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Your vehicleHome›Ram›2500› 2021
Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Ram · Pickup truck

2021 Ram 2500

Heavy-duty pickup
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
40 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 4 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls4 critical 8
Complaints6 crash · 8 fire · 2 injured reported 108
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 4★
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Ram 2500 is a pickup truck; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's recall, complaint and investigation records. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 108 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Ram Heavy Duty — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ram Heavy Duty · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

No EPA fuel-economy record: the EPA does not certify vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR. Recall, complaint and investigation data below come from NHTSA.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
GVWR classClass 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement6.4 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower410 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, Laramie, Limited, Tradesman). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length230.7–259.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.5 in
Height78.0–80.3 in
Wheelbase140.6–168.9 in
Track, front68.5 in
Track, rear68.1 in
Curb weight6,001–7,050 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 7 configurations: New Gen Crew Cab L/Box 2WD, New Gen Crew Cab L/Box 4WD, New Gen Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, New Gen Crew Cab S/Box 4WD, New Gen Mega Cab S/Box 4WD, New Gen Reg Cab L/Box 2WD …. 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 2500
Other years The 2024 2500 Recalls Ram recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Ram 2500 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 →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (8)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲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 →
!critical

Electrical System

13A
Park outside 302,067 vehicles 83% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Fix 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V060000 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 →
!critical

Power Train

ZA3
250,079 vehicles 82% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V835000 reported Nov 10, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Z20
370,437 vehicles 87% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V140000 reported Mar 10, 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 →
!critical

Electrical System

Y76
Park outside 131,177 vehicles
Problem 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. Risk A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V798000 reported Oct 14, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

Y08
19,214 vehicles
Problem 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. Risk A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. Fix 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 1-80
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V163000 reported Mar 11, 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.

Whether any of this applies to one specific 2500

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 2500, 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 2500

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 2500 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
108complaints filed

6 involved a crash · 8 a fire · 2 injuries · 0 deaths reported

11 per 10,000 built · Ram reported 99,292 2500 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2021: 11 · 2022: 9 · 2023: 44 · 2024: 15 · 2025: 15 · 2026: 14

Most-cited components

Electrical System 35
Engine 28
Power Train 25
Structure 12
Fuel/Propulsion System 11
Service Brakes 11

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.

When driving down the road at speeds above 50 mph. The hood will ripple when a CDL style vehicle goes by. When I purchased the vehicle. I had to take it to Fletcher Dodge in Jonesboro AR, to have the nuts that bolt the hood to the raising bracket tightened because they where loose and center latch adjusted.
Structure Feb 1, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11505052
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that upon driving several miles and refueling the vehicle, he noticed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) additive gauge remained stuck in the same position. There was no warning light illuminated.
Fuel/Propulsion System at 8,000 miles Jan 18, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11502369
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact notified the local dealer of the issue and was informed that the dealer only received one part per week to perform the recall repair.
Power Train Jan 6, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11500474
Driver-side windshield does not defrost for a long time while the right side (passenger side) defrosts properly
Visibility/Wiper Mar 14, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11456550
Driving highway speed and truck shut off completely. Took to dealer, no issues found. 800 miles later driving highway speed truck shut off again. Took to dealer, no issues found so far. Complete loss of power, power steering, power brakes, etc. Display read, "Press brake and push button to start" while coasting in neutral both times
Electrical System Dec 2, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11442452
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.
Air Bags Nov 1, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11438830

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: 19 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 23 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 19 per 100,000 built. Every 2500 model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 34k

miles, typically

Half the 15 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 19,000 and 48,000 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.

Too few readings for a curve — the 15 on file: 2 under 10k, 3 10k–20k, 1 20k–30k, 3 30k–40k, 2 40k–50k, 1 50k–60k, 2 60k–70k, 1 70k–80k.

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★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆29%
PU/EC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★☆☆29%
PU/RC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆20%
PU/RC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★☆☆29%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 6 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

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 555
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-08
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 536 service bulletins, 12 others, 6 warranty extensions

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Engine, Structure, Fuel/Propulsion System.

  • 9100901 Service bulletin
    2026-09-08 · Structure — Body
  • Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
  • 114254 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Engine
  • RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
  • 114255 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Engine
  • RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
  • 113744 Service bulletin
    2026-07-29 · Electrical System
  • SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
  • 113742 Service bulletin
    2026-07-29 · Engine
  • SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
  • 113277 Service bulletin
    2026-07-06 · Unknown Or Other
  • CORE – HEATER
  • 113069 Service bulletin
    2026-06-29 · Electrical System
  • SWITCH – HEADLAMP
  • 113070 Service bulletin
    2026-06-29 · Electrical System
  • SWITCH – HEADLAMP

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
P0755
P0755 on Ram →		A fault in shift solenoid B.Electrical System · Battery →7 bulletins
P0299
P0299 on Ram →		The turbocharger or supercharger is not making the boost the computer asked for.Engine4 bulletins
P0513
P0513 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins
P0756
P0756 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins
P0455A large leak in the evaporative emissions system — often a fuel cap left off.Fuel/Propulsion System · Gas cap →3 bulletins
P0456
P0456 on Ram →		A very small leak in the evaporative emissions system.Fuel/Propulsion System · Gas cap →3 bulletins
P04ECManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →3 bulletins
P203E
P203E on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →3 bulletins
P203F
P203F on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →3 bulletins
U0132
U0132 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Suspension · Struts and shocks →3 bulletins
U1601
U1601 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →3 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.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

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 2500 failed the emissions check on 0.83% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.54% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 0.83%

failed emissions

559 initial inspections of 550 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 2500Every 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check0.83%1.9%361
Failed the safety inspection0.54%1.5%559
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.18%0.19%559
Miles driven a year13,41710,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer71,08754,681odometer 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).

2500 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 D 8 29 2025 D 6 66 2024 D 5 59 2023 F 8 49 Park outside2022 F 12 181 Park outside2021 this page F 8 108 Park outside2020 F 10 162 2019 F 12 193 2018 F 9 2,607 2017 F 11 698 2016 F 12 259

Common questions about the 2021 2500

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Ram 2500 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 8 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ram 2500, 4 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 23V060000, covering Electrical System. 1 of them was 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. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. There is an active park outside 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 2500?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Ram 2500 4 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 (40/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Ram 2500?

Transport Canada measured it at 230.7–259.4 in long, 79.5 in wide (body, without mirrors), 78.0–80.3 in tall, on a 140.6–168.9 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 6,001–7,050 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 2500?

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 2500, most often about electrical system, engine, power train. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 2 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Ram 2500?

The manufacturer has filed 555 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 2500, most often covering electrical system, equipment, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-09-08. 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 2500 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ram 2500 failed the emissions check on 0.83% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.54% (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.

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 & configurationsnoneEPA certification recordsThe EPA does not certify vehicles rated over 8,500 lb GVWR, so heavy-duty nameplates have no entry at all.
Emission certificatesnoneEPA emission certificatesThe EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page.
Recalls8NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints108NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings5 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins555NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
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
Other years The 2024 2500 The 2500 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade D, 5 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 2500 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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