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#BS-2021-RAM150-7AE42021 Ram 1500Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 1,154 owners and 15 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,154 complaints, 41 crashes, 7 fires, and 15 recalls. Complaint rate is 5.4x the class average.
Top reported problems
back window leaking
4 complaints • Severity 10/10
gas will not go in nozzle clicks off and overflows
2 complaints • Severity 9/10
back up camera unavalible
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
leather dash delaminating
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
passenger seat is creaking
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
277 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 31K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (81 reports) • Median: 31K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (277 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Ram 1500: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 24% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ram 1500, with 277 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 30,515 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 31K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 17% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ram 1500, with 193 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ram 1500, with 96 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ram 1500, with 95 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Ram 1500. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (15 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
+ 10 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Ram 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
High pressure fuel pump failure
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The worst model year for the Ram 1500 is the 2014 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2021 Ram 1500 vs. Class Average (Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD)
This vehicle
1,154
Class avg
216
5.4x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical standard pickup trucks 2wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,154 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 15 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Ram 1500 Model Years
View all Ram 1500 years →2021 Ram 1500: Frequently Asked Questions
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10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,154 owner reports. Know before you buy.