← New search

2021 RAM 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 RAM 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 134.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 15 of 107 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports8 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

26 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

August of 2023 I took my truck in for a check engine light. The dealership diagnosed it and said my def tank senor is turning on the check engine light. They repaired it, when I picked up the truck they told me that "it was burnt out" and replaced the part. Now 14 months later it's having the same issue. Wondering if other ram 2…

Read full complaint

August of 2023 I took my truck in for a check engine light. The dealership diagnosed it and said my def tank senor is turning on the check engine light. They repaired it, when I picked up the truck they told me that "it was burnt out" and replaced the part. Now 14 months later it's having the same issue. Wondering if other ram 2500 owners are having this same issue and if it is a repetitive issue. The repair cost me over $963.00 dollars.

NHTSA ODI #11630801

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2024
Engine

When placing the truck in first gear to control speeds on steep declines both on and off road the vehicle's RPMS will climb significantly and the truck will accelerate abruptly under it's own power until it reaches 21-25mph. At which point the RPM's come down and truck begins to slow as expected. Once truck reaches a speed of …

Read full complaint

When placing the truck in first gear to control speeds on steep declines both on and off road the vehicle's RPMS will climb significantly and the truck will accelerate abruptly under it's own power until it reaches 21-25mph. At which point the RPM's come down and truck begins to slow as expected. Once truck reaches a speed of 11mph the RPM's begin to climb again and the truck accelerates(Not due to gravity, but accelerates under it's own power) aggressively. It will continue to do this pattern until you either reach flat ground or switch gears. Safety is at risk due to uncontrolled descent down steep mountain passes. Constantly having to apply breaks to prevent the truck from going off the road. This safety liability is exacerbated when towing a trailer. I have reported the issue to the dealer multiple times with their claim that the vehicle is behaving as expected. I have not experienced this with any other vehicle. This is not common vehicle behavior. No warning Lamps, Messages or Other symptoms. Reproducible on any hill with steep enough descent.

NHTSA ODI #11593628

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an Electrical system recall and sho…

Read full complaint

My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an Electrical system recall and shows to have been completed. (Safety Recall 13A/NHTSA 23V-060) If this recall was completed, maybe something else needs to be checked out. The truck is currently at a dealership to be repaired, but I will still be scared of it catching on fire because the dealership cannot tell me why or how the fire started. 03

NHTSA ODI #11580670

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
Engine

3 months ago at around 23,000 miles, my truck had a P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire code, dealership “reset” the vehicle and code didn’t return. 3 weeks ago, cylinder 2 started having a loud tapping noise after the vehicle was fully warmed up. Vehicle has been at the dealership for 1 week with zero communication from the dealership or …

Read full complaint

3 months ago at around 23,000 miles, my truck had a P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire code, dealership “reset” the vehicle and code didn’t return. 3 weeks ago, cylinder 2 started having a loud tapping noise after the vehicle was fully warmed up. Vehicle has been at the dealership for 1 week with zero communication from the dealership or from the RAM caseworker. No rental car has been offered.

NHTSA ODI #11572681

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
EngineForward Collision Avoidance

I recently bought this truck used from a Ford dealership. The next day when I was taking my wife for a short drive. I noticed the engine light was on the dash display. I the same time the truck started accelerating Like it was on cruise control and returning to a higher speed. The cruse control was not set when I tried to access…

Read full complaint

I recently bought this truck used from a Ford dealership. The next day when I was taking my wife for a short drive. I noticed the engine light was on the dash display. I the same time the truck started accelerating Like it was on cruise control and returning to a higher speed. The cruse control was not set when I tried to access the cruse control I would get the message that it was unavailable at this time. I had to stop the truck and turn the truck off. When I restarted the engine light was still on, but the acceleration stopped. I drove to the dealership to see if they had any information or recalls but by the time, I got there the engine light was off and their computer did not tell them anything. This has now happened two times. The dealership says I must bring the Truck in while this is happening. for them to get a reading. This is not my primary vehicle, and I don't drive it all the time and it is 45 minutes from any dealership. The uncontrolled acieration is a safety issue. The problem has not been reproduced Dealer thay had no idea what was happening. The warning lamp engine and the cruse control not available message., I am wondering if anyone else has had the problem?

NHTSA ODI #11555957

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

The flexible section of the exhaust coming from the engine that connects to the rigid sections of exhaust that contains the DPF components developed a hole in it. I reported that exhaust was smelled inside my cab and that sooty smoke could be seen coming up by my passenger side front window for almost a month. The Ram dealership…

Read full complaint

The flexible section of the exhaust coming from the engine that connects to the rigid sections of exhaust that contains the DPF components developed a hole in it. I reported that exhaust was smelled inside my cab and that sooty smoke could be seen coming up by my passenger side front window for almost a month. The Ram dealership told me the first two times I took it there that it was normal for regens to create smokey conditions. It was not til the third trip to the dealer, after being treated for bronchitis, GI problems, and extreme fatigue with elevated levels of CO in my blood that they finally lifted the truck and found an exhaust leak. I am concerned that the excessive regens caused by the faulty PM sensor that they just fixed caused the section of exhaust to fail. And if it is a widespread issue, others may also be exposed to dangerous levels of diesel exhaust.

NHTSA ODI #11552373

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I was at a stop light. When I went to go, Truck Stalled for No reason and I lost All control. No steering, No brakes, and it would NOT start until I came to a full stop after almost getting side swiped by oncoming cars in opposite lane, of which I rolled into

NHTSA ODI #11527847

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringFire

Fire on sliding portion of read window. Short on connection point of wiring harness for defroster. Dealer verified and confirmed. All has been documented. Also has had PCM and other electrical components real places two times now, along with other electrical issues that are still ongoing since time of purchase back in March of 2…

Read full complaint

Fire on sliding portion of read window. Short on connection point of wiring harness for defroster. Dealer verified and confirmed. All has been documented. Also has had PCM and other electrical components real places two times now, along with other electrical issues that are still ongoing since time of purchase back in March of 2021. John L. Sullivan of Yuba City refuses to do work or rectify this issue. Ryan Triebess, the service manager, has a personal attachment to online reviews and refuses work to any paying customer that voices their dissatisfaction leaving me with a truck that to this day is a fire risk.

NHTSA ODI #11526286

48,000 miles · Jun 7, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the remote start was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The loc…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the remote start was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11525880

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

My local Ram Dealership in Del Rio, Texas (Ram Country), has refused to repair my open recalls on my 2021 Ram 2500 Diesel. This includes the heater relay recall and the transmission dipstick recall. I have visited the dealership on at least 5 occassions and each time I am put on a new "waiting list". Ram Country has infor…

Read full complaint

My local Ram Dealership in Del Rio, Texas (Ram Country), has refused to repair my open recalls on my 2021 Ram 2500 Diesel. This includes the heater relay recall and the transmission dipstick recall. I have visited the dealership on at least 5 occassions and each time I am put on a new "waiting list". Ram Country has informed me that they get parts weekly and will call me to schedule needed repairs, however they never do. What can I do to get my recalls fixed, and finally closed. I get FCA recall notifications warning me to get my recalls completed, however again, my local Ram Dealer refuses to schedule a repair, and continues putting my on a waiting list, and has recommended that maybe I should get a new vehicle. For your information........I paid $75,000.00 for my truck 22 months ago, and I cant buy a new truck everytime the manufacturer refuses to make a diligent effort for recall remediation. I need help please..........

NHTSA ODI #11524720

Official recalls

8

25V765000 · Air Bags:frontal; Steering:steering Control Module

Nov 6, 2025

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:steering Control Module

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:frontal

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.

23V060000 · Electrical System:wiring:relays/solenoids

Feb 9, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.

22V904000 · Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

Dec 8, 2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

22V835000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Nov 10, 2022

FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

22V140000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Mar 10, 2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

21V925000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain

Nov 24, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.

21V798000 · Electrical System:wiring:relays/solenoids

Oct 14, 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

21V163000 · Electrical System

Mar 11, 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.