Ram 1500 Complaints (2021)

669 consumer complaints on file.

#11660887May 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was water leaking from the third brake light and had leaked onto the battery pack control module and RF hub, and the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,259.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660700May 13, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving exhaust fumes entering the cabin of my 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn, particularly during cold starts or remote starts while idling. Despite multiple attempts to have this issue repaired through authorized dealerships, the problem has not been resolved. On the first visit, dealership technicians discovered two cracked exhaust manifolds, which were replaced. On a second visit, they found and tightened bolts further. On the third visit, they claimed there was no longer a problem, but no physical diagnostic tests (such as pressure, bubble, or smoke testing) were conducted. Still concerned for my family’s safety, I paid for an independent diagnostic inspection. The certified mechanic confirmed an exhaust leak at the junction between the exhaust manifold and collector pipe, citing either improper installation or flawed sealing from previous repairs. The technician verified this using a stethoscope and noted a strong odor inside the cabin via the HVAC system. This issue poses a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to occupants, especially during colder conditions when the vehicle is idling and windows are closed. RAM case management (case #92878431) has been involved, but there has been poor communication and no clear resolution. I am concerned this is a manufacturing or design defect and that it could affect other owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue due to the serious health and safety risks associated with exhaust fume exposure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660002May 9, 2025
ENGINE
At 45mph the engine cut off. I had to coast to a stop on the side of the road and place the truck into park and then restart the engine. I have already taken the vehicle into the dealership to have recall 37A remediation performed last year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659931May 9, 2025
SUSPENSION
While undergoing an annual vehicle inspection it was detected that ball joints have failed and are in need of replacement. This is a 2021 Ram 1500 with 77,500 miles. This seems to be a pre-mature failure of a critical component.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658309May 1, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
HELLO SIMILAR INCIDENT TO THE HD 2020 RAM 2500 WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT OPERATE PROPERTLY. REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMING LOOSE IN WHICH PREVENTS IT FROM WIPING RIGHT AND LEFT MOTION AS IT WOULD NORMALLY WIPE. A VISUAL OF THE NUT INDICATE A RUSTY APPEARANCE (AND POSSIBLY A NOT A PROPER FITTING NUT) TOMMORROW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO ADDRESS , MANUFACTURE RECALL NUMBER 75B ON MY VEHICLE AND WILL ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. HERE IN PUERTO RICO IT IS RAINING QUITE A BIT LATELY SO THE ISSUE HAS APPEARED FOR THE FIRST TIME ONCE. I NEEDED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE SO, AFTER REMOVING THE NUT I APPLIED SOME PLUMBERS TAPE AND TIGHTENED THE NUT BACK IN PLACE. I WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF THIS ISSUE CAN BE ADDRESSED. THANK YOU
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657707April 30, 2025
STEERING
On April 16, 2025 I was driving home from work. I went to steer to the right around a turn and my steering wheel felt like it locked up making it very hard to navigate through the curve. My steering was very tight and it caused a very uneasy feeling like I was going to crash. I called my local Ram dealer and they weren't able to get me in till April 28th. In the meantime I had another car to drive and it sat parked till they were able to take it in. They diagnosed it as the Rack and pinion being bad and told me it needed to be replaced and would cost over $4,000 out of my pocket!! My truck is still under the powertrain warranty and it would not be covered. They also told me they were charging me $163 dollars for a diagnosis fee since it's not covered by my warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657520April 29, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving on the highway with cruise control engaged, the system became stuck and would not disengage. I attempted to cancel cruise control using the button, tap the brakes, and shift to neutral, but none of these actions worked immediately. The truck continued accelerating beyond the set speed, putting my life and the lives of others in serious danger. I eventually regained control after repeatedly braking and forcing the truck into neutral, but this was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in a fatal crash. To my knowledge, there were no warning lights or messages before or during the incident. I have not had the problem confirmed by a dealer yet, but I contacted the manufacturer (RAM customer service), and they instructed me to take the vehicle to a dealership for diagnostics at my own expense. This appears to be a serious defect in the cruise control or throttle system, and I am requesting a formal investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657272April 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Part # 68623194AB alternator generator has failed twice and now the truck has been at the dealership for 1 month with no parts available. Truck bought new Oct 2021. Parts failed at 78,000 miles (09/24) and again at 95,0000 (04/25). I paid the $4000 bill on the 1st failure. Now I'm told 2nd repair is warrantied after they replaced the starter and in addition to need the alt/gen. My safety was at risk because the truck shut down while driving with no warning. The truck is currently at the dealership awaiting parts. The dealership told me the problem and that they can not get the parts needed to repair the vehicle. No warnings given before the failure. Any warning was concurrent at time of failure. My family was at risk. This is not acceptable. Please make this recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657219April 28, 2025
ENGINE
Cracked passenger side exhaust manifold
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656677April 25, 2025
STEERING
The steering rack on my 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 is defective. The steering system becomes disabled and shuts down with no prior warning causing the vehicle to become very dangerous to drive. The warning lamp indicates the word steering with an exclamation point. I had my vehicle taken to the auto repair shop and was told the steering rack was inoperative and needed a whole new rack costing just for the part alone $2415.00 plus an alignment and labor for a total cost of $3275.00. I have done research and found that Chrysler Corp is well aware of this situation for years but is ignoring the safety of customers that have put their faith in Chrysler by having a vehicles that is safe and reliable as stated by the dealerships and not putting lives at risk. I feel I have avoided a situation that could have change my life for years or even worse the lives of my loved ones .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655707April 20, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655122April 16, 2025
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
While making a turn in a parking garage at low speed, I heard a loud popping sound. When I got out to inspect, I discovered that the front wheel had collapsed inward. There was no collision, curb hit, or external damage—just a spontaneous failure of the suspension system. This is the second time this same failure has occurred within the past year on this vehicle. The incident caused a complete loss of steering control, putting my safety at risk. Fortunately, I was not driving at high speed or on a public road when this occurred. There were no warning lights, noises, or other symptoms leading up to the event. The failed parts appear to include critical suspension and steering components (likely control arm, tie rod, or ball joint), and photos are available. The failure has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer, but the vehicle is available for inspection if requested. Given that this is a 2021 RAM with relatively low mileage, and it has experienced two nearly identical failures, this raises serious concerns about a potential manufacturing or design defect that could affect other vehicles. Attached are pictures from both incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654707April 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated there was rainwater leaking into the rear passenger’s side cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the third brake light and applied sealant; however, the leak persisted. The contact was informed by the dealer that the leak failure may be caused by a faulty frame or window. No further information was available. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine, and while at the dealer the contact was informed that the exhaust manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the bolts inside the exhaust manifold were inadequate and were prone to failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,700. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654638April 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654203April 11, 2025
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My truck caught fire after I got a service airbag system alert on my dashboard
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654183April 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator is on back order with 3200 orders waiting with none in production
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654182April 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654056April 11, 2025
ENGINE
Back ordered part: Part # 68623194AB No ETA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654026April 11, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653443April 8, 2025
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,126.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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