2021 RAM 1500 body problems

Water leaks through the rear window glass seal into the cabin, soaking carpets, reaching electrical components (TPMS modules, battery packs), and creating mold buildup. Owners report water flowing between the glass and body frame.

When: Occurs during rain; some reported as early as a few minutes of rainfall. Noted at various mileages starting around 3,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Water visible on rear floor carpet within minutes of rain; Water dripping onto TPMS module; Water reaching 48V lithium-ion battery pack under rear seats; Mold and mildew growth on carpets and floor mats; Condensation and moisture inside cabin

Codes mentioned: 05CHZ-01

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have proposed silicone sealing as a temporary fix; some owners report paying out of pocket when told repair is not covered under warranty. No permanent resolution documented in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ram issued a recall for water intrusion on models manufactured on or before September 30, 2020. Vehicles built after that date (such as October 19, 2020 and November 4, 2020 builds) are denied coverage despite the same failure mode. Manufacturer stated the battery pack is a 'sealed system' and water exposure is acceptable.

Panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously explodes and shatters without impact or prior damage at both highway and low speeds. Glass fragments disperse into the cabin and across the fabric sunroof shade.

When: Occurred at 70 mph on interstate and at 25 mph in neighborhood; no prior warning or visible damage to glass.

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud explosion and shattering sound; Glass fragments visible on fabric sunroof shade; Uncontrolled glass debris in cabin; Loud noise sufficient to startle driver and distract at highway speeds

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to dealership; dealers state they have no record of this issue and no information on how manufacturer will handle repair or replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned in narratives. Dealers deny awareness of defect despite owner research indicating multiple reports.

Tailgate unlatches on its own while driving or becomes stuck frozen shut, then opens uncontrollably. Occurs both before and after recall repair (NHTSA Campaign 22V904000). No warning light activates when tailgate opens.

When: Reported at various speeds and conditions; 68,000 miles documented in one case. Multiple incidents occurring 6–8 months apart or repeatedly within short timeframes.

Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens without intentional unlatching; Tailgate frozen shut in cold weather conditions; Tailgate unable to latch or unlock; Cargo loss from open tailgate while driving; No warning indicator light when tailgate opens; Physical damage to tailgate from repeated opening and impact

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported repair under recall but issue persisted. Dealer stated no fault found and latch is properly aligned despite repeated failures. Another owner had tailgate recalled and re-inspected with same result.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA Campaign 22V904000 issued for tailgate structure and latch misalignment. Dealers performed one-time free repair, but many owners report the same failure continues after recall service.

Rear passenger window glass exhibits visible deformation and an internal defect that caused a passenger to sustain a laceration on contact. No external damage visible.

When: Noticed within months of May 2021 purchase; defect present from delivery or factory.

Symptoms owners cite: Visible deformation of glass interior surface; Passenger cut/laceration from deformed glass; No damage to exterior of glass

Repairs/costs cited: Service manager refused to address defect, claiming damage occurred during transport. Glass was tempered automotive glass, which would shatter if damaged in transit.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner was told by Ram customer service to visit other dealers until finding one willing to repair, indicating no formal recall or warranty coverage.

Front hood latch suddenly fails at highway speed, hood opens uncontrollably and strikes the windshield, shattering it and sending glass shards into the cabin.

When: At 8,200 miles; occurred at approximately 70 mph without warning.

Symptoms owners cite: Hood latch disengages suddenly; Hood opens and contacts windshield; Windshield shatters; Glass shards enter cabin; Occupants sustain small lacerations; Roof and windshield frame damaged

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; cause not determined at time of complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution or recall information documented in complaint.

Truck bed and cab separate at the connection, creating a visible gap large enough for ratchet straps to pass through. Caused by improper welding at the factory.

When: Noticed early in vehicle ownership at 32,663 miles; likely present from manufacture.

Symptoms owners cite: Visible separation between cab and bed; Gap allows objects to fall through; Ratchet strap passed through gap and melted onto hot exhaust components below

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership referred owner to collision shop, which identified it as a manufacturer defect and refused to repair. Owner was advised to weld it himself.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Both Ram Cares and Chrysler Cares refused to help; warranty had expired. Manufacturer acknowledged it is a manufacturing defect but declined to cover under any program, suggesting a goodwill repair instead of warranty coverage.

Passenger door panel, attached with adhesive tape and three small clips, detached and blew off the vehicle while driving on the freeway.

When: Occurred while driving on freeway at unspecified speed.

Symptoms owners cite: Door panel blows off vehicle; Two of three clips pulled out under force; One bottom clip remained in door

Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.