Last updated: 2026-03-04

2021 Ram 1500 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Ram 1500 scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 14 recalls and 611 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
14
Complaints
611
Complaint Rate
12.6
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$691
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
14 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2021 Ram 1500?
The 2021 Ram 1500 scores 63/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 611 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (153). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Ram 1500, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Ram 1500 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $245 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (13%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Alternator and eTorque MGU hybrid motor, with parts often on backorder (153 complaints)
- ENGINE issues reported (88 complaints)
Compare 2021 Ram 1500 With
2021 Ford F-150
Score: 58/100
2021 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 67/100
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 63/100
2021 Toyota Tundra
Score: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 14 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (153)
- ENGINE (88)
- POWER TRAIN (84)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (65)
- STEERING (42)
- SERVICE BRAKES (38)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (29)
- FUEL SYSTEM (25)
- STRUCTURE (20)
- AIR BAGS (19)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (16)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (9)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5)
- SUSPENSION (5)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- TRAILER HITCHES (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- TIRES (1)
- PARKING BRAKE (1)
Recall Overview
14
recalls on record
The 2021 Ram 1500 has 14 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 15.6
Safety Incidents
Crashes
24
Fires
3
Injuries
23
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Ram 1500 Recall Details
14 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ram 1500. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS, STEERING
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
VISIBILITY
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Showing 10 of 14 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2021 Ram 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
Ram 1500 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$691
vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2021 Ram 1500
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for engine shutdowns at low speeds
- Check for electrical system warning lights and battery issues
- Test power steering for stiffness or failure
- Verify fuel pump operation and check for refueling issues
- Inspect exhaust manifolds for cracks or leaks
- Check for water leaks in rear glass assembly
- Test vehicle for unexpected stalling or shifting into park
Check Any 2021 Ram 1500's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 1500 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ram 1500 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2021 Ram 1500 Common Problems by Component
611 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
153 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Ram 1500, particularly involving the alternator and eTorque MGU hybrid motor, with parts often on backorder. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle stalling, loss of power, dashboard warning lights flashing, and battery drainage. These issues often appear at mileages ranging from 30,000 to 81,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash, two fires, and four injuries linked to these electrical problems. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential reliability concerns and parts availability challenges associated with this model year.
ENGINE
88 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report engine shutdowns while driving, often at low speeds, with symptoms including the engine dying unexpectedly, the emergency parking brake engaging, and the need to restart the vehicle. These issues often occur at mileage as low as 2,600 and can persist beyond 50,000 miles. Another common problem involves exhaust manifold failures, with owners describing cracked manifolds leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin, posing potential health risks from carbon monoxide exposure. Additionally, there are reports of rusted oil pans and difficulties obtaining replacement parts for the motor generator unit, resulting in extended vehicle downtime. Notably, one complaint involves a vehicle fire occurring shortly after parking, highlighting a potential safety concern. These patterns suggest potential reliability and safety issues that used car buyers should consider.
POWER TRAIN
84 complaintsOwners report several power train issues with the 2021 Ram 1500, including unexpected stalling and loss of power, often accompanied by warning lights or error messages. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shifting into park independently, especially at low speeds, and issues with the four-wheel-drive system losing traction in snowy conditions. Symptoms such as engine vibrations, unusual noises, and transmission hesitations are also noted, typically occurring around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of sudden deceleration or loss of vehicle control, with one injury reported. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (65 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
65 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with stalling while driving, with multiple complaints describing the vehicle shutting down without warning. Some owners mention that the motor decelerates and fails to shift properly, requiring a restart to resolve the issue. Additionally, there are reports of exhaust system problems, including leaks and broken bolts, which may allow fumes to enter the cabin. Complaints also describe problems with electronic systems, such as the Uconnect radio freezing and issues with the emergency braking system activating unexpectedly. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 22,000 miles. The stalling and exhaust issues could pose safety risks, particularly if they occur at high speeds or in traffic.
STEERING (42 complaints)
STEERING
42 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2021 Ram 1500's power steering, often resulting in a complete loss of power steering assistance, which makes the vehicle difficult or nearly impossible to steer. Complaints frequently mention warning lights for power steering failures and describe symptoms such as the steering wheel locking up or becoming extremely tight. These issues typically arise across a range of mileages, with some reports occurring as early as 37,800 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes due to steering failures, including incidents where vehicles collided with stationary objects or other vehicles. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues and the associated safety risks.
SERVICE BRAKES (38 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
38 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues related to the service brakes, often linked to a recall for the ABS module and electronic stability control. Common symptoms include illuminated warning lights for the ABS and ECS, mushy brake pedals, and a reduction in braking power, with some experiencing extended braking distances or complete loss of braking function. These issues are often reported around mileages of 30,000 to 71,000. Several owners describe safety implications such as loss of vehicle control or sudden stops due to automatic engagement of the parking brake. The complaints also highlight delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts, which may be a consideration for potential buyers.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (29 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
29 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the fuel propulsion system, notably involving fuel pump failures and difficulties with refueling. Symptoms include stalling, changes in acceleration, and the inability to fill the fuel tank without spillage or slow refueling, often leading to fuel overflow and environmental hazards. These issues commonly arise around 20,000 to 72,000 miles, with some owners experiencing them shortly after purchase. Safety implications are noted, with one crash and one injury reported, and concerns of fire hazards from fuel leaks and electrical melting. Potential buyers should be aware of unresolved recall parts and the possibility of stalling or shutdowns, particularly at higher mileages.
AIR BAGS (19 complaints)
AIR BAGS
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy or deploying without inflating, even in high-impact collisions, resulting in 12 crashes and 11 injuries. Typical symptoms include illuminated airbag warning lights and repeated airbag system failures, with some owners experiencing persistent issues despite multiple repair attempts. These problems are reported across a wide range of mileages, with some vehicles having over 80,000 miles and others as low as 1,500 miles. The safety implications are significant, as non-deployment of airbags during accidents is a recurrent theme, suggesting potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (16 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the 2021 Ram 1500 related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving unexpected acceleration and engine stalling. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating without input from the driver, often requiring hard braking to avoid collisions, with one incident resulting in a crash and injury. Stalling is also a common issue, with some owners experiencing the engine shutting off while driving at various speeds, sometimes accompanied by a "service electronic throttle control" warning. These problems are noted at mileage ranges from as low as 21 miles to over 68,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries, as well as situations where loss of control could have led to accidents.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2021 Ram 1500 related to the engine and engine cooling. Complaints frequently mention problems with the exhaust system, specifically citing inadequate or failing exhaust manifold bolts, which can lead to detachment or loud sounds from the exhaust. These issues are noted at mileages around 46,000 to 59,700 miles. Additionally, one owner describes a stalling issue when driving or turning, and an unexpected engagement of the parking brake at approximately 1,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the stalling and parking brake engagement could pose safety risks due to potential loss of control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
When Do 2021 Ram 1500 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ram 1500 Years
Best Ram 1500 Years to Buy
The best Ram 1500 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100).
Ram 1500 Years to Avoid
The worst Ram 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to steering (313) issues.
See full Ram 1500 years-to-avoid analysis →Ram 1500 Reliability Score Trend
Ram 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
Ram 1500 Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 2 | 18 |
| 2025 | 73/100 | -4 | Good | 5 | 186 |
| 2024 | 77/100 | +5 | Good | 4 | 57 |
| 2023 | 72/100 | +8 | Good | 10 | 145 |
| 2022 | 64/100 | +1 | Good | 15 | 506 |
| 2021(selected) | 63/100 | -2 | Good | 14 | 611 |
| 2020 | 65/100 | +7 | Good | 13 | 559 |
| 2019 | 58/100 | -6 | Mixed | 29 | 1364 |
| 2018 | 64/100 | — | Good | 15 | 605 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 1500?
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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