Recalled components: brakes, backover prevention and rearview camera, air bags, body structure, and 5 more. Most-described problem: stalling or shutting off (193 complaints, 28%). Most-reported area: engine (278 complaints, 40%; median mileage when it happened: 15,300).
More complaints than most Ram 1500 years
The 2021 drew 347 owner complaints in its first three years, against 210 for a typical Ram 1500 year: 1.6 times as many. It is not a year to avoid, which takes at least twice the typical count and at least 50 complaints.
Years to avoid: 2019; best year: 2023. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
Includes the 1500 Classic, the previous-generation truck Ram sold alongside the current one; NHTSA files recalls and complaints for both under the same name.
15 safety recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500
Parts with a do-not-drive or park-outside recall come first, then the rest, largest first. Within a part, do-not-drive and park-outside recalls come first, then the newest. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
683 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Ram campaign Y04.
antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 126 (electronic stability control) · 1,025,432 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Components: Stability control: control module; Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module. Ram campaign 75B.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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 ID 23V-059).
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 77,079 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 7,895 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 38,157 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: display function; Steering: steering control module. Ram campaign Y80.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 14,096 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM).
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 532 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Components: Air bags: frontal; Steering: steering control module. Ram campaign 14C.
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 71 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles.
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
376 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
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.
1,224,078 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Fix: 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.
60,413 vehicles.
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.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Fix: 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.
131,700 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines.
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 210 (seat belt anchorages) · 1,271,294 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 110 (tire and rim labeling) · 2 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles.
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 31,676 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Ram campaign 86B.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation that names the 2021 Ram 1500; it is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
High pressure fuel pump failure
Engineering analysis EA23001Open since Mar 17, 2023
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)… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: 1500. Component: Diesel fuel system (delivery, fuel pump).
An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 690 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 1500. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Stalling or shutting off193 · 28%
Median 15,200 miles at failure, from 30 reports with mileage
Median 15,300 miles at failure, from 33 reports with mileage
Electrical system202 · 29%
Most named: alternator/generator/regulator (3) · Median 45,100 miles at failure, from 25 reports with mileage
Powertrain101 · 15%
Median 28,000 miles at failure, from 19 reports with mileage
Brakes73 · 11%
Fuel and propulsion system70 · 10%
Forward collision avoidance52 · 8%
Most named: automatic emergency braking (46); warnings (8)
Steering50 · 7%
Unknown or other103 · 15%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ram 1500 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2021 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2019 Ram 1500 drew the most (470) and the 2021 drew 347.
Owner complaints
2021: 690 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ram 1500
Model year
Complaints
2010
488
2011
689
2012
698
2013
1,283
2014
1,784
2015
1,461
2016
1,565
2017
886
2018
669
2019
1,501
2020
645
2021
690
2022
640
2023
207
2024
78
2025
380
2026
107
Safety recalls
2021: 15 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ram 1500
Model year
Recalls
2010
7
2011
6
2012
6
2013
11
2014
16
2015
17
2016
16
2017
13
2018
15
2019
29
2020
14
2021
15
2022
16
2023
11
2024
6
2025
8
2026
9
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 690 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 1500, the problems described most are stalling or shutting off (193), loss of power or limp mode (48), and the check engine light coming on (41). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests the 2021 Ram 1500 earns 4 to 5 stars overall, depending on the version. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2021 Ram 1500?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2021 Ram 1500: high pressure fuel pump failure (EA23001, opened Mar 17, 2023). An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Ram 1500 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ram dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: 1500.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.