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2021 Ram 1500

HybridGasDiesel
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
15 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical15
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA675
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA26 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

The 2021 Ram 1500 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid, gas and diesel pickup truck with 15 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 1500 2WD, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 675 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
1500 HFE 2WDHybridRWD3.6L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion202623$2,700
1500 2WDHybridRWD3.6L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion202522$2,850
1500 4WDHybrid4WD3.6L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion192421$2,950
1500 2WDHybridRWD5.7L 8-cyl + 48V Li-Ion172319$3,750
1500 4WDHybrid4WD5.7L 8-cyl + 48V Li-Ion172219$3,750
1500 Classic 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl172520$3,100
1500 Classic 4WDGas4WD3.6L 6-cyl162319$3,300
1500 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,200
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,200
1500 Classic 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,200
1500 Classic 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,200
1500 TRX 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl101412$6,450
1500 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223226$3,450
1500 HFE 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo233326$3,450
1500 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212924$3,750

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43415, 43006, 43014, 43008, 43016, 43461, 43468, 43009, 43017, 43462.

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seat Belts

67D
1,271,294 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."RiskAn improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V495000reported Jul 30, 2026Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Air Bags

14C
532 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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."RiskA driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V765000reported Nov 6, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Electrical System

08C
71 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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."RiskA driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V298000reported May 8, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Visibility

86B
31,676 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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."RiskDetached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V754000reported Oct 10, 2024Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

75B
1,025,432 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."RiskDriving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
NHTSA campaign 24V653000reported Sep 5, 2024Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Power Train

37A
131,700 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.RiskAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
NHTSA campaign 23V265000reported Apr 13, 2023Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
○minor

Back Over Prevention

14A
77,079 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.FixDealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
NHTSA campaign 23V059000reported Feb 9, 2023Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Structure

ZB8
1,224,078 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskAn 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V904000reported Dec 8, 2022Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

Z96
60,413 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.RiskAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
NHTSA campaign 22V767000reported Oct 13, 2022Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
○minor

Back Over Prevention

Z86
7,895 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
NHTSA campaign 22V638000reported Aug 25, 2022Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Air Bags

Y99
376 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskAn air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V925000reported Nov 24, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
○minor

Back Over Prevention

Y80
38,157 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
NHTSA campaign 21V918000reported Nov 23, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Tires

Y62
2 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."RiskA driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.
NHTSA campaign 21V698000reported Sep 9, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
○minor

Back Over Prevention

Y30
14,096 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.
NHTSA campaign 21V438000reported Jun 10, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Y04
Do not drive683 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.RiskA separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.FixOwners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
NHTSA campaign 21V037000reported Feb 1, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump — High pressure fuel pump failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed rec

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · action EA23001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
675complaints filed

26 involved a crash · 4 a fire · 23 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 2 · 2021: 118 · 2022: 113 · 2023: 114 · 2024: 96 · 2025: 158 · 2026: 74

Most-cited components

Engine276
Electrical System196
Unspecified102
Power Train99
Fuel/Propulsion System68
Forward Collision Avoidance57

What owners describe

“While driving, the engine shuts off and a message displays that the vehicle needs a on/off power cycle to continue. I believe the failure was caused by a loose ground wire or controler that went offline and needs a power cycle to bring all controllers back online. Safety is a concern due to the engine shutting off and …”Jul 23, 2021 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“Truck stalls while making hard turns, usually at slower speeds. Truck has also cut off while making a turn into traffic. I've read about a number of consumers having the same issue with the etorque Hemi engines. To answer the above questions: - Not sure what system failed but the vehicle is available for inspection upo…”Jul 16, 2021 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“I got to a stop and the e-torque kicked in, as I departure from a complete stop the truck stalled as I entered the intersection to a complete stop, dash advised to put the vehicle in the park position before starting it, after a few minutes I was able to restart the truck and put it in drive to drive away. huge safety …”Jul 16, 2021 · Engine · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/RC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Compare the 2021 1500 with

2021 Ford F-150 →2021 Chevrolet Silverado →2021 Toyota Tacoma →2021 GMC Sierra →2021 Toyota Tundra →2021 Chevrolet Colorado →

Other 1500 model years

A

2027 Ram 1500

0 recalls · 0 complaints

F

2026 Ram 1500

7 recalls · 84 complaints

F

2025 Ram 1500

8 recalls · 335 complaints

F

2024 Ram 1500

6 recalls · 70 complaints

F

2023 Ram 1500

11 recalls · 197 complaints

F

2022 Ram 1500

16 recalls · 606 complaints

F

2020 Ram 1500

14 recalls · 622 complaints

F

2019 Ram 1500

29 recalls · 1,467 complaints

F

2018 Ram 1500

15 recalls · 659 complaints

F

2017 Ram 1500

13 recalls · 869 complaints

F

2016 Ram 1500

16 recalls · 1,534 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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