measured it at 205.9–242.1 in long, 79.1–79.5 in wide (body, without mirrors), 74.4–78.0 in tall, on a 120.5–153.5 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,511–5,386 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Ram 1500?

Owners have filed 683 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 1500, most often about engine, electrical system, unspecified. Of those, 27 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 23 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Ram 1500?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 runs 1 to 5 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III LEV160, California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 160, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Ram 1500?

The manufacturer has filed 1130 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 1500, most often covering electrical system, equipment, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-10-09. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Ram 1500 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ram 1500 failed the emissions check on 1.9% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.4% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 better than the 2021 Ford F-150?

The Ram 1500 edges it, 72.8 to 70.8, on safety, performance. The Ford F-150 is ahead on fuel & range. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.1 and it flips. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2021 Ram 1500 against the 2021 Ford F-150 — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations15 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates15 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls15NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints683NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings10 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins1130NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Head to head 2021 Ram 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-150 Scored on price, fuel, safety, space, performance and warranty — the weights are yours.Other years The 2027 1500 The 1500 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Ram recall on file All campaigns filed against Ram vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this 1500 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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