Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2021-RAM-2500
2021 · ram

ram 2500 problems

1 safety recall. 100 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
20 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
20 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
13 reports · avg $3,100
severe
body
8 reports · avg $1,500
severe
brakes
7 reports · avg $450
severe
steering
5 reports · avg $700
severe
airbags
4 reports · avg $1,100
severe
seatbelts
3 reports · avg $500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 2500 · engine
The engine cam and lifters are bad. Engine started knocking with only 30,000 miles. Had to have lifters and cam replaced
12/25/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632320.0
2021 2500 · body
This truck was sold with a snow plow prep pack but after installing a snow plow the frame of the truck bent due to the pressure. Ram has redesigned their frame as of this model year 2021 and it is not capable of handling a plow. I know of three trucks in my local area that this…
12/20/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498185.0
2021 2500 · lighting
The rear camera displayed in the 12” display goes full blast bright when reverse is selected at night. It blows out your night vision and makes it extremely difficult to see outside the vehicle via the mirrors. There is no dimming option available. The problem has been…
12/16/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11560458.0
2021 2500 · other
I have been on a waiting list for more than 6 months at Christopher’s dodge world in golden Colorado for completion of mandatory safety recalls on my vehicle. The parts are available and these critical safety recalls have not been performed. I receive automated messages from…
12/16/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11560461.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 21V163000 11/03/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6

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.

Common questions

Is the 2021 RAM 2500 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 RAM 2500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 RAM 2500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 20 complaints filed. 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. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my RAM 2500 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 2500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 100 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 19 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ram. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →