10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,613 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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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

problem #205

Jul 052024

1500

  • 27,803 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several other undisclosed failures after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the same repair approximately five times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,803.

- Ballston Lake, NY, USA

problem #204

Oct 052024

1500

  • miles
My lights on dash come on stablizer, abs, anti slip and 4 wheel drive and it wants to jerk to left like brake activating had it looked at poages Hannibal mo fixed wheel speed sensor didn't help so now said nothing they can do theres no solution. I can't drive my truck to scared of it. Need to get something I don't have a vehicle and making a payment on something I can't drive. Don't know if I can trust this vehicle anymore can't trade it In nobody wants it please somebody help GET RAM company in gear to take care of this before somebody gets hurt or even killed

- Hannibal, MO, USA

problem #203

Sep 292024

1500

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:?24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the anti-slip control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service Vehicle" and "4-wheel Drive Failure" were displayed. The front wheels of the vehicle seized, causing the vehicle to start pulling to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Hannibal, MO, USA

problem #202

Oct 182024

1500

  • miles
I have experienced the engine surging while driving 2 times in the last 3 months. 10/18/2024. The RPMs slowly increase regardless of taking my foot off the gas pedal, slowing, or coming to a stop. The engine remains to rev. It causes me to have an extremely hard time keeping a maintained speed and gets difficult to slow down or slow to a stop. The truck was not on Cruise control, it was in 2-wheel drive, and the issue started right as I took off. The engine can be heard revving and trying to accelerate even in an attempt to try neutral with the foot off the gas to resolve the issue. I ensure I do not have my foot on the gas pedal and have to push my brake to the ground to stop. I have called our dealership who reports they are unaware of the issue I describe. Putting the car in park does not resolve the revving, which can be heard, and the Rpms fluctuations seen increasing stuck between 5-7. I have to completely stop and turn off the engine. I had pulled out and drove down a busy intersection I could not pull off on. The engine acceleration issue event lasted for about 10 minutes before I could safely pull off to turn the truck off. It was terrifying. If I had to suddenly stop I would of crashed. What? How many

- Flat Rock, MI, USA

problem #201

Aug 012024

1500

  • miles
There was a software problem with the e-torque system of my truck. From what the dealership stated it was over charging my 12v battery under the hood. It ultimately made my 12v vehicle battery fail. upon this my truck has the start stop feature multiple times at random intervals at stop lights when the start stop was activated my truck would not restart with out a jump pack. This left me in a live traffic lane in at a stop light multiple times. I can upload the dealer repair sheet if requested

- Nashwauk, MN, USA

problem #200

Sep 162024

1500

  • miles
Several times I-??ve been backing up and for no reason the truck jerks to a stop and some kind of alarm or buzzer goes off and it jerks to a complete stop even when I-??m not close to anything.

- Saint Joseph, MO, USA

problem #199

Jul 252023

1500

  • miles
My truck has shut down unexpectedly, on 2 separate occasions, as I was driving at slow speeds. I then had to come to a complete stop and restart it.

- Katy, TX, USA

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