2021 Ram 3500
The 2021 Ram 3500 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 9 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 62 complaints, most often about the electrical system.

Specs & fuel economy
Source: EPA fueleconomy.govNo 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 vPICDimensions Exterior
| Body style | Pickup |
| GVWR class | Class 3: 10,001 - 14,000 lb (4,536 - 6,350 kg) |
Engine Basics
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 6.7 L |
| Engine configuration | In-Line |
Engine Output
| Horsepower | 370 hp |
Fuel Economy
| Fuel | Diesel |
Transmission
| Drivetrain | 4x2 |
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, Crew Cab DRW, Laramie, Limited). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.
Dimensions & weight
Source: Transport Canada| Length | 230.7–259.4 in |
| Width (body, without mirrors) | 79.5 in |
| Height | 78.3–79.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 140.6–168.9 in |
| Track, front | 67.7 in |
| Track, rear | 66.9 in |
| Curb weight | 6,069–7,077 lb |
| Weight distribution, front/rear | 59/41 |
Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 12 configurations: New Gen Crew Cab L/Box 2WD Drw, New Gen Crew Cab L/Box 2WD Srw, New Gen Crew Cab L/Box 4WD Drw, New Gen Crew Cab L/Box 4WD Srw, New Gen Crew Cab S/Box 2WD Srw, New Gen Crew Cab S/Box 4WD Srw …. 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.
Factory warranty running out?
The 2021 Ram 3500 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 (9)
Source: NHTSA recall databaseElectrical System
13AStructure
ZB8Power Train
ZA3Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Z20Air Bags
Y99Electrical System
Y76Wheels
Y26, Y36Electrical System
Y08These 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 3500
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.
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 3500, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.
Parts & accessories for the 2021 Ram 3500
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 3500 →Owner complaints
Source: NHTSA complaint database0 involved a crash · 4 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported
Filed per year: 2021: 5 · 2022: 9 · 2023: 15 · 2024: 11 · 2025: 15 · 2026: 7
Most-cited components
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V904000 (Structure) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer had been sending 3-4 parts per month.
I took the vehicle to the dealer for recall Manufacturer Recall Number13A NHTSA Recall Number23V-060 The dealer told me that they can only order one per week. I will have to wait over a year for the part to come in. This is a fire hazard and I have been advised to not park the vehicle in the garage or near other vehicles.
Brakes started grinding at 13,000 miles. Determined they were metal to metal, caliper, overheated, excessively, and rotor needed replaced. Problem happened again now, at 22,000 miles
The contact owns a fleet of 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side rear wheel studs fractured. No warning lights were illuminated.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) 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 repairs.
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.
Crash ratings
Source: NHTSA NCAPNHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.
Service bulletins & campaigns
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications- Term not in NHTSA’s summary · Stellantis warranty extension 105591FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 6
- Term not in NHTSA’s summary · Stellantis warranty extension 104558FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 4
- Term not in NHTSA’s summary · Stellantis warranty extension 104557Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 4
- Term not in NHTSA’s summary · Ram warranty extension 100681Warranty Bulletin D-24-16 (XR1) Urea Delivery Module – Select 2019 - 2022 RAM Trucks (DJ/D2/DD/DP)
- Term not in NHTSA’s summary · Ram warranty extension 100599FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-24-16 Rev.
- Term not in NHTSA’s summary · Ram warranty extension 100595WARRANTY BULLETIN D-24-15 announces the addition of the Rear Axle Assembly replacement for 2019 - 2024 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (DD), RAM 4500/ 5500 Cab Chassis (DP), RAM 3500 Pickup (D2), RAM 2500…
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 →
Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Engine, Power Train, Structure.
- 9100901 Service bulletin2026-09-08 · Structure — Body
- Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
- 114254 Service bulletin2026-08-26 · Engine
- RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
- 114255 Service bulletin2026-08-26 · Engine
- RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
- 113744 Service bulletin2026-07-29 · Electrical System
- SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
- 113742 Service bulletin2026-07-29 · Electrical System
- SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
- 113277 Service bulletin2026-07-06 · Unknown Or Other
- CORE – HEATER
- 113069 Service bulletin2026-06-29 · Structure — Body
- SWITCH – HEADLAMP
- 113070 Service bulletin2026-06-29 · 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 complaintsCodes 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.
| Code | What it means | Most often filed under | Where 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. | Engine | 4 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 |
| U1601 U1601 on Ram → | Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard. | Electrical System · Battery → | 4 bulletins |
| P0455 | A 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 |
| P04EC | Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard. | Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump → | 3 bulletins |
| P061B | Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard. | Electrical System · Battery → | 3 bulletins |
| P203E P203E on Ram → | Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard. | Back Over Prevention | 3 bulletins |
| P203F P203F on Ram → | Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard. | Back Over Prevention | 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.
3500 by model year
all years, side by side →Common questions about the 2021 3500
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsDoes the 2021 Ram 3500 have any recalls?
NHTSA has posted 9 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ram 3500, 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 3500?
NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2021 Ram 3500 yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (37/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.
What are the dimensions of the 2021 Ram 3500?
Transport Canada measured it at 230.7–259.4 in long, 79.5 in wide (body, without mirrors), 78.3–79.5 in tall, on a 140.6–168.9 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 6,069–7,077 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 3500?
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 3500, most often about electrical system, engine, power train. Of those, 4 a fire. 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 3500?
The manufacturer has filed 584 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 3500, 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.
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.
| Data | Held | Source | What it covers — or what empty means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy & configurations | none | EPA certification records | The EPA does not certify vehicles rated over 8,500 lb GVWR, so heavy-duty nameplates have no entry at all. |
| Emission certificates | none | EPA emission certificates | The EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page. |
| Recalls | 9 | NHTSA recall campaigns | A complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags. |
| Owner complaints | 62 | NHTSA complaint database | Also complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold. |
| Crash ratings | none | NHTSA NCAP | NHTSA has not tested this model year. Cars are selected for testing, so untested is not unsafe. |
| Service bulletins | 584 | NHTSA manufacturer communications | Everything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall. |
| Investigations | 1 | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation | Open and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative. |
| Driver-assist crash reports | none | NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01 | No 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 NHTSA | 8 fields | NHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patterns | What the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder. |
| Measured dimensions | 7 fields | Transport Canada, Canadian Vehicle Specifications | Length, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions. |
| Trims, pricing & equipment | none | Manufacturer press kit | We 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.
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.