10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,325 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2021 Ram 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #225

Apr 282025

1500

  • miles
Cracked passenger side exhaust manifold

- Murrells Inlet, SC, USA

problem #224

Apr 202025

1500

  • miles
Made a turn at 15 mph and the car shut off by itself randomly. This is the fourth time it-??s happened since owning the vehicle.

- League City, TX, USA

problem #223

Mar 252025

1500

  • miles
While I was driving on the freeway, my check engine light came on and my battery voltage dropped rapidly (within 5 minutes I had a dead battery). My transmission, power train and electrical components all stopped working. Luckily I was pulling over before this happened so I didn-??t get in a wreck on the freeway. I had a tow company take my vehicle to the dealer for inspection. After a few days they let me know it was the alternator inverter which was not functioning correctly and caused my battery to drain along with all my electrical components malfunctioning and engine stalling. The dealer has now had my truck for weeks and won-??t let me drive it until they resolve the issue with a new inverter which is on back order with no updates on arrival.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

problem #222

Apr 042025

1500

  • miles
Back ordered part: Part # 68623194AB No ETA

- Waldorf , MD, USA

problem #221

Apr 112025

1500

  • miles
While slowing down to stop at a stop sign the engine shut off on its own. Dash showed message to shift into park once the vehicle stopped. Parking brake also engaged on its own. After shifting into park, restarting the truck, and disengaging the parking brake I shifted back into drive but the vehicle wouldn't move. I shifted into reverse and it would go backwards. Shifted back into drive and it worked properly. It's not safe to have the engine just shut off while you are driving. Also having to put vehicle into reverse before getting it to go into drive is unsafe on a crowded road with vehicles behind you.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #220

Feb 232023

1500

  • miles
My vehicle has had 2 starter replacements, 2 batteries replaced, 1 radiator replacement. 3 times at the dealership for clock spring repair. Exhaust system replaced because of bolt rusted parts. This vehicle is a built to serve edition and it hasn-??t led up to its name. Without me paying for an extended warranty i dont know what would i would-??ve done.Does this vehicle require for a buy back from the corporate headquarters

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

problem #219

Mar 062025

1500

  • miles
On 3/6/25 at 0520 hours, I 95 northbound in Stafford, VA. at mile marker 141 in left travel lane at approximately 75 mph the truck suddenly lost power slowing significantly. We pulled over onto the left shoulder as the truck slowed and stopped. The truck required shutting off the ignition and restarting the vehicle for it to operable. We had vehicles behind us slamming on brakes and quickly changing lanes in order to avoid hitting us. This truck has been checked by a dodge dealership for previous complaints of this occurring at lower speeds. Dodge dealership told us, there are no codes, no recalls ( only on V8), we can note it in file but there is nothing else we can do. This is unacceptable and almost got us into a serious accident. There is something wrong with the etorque.

- Fredericksburg , VA, USA

problem #218

Jan 042025

1500

  • miles
I would like to submit a complaint regarding the Motor Generator Unit on a 2021 Ram 1500 e-torque motor. That part failed on my truck in early January, leaving me stranded for several hours. Thankfully the part did not fail while the truck was in motion, as the truck would have died and become completely inoperable. The vehicle has been at the dealership since January 4th, due to the part being on back order, with no ETA. I find it hard to believe that this is not a common problem, for that reason. There were no symptoms or check engine lights prior to this issue occurring.

- Seaside, OR, USA

problem #217

Mar 152025

1500

  • miles
Was driving at low speed approaching a turn. As soon as I turn the vehicle shut off and I had to restart my truck. It is similar to what happened in this video [XXX] Believe the truck software needs a reflash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- League City, TX, USA

problem #216

Jun 212021

1500

  • miles
Since purchase of the vehicle, I have experienced transmission surges and low power and fuel economy. When decelerating to a stop or U turn and the vehicle is in ECO, right before full stop, the RPMs will drop to 300-500 and surge back up to 1500-1800 causing a lunge forward. Vehicle has been in 6 times for a persistent transmission surge paired with low power and fuel economy. Dealer has replaced the valve body, transmission control module, wiring, and complete transmission replacement. I can reproduce the issue everyday near my place of employment and have video evidence of the issue. Additionally, since the transmission was replaced, when going 10+ miles on the highway, the engine cooling fan runs full out and fuel economy plumets.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #215

Feb 212025

1500

  • miles
Engine tick/knocking noise @ idle speed increases with RPM. 110k miles. No warning lamps or signals. Vehicle brought to dealership for inspection and service. Dealer stated cracks in both exhaust manifolds & broken bolts. Engine valves and rods being replaced.

- Iowa, LA, USA

problem #214

Feb 272025

1500

  • miles
On 02/27/2025 my wife drove the 2021 RAM 1500 Limited Diesel truck and the engine certainly stopped running. It happened once around 2:10PM on the freeway I-5 Southbound near exit 189 in WA State. She was on the most inboard lane to prepare to take exit 189 with speed about 45-50 MPH. She was able to pull over to a safe location before the truck had completely stopped. Then she was able to start the engine and go again after 5-10 minutes. She drove for about 4 miles to her work place then the engine certainly stopped running again as soon as she pulled into the clinic parking lot around 2:30PM.

- Mukilteo, WA, USA

problem #213

Feb 152025

1500

  • miles
I just recently purchased this vehicle about a month ago. It had 39,000 miles when I bought it. This past weekend I was changing the oil and found out that the oil pan was rusted through. It was oil seeping from the pan. My concern is that if I hadn't noticed that and a rock hit it, the oil could've drained from the pan and seized the motor. Which ultimately could've caused an accident. I had it towed to a dealer. They told me that it was not covered under warranty. I approved the work because I need my vehicle back. I filed a complaint with FCA. A quick search online shows that this is a common issue with those vehicles up in the north but when you look at competing vehicles, this doesn't seem to be an issue for them so it's evident to me that FCA uses an inferior part for a critical component.

- Rumford, ME, USA

problem #212

Feb 022025

1500

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound intermittently coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that the navigation system and the climate control system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

- Ventura, CA, USA

problem #211

Feb 062025

1500

  • miles
The truck has 58, xxx miles and on my way home from work today it just shut down in the middle of the highway. I could start it back up but as soon as I would shift into gear it would shut down again. Finally, after about 15-20 times of starting it and it shutting right back off, it stayed running and got me to within 5 miles of my home before doing it again. Now, I can-??t get it to stay running so I-??m going to have to have it towed in to be checked. I was able to get it off the road but it was extremely dangerous shutting down on a busy highway. I see that it has a recall that I hope will fix this issue when I-??m able to get it taken

- Oceana, WV, USA

problem #210

Mar 132024

1500

  • miles
I am submitting this report to alert the NHTSA of potential safety violations and undisclosed structural damage, drivetrain modifications, and possible engine replacement regarding my 2021 RAM 1500, which was purchased from Courtesy Chevrolet after being previously owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Unreported Frame Damage & Structural Repairs Multiple inconsistent and unseen frame welds were discovered, indicating prior accident damage and unreported frame repair. Frame welds do not match factory precision welding, suggesting post-factory reinforcement or structural fixes. Undisclosed Transmission Swap from 8-Speed to 6-Speed According to NHTSA records and the vehicle-??s VIN, my RAM 1500 was manufactured with an 8-speed transmission. After purchase, I discovered that the 8-speed had been swapped for an older 6-speed transmission (6HP70), which was never disclosed. This creates potential drivability and safety concerns, as the truck-??s ECU may not be calibrated for the correct transmission. Possible Undisclosed Engine Swap The engine in my truck has multiple ink and paint markings, which are commonly seen on replacement engines. RFID engine label does not provide a matching serial number, making it difficult to confirm if the engine is original. The casting number on the engine sticker is inconsistent with the vehicle-??s model year and VIN (2021), raising concerns that it may be from an older model. Engine mount bolts and wiring appear disturbed, suggesting prior removal and reinstallation. If my truck has an older or higher-mileage engine, this impacts performance, emissions compliance, warranty status, and safety. Lack of Maintenance Records & Vehicle History Transparency

- Maricopa, AZ, USA

problem #209

Jul 012024

1500

  • miles
The defective part is an exhaust manifold, both on the left and right hand side. Yes, it is available for inspection anytime. I have the right side part off of the vehicle for inspection as I have had it replaced. I tried to get the Dodge ram company to replace the left side for free and after exhausting every possibility making several phone calls, they refuse to do anything. I have carbon monoxide fumes entering the cab of the vehicle, and there-??s no way to stop it as when you use the defrost or the heater, it brings through fresh air and you cannot eliminate. that situation. Also, the carbon monoxide fumes enter into the atmosphere, polluting the air because it is escaping before going through the catalytic converter. It has been verified by Cooks ram dodge dealer and also Harford tire an independent shop, that the two parts are defective on both left and right hand side. I have this in writing. The independent dealer also said it would be 2 to 4 weeks to get the part in because so many are defective and there is a long waiting list. He also informed me that Ford has the same problem except but a lot worse. Our Maryland state police use the Ford SUVs. The situation is poisoning our police officers and the general public. It is poisoning you also as it goes into the atmosphere. It started out as a minor exhaust leak noise and progressed over time. There was only a fraction of a piece of metal that was not split in half.. The metal split almost all the way down. It is approximately 1/8 inch thick and is held on with 12 bolts. This part typically never breaks in any vehicles lifetime. My guess would be it is not a proper type of metal to withstand the heat, and when it goes from hot to cold that it eventually put stress on the metal and starts to crack it.

- Joppa, MD, USA

problem #208

Oct 162023

1500

  • miles
I was driving and my vehicle make a dinging sound, all the lights on the dash came on and the truck started accelerating on its own. I did not have the cruise control nor was I pressing the accelerator and the truck was accelerating by itself. If i used the brakes the truck would slow down, but when I released the brakes the truck would self accelerate again. If I turned the truck completely off and back on it went away for a couple days but then happened again. This was a super dangerous situation as it was happening suddenly and without warning and I could have easily struck another vehicle or a pedestrian or lost control of my vehicle and wrecked. The issue happened out of no where on its own, was not triggered by anything and could easily cause serious harm to others if this happens to them. The issue has been confirmed and repair by Safford Dodge of Fredericksburg VA. (See attached service invoices) They deemed it a failed connection for acceleration pedal. They replaced it and there has not been an issue since. All of the warning lights and service lights on the dash became lit when this issue started happening.

- Mineral, VA, USA

problem #207

Dec 312024

1500

  • miles
Water leaked into their vehicle into my Ram 1500 cabin. Water leaks from the third brake light above the rear window into the cabin. It caused the Radiofrequency hub to short circuit, and my vehicle wouldn't turn on; it killed my battery, and when I replaced my battery, it automatically drained. Also an issue in the cab is the following: bad odors, smells, and mildew. I have children and not knowing that there is mildew growing in my vehicle is a major health concern.

- Stafford, VA, USA

problem #206

Jan 012025

1500

  • miles
The truck went on fire after 15 min parking on [XXX]. Dodge did an initial inspection and could find nothing. I am glad we moved out of the vehicle with my pregnant wife and a 2-year-old toddler. I seriously feel there is some issue with the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX. I lost the truck as it went into flames to ashes. Please do the needful. Kind Regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Salisbury, PA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »