Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customer or technician may experience the following: ? High frequency exhaust noise at idle after cold start. ? Power Take Off (PTO) disable to high engine oil temperature. ? Multiple Displacement System (MDS) transition causing a transmission clunk noise under light throttle when coasting in fourth gear. This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 RAM 2500 airbags problems
severe 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
3crashes
2injuries
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customer or technician may experience the following: ? High frequency exhaust noise at idle after cold start. ? Power Take Off (PTO) disable to high engine oil temperature. ? Multiple Displacement System (MDS) transition causing a transmission clunk noise under light throttle when coasting in fourth gear. This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Tailgate Ajar Indicator Light Is On And Or High Effort Required To Close And Latch The Tailgate
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Check Engine Light and/or Service Air Suspension, Service Diesel Exhaust System or Multiple Cluster Warning Lamps Illuminated With Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Messages
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A/C Performance Not As Hot/Cold On Driver Side - DTC's B11CB-92, B11CB-11
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
There was a severe head on collision and airbags did not deploy. The dealership says there was no deceleration however, the crash was severe enough that they should have deployed, the driver also tried to stop and the trucks airbag system did not detect the sudden brake. This is a 2021 truck that has a sudden brake sensor, that combined with the collision should have caused the airbags to deploy.
Had airbags trouble with your 2021 RAM 2500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2021 RAM 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 70,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/RAM/2500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.