The Lemon Index

All cars · Ram 1500 · 2021

2021 Ram 1500. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index102100 = average car
Complaints562NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold569,388U.S. model year
Per 100K sold99complaints
Year rank#12 of 23#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 11

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.0L 6-cyl turbo dieselAuto 8-spdRWD22 / 32 / 26Diesel$3,650
3.0L 6-cyl turbo dieselAuto 8-spd4WD21 / 29 / 24Diesel$3,950
3.6L 6-cylAuto 8-spdRWD17 / 25 / 20Regular$3,100
3.6L 6-cylAuto 8-spd4WD16 / 23 / 19Regular$3,300
3.6L 6-cyl hybridAuto 8-spdRWD20 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
3.6L 6-cyl hybridAuto 8-spd4WD19 / 24 / 21Regular$2,950
5.7L 8-cylAuto 8-spdRWD15 / 22 / 17Midgrade$4,200
5.7L 8-cylAuto 8-spd4WD15 / 21 / 17Midgrade$4,200
5.7L 8-cyl hybridAuto 8-spdRWD17 / 23 / 19Midgrade$3,750
5.7L 8-cyl hybridAuto 8-spd4WD17 / 22 / 19Midgrade$3,750
6.2L 8-cyl superchargedAuto 8-spd4WD10 / 14 / 12Premium$6,450

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,200 and 60,000 miles. Median 35,000, from 135 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine26,8004,200–43,20038
Electrical39,0001,900–69,20030
Transmission & drivetrain31,00010,600–62,00021
Brakes30,5003,600–63,8006
Steering38,00025,000–53,80011

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine41%
Electrical28%
Transmission & drivetrain17%
Fuel or ev drive system11%
Brakes9%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
852331619046

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 20

  • 26V495000 Jul 2026 Seat Belts / Rear/Other / Anchorage

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 25V765000 Nov 2025 Air Bags / Frontal

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk. A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

  • 25V298000 May 2025 Air Bags

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 24V754000 Oct 2024 Visibility / Rearview Mirrors/Devices

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 24V653000 Sep 2024 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 23V265000 Apr 2023 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.

  • 23V059000 Feb 2023 Back Over Prevention / Display Function

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's 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

  • 23V060000 Feb 2023 Electrical System / Wiring / Relays/Solenoids

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.

    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.

    Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 20

  • 22V904000 Dec 2022 Structure / Body / Tailgate / Hinge And Attachments

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.

    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.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

  • 22V835000 Nov 2022 Power Train / Automatic Transmission

    Defect. FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

    Risk. Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

  • 22V767000 Oct 2022 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

  • 22V638000 Aug 2022 Back Over Prevention / Display Function

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

  • 22V140000 Mar 2022 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

    Risk. An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

  • 21V925000 Nov 2021 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.

    Risk. An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.

  • 21V918000 Nov 2021 Back Over Prevention / Display Function

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, 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.

  • 21V798000 Oct 2021 Electrical System / Wiring / Relays/Solenoids

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

    Risk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy. Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters

  • 21V698000 Sep 2021 Tires / Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.

  • 21V438000 Jun 2021 Back Over Prevention / Display Function

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.

  • 21V163000 Mar 2021 Electrical System

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.

    Risk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notifica

  • 21V037000 Feb 2021 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023–

Manufacturer communications 1418

Ram filed 1418 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Motor Generator Unit (MGU) Connector Not Fully Seated This bulletin involves replacing the MGU
  • CEL Check Engine Lamp On, DTC P0158 O2 Sensor 2/2 Circuit High

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalOptional

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
201878424536,980Electrical
2019130837633,694Steering
202096507563,694Engine
2021102562569,388Engine
2022137813468,344Transmission & drivetrain
202348269444,927Electrical
202452180373,120Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data