The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4
View on NHTSA →2021 RAM 2500 powertrain problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Driveline Vibration. Prop Shaft Diagnostic Information.
View on NHTSA →When customer complaint is related to inoperative 4 Wheel Drive shifter, loss of 4WD function and/or 4WD related MIL please reference SOL Case #S2508000062 prior to replacement of Transfer Case shift motor.
View on NHTSA →TRANSFER CASE BW 44-46 If fluid leak is present between the transfer case and the rear driveshaft on a 4WD vehicle the Output Shaft Seal should be considered in lieu of entire transfer case or driveshaft replacement. In the case of major damage to components,
View on NHTSA →SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Ram 2500 powertrain complaints cluster around two main areas: transmission failures and chronic recall parts unavailability.
For transmission, owners report the 68RFE failing to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature—engine revs but the truck won't move backward. One owner documented this across five dealer visits spanning 32 months, including a complete transmission and torque converter replacement under warranty that failed to fix the problem. Another owner reports sudden total transmission failure at 71,000 miles with no warning, immobilizing the vehicle. Most critical: one owner's truck accelerated across a state highway in park gear while towing a trailer in June 2021, causing $10,000 in damage when it crashed down an embankment.
Engine valve lifters have been replaced under warranty at 64,000 miles but are making noise again at 71,000 miles; the owner states the design itself is flawed.
The second major issue is recall parts availability. Sixteen complaints describe recalls 22V835000 (powertrain), 23V060000 (electrical), 22V904000 (structure), and 22V140000 (brakes) remaining uncompleted months or over a year after notification. Owners report appointments scheduled then cancelled when dealers lack parts, being put on parts lists multiple times with no resolution, and dealers receiving parts only one per week. Several recalls involve fire hazards, leaving owners unable to park their vehicles normally.
Same RAM 2500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
68RFE Transmission - Intermittent Reverse Failure (Temperature-Dependent)
Transmission fails to engage reverse gear when at operating temperature. Engine revs but truck does not move in reverse. Defect is intermittent and temperature-dependent, cannot be predicted. Presents serious safety hazard when backing with or without trailer.
When: First reported August 2023; recurred across five repair attempts over 32 months; failed again 4 customer miles after complete transmission and torque converter replacement under warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs, transmission does not move in reverse at operating temperature; Intermittent, temperature-dependent engagement failure; Reverse engages initially but fails as transmission warms
Codes mentioned: P2701 (Friction Element B implausible pressure, internal transmission fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission and torque converter replaced under warranty on fourth visit; defect returned 4 miles after return to owner. Fifth repair attempt underway with dealer confirming same failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage for transmission and torque converter replacement; no permanent resolution as of report
Transmission - Failure to Move in Any Gear
Transmission suddenly loses ability to move vehicle in any gear despite engine operation. Total transmission failure requiring replacement.
When: At 71,000 miles during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not get out of first gear; Complete transmission failure with no warning lights; Vehicle immobilized after traveling 1.5 miles to repair shop
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission described as 'gone'; replacement required
Engine Valve Lifters - Premature Wear and Noise
Valve lifters fail and make noise, replaced under warranty at 64,000 miles, but same failure recurs at 71,000 miles (7,000 miles after replacement). Owner states design defect that could be fixed with correct parts.
When: Initial failure at 64,000 miles; noise recurs at 71,000 miles after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Lifters making noise; No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Lifters replaced under warranty at 64,000 miles; noise recurs at 71,000 miles. Owner reports bad design fixable with correct parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty replacement at 64,000 miles
Transmission - Vehicle Moves in Park Gear
Vehicle accelerated across state highway while in park gear with engine running, crashed down embankment 200 feet into cornfield while towing trailer. Ram offered buyback after investigation but customer declined. Vehicle has had multiple warranty transmission repairs.
When: June 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates and moves while in park gear; Loss of transmission gear engagement safety mechanism
Repairs/costs cited: Over $10,000 in damages; vehicle brought in for multiple warranty transmission service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ram performed investigation and offered to buyback vehicle; no final repair resolution reported
Recall Parts Availability - Multiple Campaigns Not Completed
Owners unable to complete NHTSA recalls 22V835000 (Powertrain), 23V060000 (Electrical System), 22V904000 (Structure), and 22V140000 (Brakes/ESC) due to chronic parts unavailability. Some owners waiting months with multiple failed appointment attempts. Dealer receiving only one part per week in some cases. Multiple manufacturers and dealers notified with no resolution.
When: Recalls issued 2022-2023; parts still unavailable months to over one year after notification
Symptoms owners cite: Recall parts not in stock when scheduled; Appointments cancelled due to parts unavailability; Slow parts distribution (one part per week in some cases); Customers unable to schedule recall completion despite multiple attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Some recalls involve fire hazards (22V904000 grid heater relay); owners advised not to park near structures pending completion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued under 22V835000, 23V060000, 22V904000, 22V140000; manufacturers and dealers notified of parts distribution problems with no timely resolution
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I have attempted to get 2 recalls that require parts completed at my local Ram dealer who has called me both times saying that the parts were in, and they were ready to schedule the appointment to complete the recalls. The first appointment was on September 25th, 2023, and when the vehicle was checked in, I was informed they had no parts to complete 2 of the 3 recalls that existed at that time.…
Transmission sometime do not go in gear
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2021 RAM 2500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.