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2021 Ram 2500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Ram 2500 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 108owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 8fire reports
- 2injuries reported
108 complaints, against an average of 380 for the other 14 Ram 2500 model years.
Every Ram 2500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Ram 2500?
The components named most often in the 108 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Ram 2500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 108 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Have any 2021 Ram 2500 vehicles caught fire?6 owners · 5.6% · Recall 21V798000
- Why does my 2021 Ram 2500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?5 owners · 4.6%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ram 2500?5 owners · 4.6%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2021 Ram 2500?4 owners · 3.7%
Has the 2021 Ram 2500 been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Frontal 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.
Electrical System: Wiring: Relays/SolenoidsPark outside 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 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.
Structure: Body: Tailgate: Hinge And Attachments 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module 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.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain 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.
Electrical System: Wiring: Relays/SolenoidsPark outside 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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.
Electrical System 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 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSARearview camera visibility
Risk: On affected vehicles the rearview camera may not display an image when reverse is selected.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the radio software will be updated to rectify issue
UK DVSAAnti-lock brake system module
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module software malfunction which can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. Failure of the ESC system can in certain driving conditions cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix: Install modified software to the ABS control module.
UK DVSARear view camera visibility
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been built with an incompatible rear view camera system and radio combination that may prevent the rear-view image from displaying during a reversing event under certain conditions.
Fix: Update of the radio software.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles equipped with a Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) the rear-view image may not be displayed under certain…On certain vehicles equipped with a Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) the rear-view image may not be displayed under certain conditions. An Electronic Throttle Control warning indicator may also be illuminated in the instrument panel cluster.
Risk: On certain vehicles equipped with a Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) the rear-view image may not be displayed under certain conditions. An Electronic Throttle Control warning indicator may also be illuminated in the instrument panel cluster.
Fix: Update to the Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) software.
UK DVSAThe tailgate may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned.
Risk: The tailgate may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned. Misaligned tailgate strikers may cause a failure to properly latch the tailgate. An improperly latched tailgate may result in an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.
Fix: Check tailgate function and adjust the tailgate strikers as needed.
UK DVSAThe electronic stability control warning lamp may not display properly under certain conditions
Risk: The Antilock Brake System control module may have software which prevents the Electronic Stability Control tell-tale (warning) lamp from displaying properly.
Fix: Update the AMS control module software.
UK DVSASide air bag inflatable curtain inflator might rupture
Risk: On a number of vehicles the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) inflator may rupture.
Fix: Check and replace one or both of the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain's
UK DVSAIncompatable rear-view camera and radio systems might prevent image displaying
Risk: Vehicles may have been built with an incompatible rear-view camera system and radio combination that may prevent the rear-view image from displaying under certain conditions.
Fix: Update the radio software.
EU Safety GateSoftware failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can deactivate the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).Failure of the ESC system can cause a loss of vehicle's control, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe defective semiconductor relay of the air intake grid may cause a short circuit.This could cause the engine compartment to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe tailgate (tailboard) may not lock properly and can open unintentionally.This poses a risk to following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe side airbag inflatable curtain inflator may break due to internal corrosion and may deploy spontaneously in the absence of an accident…The side airbag inflatable curtain inflator may break due to internal corrosion and may deploy spontaneously in the absence of an accident or commanded deployment. As a result, the metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2021 Ram 2500 owners report?
12 of the 108 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
ABS/Forward Collision/Traction Control/4WD/Cruise Control warning lights on. Braking is inconsistent. Sometimes hard to brake, sometimes brake pedal is real spongy and will go almost to floor.
I am writing to formally follow up regarding complaint/case number 97989810 through Dodge and to request that this matter be elevated for a complete technical review concerning my 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, VIN [XXX]. Time - Line PRIOR FACTORY-WARRANTY REPAIR The XXX factory-warranty repair is an important part of this vehicle's mechanical history. That repair involved the timing-cover/timing-gear-case area and front crankshaft seal. As part of that repair, the harmonic balancer/vibration damper was removed and reinstalled. Approximately 26,000 miles later, the vehicle experienced a failure…
There is a known issue with the Ram Power Wagon locking differential system where the electronic locking differential wiring harness will fault one of three ways. The first being that the wiring harness is two short so when the rear axle articulates there isn't enough slack therefore causing the plug in the diff housing to fail. The second is that sensor inside the housing faults due to gear oil build up on the sensor. Finally the third if the locker wiring inside the housing wears out causes the locker to fault. Any of these three issues causes a "Service Axle Locker System" and prevents the…
There was a tailgate recall for the tailgate falling down potentially spilling cargo onto the road. The dealership Autonation Dodge in [XXX] tried fixing the recall multiple times but the tailgate kept falling down after they tried to fix it 2 or 3 times. Now they're trying to make me sign a service fee authorization which I don't agree with because either the recall isn't fixed, or there are other issues that can cause the tailgate to fall down which should be included in this recall because they can potentially cause the same dangerous situation which caused the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED…
The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is intermittent and temperature-dependent, which means it cannot be predicted or avoided by the driver. The vehicle is used to tow an enclosed cargo trailer weighing approximately 7,000 pounds.The safety risk: inability to engage reverse on demand creates a hazard in any situation requiring reverse motion, including…
THE VEHICLE HAS UNEVEN RESPONSE WHEN TURNING OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL PROPERLY AND IT HAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS THE STEERING ISNT CONSISTENT WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BUT THEIR TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY OF THE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING WORN SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.THIS PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING AND CLICKING SOUND HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BACK IN DECEMBER WITH MULTIPLE CLUES AFTER VISUAL EXAMINATION OF A PRIOR ACCIDENT.
Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood. Unknown if fire was due to electrical or leaking fuel issues under the hood. Major safety risk to occupants, especially children in car seats. Fire became out of control and burned the interior of the vehicle to bare metal. There were no injuries in this incident. This report being submitted by Law Enforcement on owners behalf. Full report from Law Enforcement included in this complaint.
Ram is refusing to repair and item on my truck egr cooler is cracked, leaking and burning coolant. They have recalled every year model but mine. All have same issue, all have same part and part number. Dealership suggested I contact NTSB to see if I could get it recalled. It is said to cause ifres in some trucks
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The truck has experienced three separate transmission failures within a few months. Each time the transmission was replaced, the vehicle failed again shortly afterward. At one point, the dealership returned the truck to me without transmission fluid, causing additional internal damage and creating an extreme safety risk. I have also had steering issues since the truck was new, which continue today despite multiple service attempts. Shortly after purchase, the truck developed severe mold and water intrusion after the…
My vehicle was repaired for a known recall related to the tailgate unlatching issue. NHTSA ID Number: 22V904000 This repair was completed, and then my tailgate continued to open unexpectedly. I have taken it back to the dealership after damage was caused to my tailgate when it fell while I was driving. They have denied my claim and continue to advise that it was repaired when, in fact, I have still been experiencing issues with it. I would like to have my tailgate damage repaired and realgind properly.
Leather dash is delaminating and shrinking starting at the defrost vents. This appears to impact the passenger airbag deployment. Chrysler/Stellantis is aware of the issue, but considers the dash to be an accessory and refuses to correct if not under warranty.
Backup camera fails to activate when vehicle is put in reverse gear
2021 Ram 2500: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 2500; the most common categories were electrical system (35, 32.4%), engine (26, 24.1%), power train (25, 23.1%). There are 8 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 8 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 2500?
Across 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (32.4% of complaints), engine (24.1% of complaints), power train (23.1% of complaints), structure (11.1% of complaints), service brakes (9.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Ram 2500; the most recent (campaign 25V765000, 2025-11-06) concerns Air Bags: Frontal. 2 recalls carry a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Have any 2021 Ram 2500 vehicles caught fire?
6 of the 108 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ram 2500 (5.6%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 21V798000 (electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids). The fix: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. One owner wrote: "Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood." (NHTSA complaint 11726100, March 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Ram 2500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 108 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ram 2500 (4.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I was at a stop light. When I went to go, Truck Stalled for No reason and I lost All control. No steering, No brakes, and it would NOT start until I came to a full stop after almost getting side swiped by oncoming cars in opposite lane, of which I rolled into" (NHTSA complaint 11527847, June 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ram 2500?
5 of the 108 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ram 2500 (4.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "August of 2023 I took my truck in for a check engine light. The dealership diagnosed it and said my def tank senor is turning on the check engine light. They repaired it, when I picked up the truck they told me that "it was burnt out" and replaced the part." (NHTSA complaint 11630801, December 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2021 Ram 2500?
4 of the 108 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ram 2500 (3.7%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. One owner wrote: "The rear right seat belt became stuck and would not release, trapping my [XXX] son. Although the buckle was unlatched, he was entangled in the seat belt, and the retraction system would not loosen. The vehicle was stationary at the time of the incident." (NHTSA complaint 11708827, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 2500
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.