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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-RAM-1500NHTSA data synced 9 hours ago
2021 · RAM
RAM 1500 problems
647 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 1500?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Steering: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,000–51,409 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
5 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2021 1500· steering
In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed…
I own a 2021 Ram 1500 (“Build to Serve” edition). The airbag/SRS warning light came on around January 2025. The message states that the airbag system needs service. This indicates that the airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, putting my safety and the safety…
Truck leaks water from rear windshield, water runs down to receiver module for the key FOBs and causes truck not to turn off. Leaks from headliner into safety eq on windshield causing GPS issues, visability as water runs down inside of windshield. RAM will not fix under…
While driving the MIL chimed , check engine light is active along with low battery gauge illumination and low battery warning light , in park vehicle idling is erratic in drive or reverse idle is erratic also with spurts of motion, no active or stored codes are present but MIL…
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM)
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 647 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 RAM 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2021 RAM 1500?
The 2021 RAM 1500 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,000–51,409 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 5 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 RAM 1500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 162 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 51,088 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 51,088 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 1500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 RAM 1500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 647 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/RAM/1500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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