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2021 Ram 3500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Ram 3500 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 9safety recalls
- 62owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 0injuries reported
62 complaints, against an average of 175 for the other 13 Ram 3500 model years.
Every Ram 3500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Ram 3500?
The components named most often in the 62 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Ram 3500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 62 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2021 Ram 3500 been recalled?
9 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.
Wheels: Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
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 3500 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 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 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 3500 owners report?
12 of the 62 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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, occasionally while activating the left turn signal to make a turn, the rear driver’s side turn signal failed to operate as intended. The message related to the brake light and turn signal was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear driver’s side brake light failed to operate as intended while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, while shifted into reverse(R), the reverse warning light fail to illuminate as intended. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and were on backordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. While the contact's husband was driving at 55 MPH, the driver's rear wheel detached. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while a pickup box trailer was hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the wheel bolts had detached. The contact was informed that the rear wheel studs had sheared off into the wheel hub. The contact was informed that the rear wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the…
Brake system is not functioning as designed. Rear axle braking is not being fully applied and is most noticeable and concerning during heavy haul usage. Vehicle has to be operated carefully and with an alternate braking method utilized to obtain adequate braking. The problem can be and has been reproduced and verified by dealer but not in writing. Dealer is not wanting to fully diagnose and/or commit to finding/acknowledging a fault. Manufacturer has been notified in writing and unresponsive. There are no messages displayed/stored. Disproportionate brake wear between front and rear axle…
While driving my truck I noticed my mpg gauge was showing 0 mpg. Then I realized my "miles to go" gauge was reading "low" even though I had plenty of fuel in the tank and my fuel gauge was showing 3/4 full. Even though I use my truck as a commercial vehicle, and drive coast to coast, I was luckily only a couple hours from home, so I kept driving to try to make it home. I did make it home, but during that time, my "check engine light came on along with my "low fuel warning" light. I also realized during that time that my odometer had stopped working. It wasn't showing any numbers at all. When I…
The contact filed the complaint on behalf of the customer, who was the owner of a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The owner informed the contact that the fire came from the engine bay. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a local tow yard. The vehicle was later towed to the independent mechanic. No injuries were sustained. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced by an…
Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithia Dodge of Grants Pass, OR stated they could not make an appt for the vehicle to get looked at for 2 weeks out, scheduled 8/22/25. Dealership seems to think this is not an issue with safety and this…
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to drive forward or to reverse. The RPM was raised high, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to the farm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately…
After a recall was "repaired" prior to our purchase, the right wheel came off on the interstate, after the lugs sheered off.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train), 22V904000 (Structure), 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 repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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. Waiting over a year for a fire hazard repair is not acceptable.
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 vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it remained awaiting diagnostic and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
2021 Ram 3500: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Ram 3500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 3500; the most common categories were electrical system (17, 27.4%), power train (11, 17.7%), engine (10, 16.1%). There are 9 safety recalls. 4 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 3500?
Across 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (27.4% of complaints), power train (17.7% of complaints), engine (16.1% of complaints), wheels (11.3% of complaints), service brakes (9.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2021 Ram 3500; 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.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ram 3500?
4 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ram 3500 (6.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I powered on the truck. Upon ignition check engine light, along with ABS, 4WD, traction control came on. Lights for the forward collision and adaptive cruise control illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11662300, May 2025). 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 3500
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.