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2021 Ram 1500: True Cost, Problems & Verdict

666 NHTSA owner complaints · 12 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.

Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
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Owner complaints: 666 filed with NHTSA

Complaints per year on the road: 133.2

Engine272Electrical System194Unknown Or Other100Power Train97Service Brakes73Fuel/Propulsion System67

What owners say

Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.

Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i reverse. This does not happen every time but does happen often. I haven't had it checked out professionally because it hasn't been permanent …
Rear window frame cracked at both corners- water leaks inside of vehicle during rain. this can affect electrical components that are at the rear cab inside the truck. i noticed this a month ago but dont know how long it has been there.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized …

Recalls: 12 campaigns (4 severe)

2021202220232024
CampaignComponentSummary
21V037000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation ComChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip t…
24V653000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/TractChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (A…
22V904000Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And AttachChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to mi…
23V059000Back Over Prevention:Display FunctionChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRS…
21V698000Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare TireChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not m…
21V438000Back Over Prevention:Display FunctionChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview ca…
24V754000Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/DevicesChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirr…
23V265000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:ContrChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module softwa…

True cost of ownership

Fuel (your region) $0
Maintenance band (your region) $2,333$4,908
Estimated running cost this year (age 5) $4,908

Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.

02468101214$6,758vehicle age (years)
fuel/energy + maintenance band (annual, USD, estimate)

Run your own numbers in the true-cost calculator →

FAQ

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ram 1500?

The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (272 complaints in our indexed sample).

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a good used car to buy?

Our data verdict is AVOID with a reliability score of 10/100, computed from 666 NHTSA complaints and 12 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.

Does the 2021 Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for the 2021 Ram 1500, 4 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 01/02/2021. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

What will a 2021 Ram 1500 really cost YOU per year?

Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.

Open the true-cost calculator

Data sources

Complaints & recalls: NHTSA · Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov · Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements. Last updated: 2026-08-20.

10RELIABILITY / 100
AVOID
  • 666 NHTSA complaints on record (133.2/yr of exposure)
  • 12 recall campaigns, 4 touching safety-critical systems

How this score is computed →

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