2021 RAM 1500 problems

AIR BAGS

Unknown, my Ram has a glue issue with the dashboard especially the passenger side of the vehicle which may affect the airbag operating correctly the dashboard is coming apart do to glue not properly installed on 2021 Ram truck.

NHTSA complaint #11763927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown, my Ram has a glue issue with the dashboard especially the passenger side of the vehicle which may affect the airbag operating correctly the dashboard is coming apart do to glue not properly installed on 2021 Ram truck.

NHTSA complaint #11763927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

BULLITIN TSB 23 098 23 SLIDING REAR WINDOW LEAK PROBLEM FOR 2019-2021 DODGE RAM 1500. DEALER CHARGED $1,247.51 FOR THE REPAIR OF REPLACING THE WINDOW AND FRAME. ALSO THE WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE BACK SEAT ZAPPED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM THE WATER DAMAGE COSTING US $2,395.28. BULLITIN STELLANTIS ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION XL1 ALONGSIDE THIS BULLETIN EXTENDING THE BACKLITE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 8 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE ORIGINAL IN SERVICE DATE. WE WERE TOLD OUR VIN NUMBER NOT INCLUDED BUT SAME PART NUMBER OF THOSE COVERED UNDER THE BULLITIN, OUR VEHICLE SAME PROBELM AND IS A 2021 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA complaint #11762835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. I have already taken the vehicle to a Ram dealership for this same issue. The dealership performed a computer/software update in an attempt to correct the problem, but the P00AF issue continued afterward. I returned to the dealership and was told they could not reproduce the problem during their test drive and therefore could not repair it. The problem remains unresolved. I am concerned this may involve a premature failure or defect involving the turbocharger, electronic VGT actuator, or VGT control mechanism on the Gen 3 EcoDiesel. This is particularly concerning because I use the vehicle to tow an approximately 8,000-pound travel trailer. A turbocharger/VGT failure while towing could cause sudden loss of engine power, particularly under heavy load or while climbing grades, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. The intermittent nature of the problem makes it difficult for the dealership to reproduce, but the fault continues to occur during actual vehicle operation. A software update has already been attempted without resolving the issue. I request that NHTSA investigate whether there is a pattern of premature turbocharger/VGT actuator or VGT mechanism failures resulting in P00AF on 2020–2023 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 vehicles. I can provide dealership repair documentation, diagnostic information, photographs, mileage, and other supporting information if requested.

NHTSA complaint #11762650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

Driver side seatbelts issues, issues locking the buckle. Also car has engine light come up after emergency braking system error. Goes in to reduced power mode. If shut off and turn back on, truck is fine.

NHTSA complaint #11761860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Driver side seatbelts issues, issues locking the buckle. Also car has engine light come up after emergency braking system error. Goes in to reduced power mode. If shut off and turn back on, truck is fine.

NHTSA complaint #11761860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 22V-767 / Stellantis Recall Z96 for a defective Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. The recall remedy (HPFP replacement) was performed at an authorized Stellantis/Ram dealership on 3/29/2024. On 8/9/2026, while driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and blocked the road in the left lane. The vehicle failed to restart and needed to be towed. The vehicle was independently inspected at Saddleback Automotive Service Center, Santa Ana, CA (RO# 130026). The technician documented diagnostic trouble codes P0087 (fuel pressure governor deviation, low pressure), P025C (fuel pump module control circuit low), and P016F (closed-loop fuel pressure control at limit, pressure too low) — all consistent with the same CP4.2 HPFP failure mode the recall was intended to remedy. Photographic and video documentation confirms metallic contamination in the engine oil and fuel filter screen. This failure occurred more than two years after the recall repair, and Stellantis (Case #97888077) has denied consequential-damage coverage citing the standard 24-month Mopar parts warranty on the replaced pump. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy performed in March 2024 appears to have been inadequate: the vehicle experienced a recurrence of the same fault codes associated with the recalled component, and the resulting metal contamination caused catastrophic engine damage. I believe this indicates the recall remedy did not fully address the underlying defect and that other vehicles that received the same recall remedy may be at risk of the same outcome. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the 22V-767/Z96 recall remedy is adequately preventing this failure mode in vehicles that received the HPFP replacement, and that this complaint be associated with any existing investigation into recurring CP4.2-related failures post-remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11761142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 22V-767 / Stellantis Recall Z96 for a defective Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. The recall remedy (HPFP replacement) was performed at an authorized Stellantis/Ram dealership on 3/29/2024. On 8/9/2026, while driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and blocked the road in the left lane. The vehicle failed to restart and needed to be towed. The vehicle was independently inspected at Saddleback Automotive Service Center, Santa Ana, CA (RO# 130026). The technician documented diagnostic trouble codes P0087 (fuel pressure governor deviation, low pressure), P025C (fuel pump module control circuit low), and P016F (closed-loop fuel pressure control at limit, pressure too low) — all consistent with the same CP4.2 HPFP failure mode the recall was intended to remedy. Photographic and video documentation confirms metallic contamination in the engine oil and fuel filter screen. This failure occurred more than two years after the recall repair, and Stellantis (Case #97888077) has denied consequential-damage coverage citing the standard 24-month Mopar parts warranty on the replaced pump. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy performed in March 2024 appears to have been inadequate: the vehicle experienced a recurrence of the same fault codes associated with the recalled component, and the resulting metal contamination caused catastrophic engine damage. I believe this indicates the recall remedy did not fully address the underlying defect and that other vehicles that received the same recall remedy may be at risk of the same outcome. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the 22V-767/Z96 recall remedy is adequately preventing this failure mode in vehicles that received the HPFP replacement, and that this complaint be associated with any existing investigation into recurring CP4.2-related failures post-remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11761142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XXX -- four days before I purchased the vehicle. The dealer, John Heister Dodge Ram, did not disclose this open recall at any point during the sale, and the vehicle was sold to me with the defect unrepaired. This is a known safety-related defect, as new vehicles are required to have open recalls repaired before delivery. The recall remedy has not yet been performed on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XXX -- four days before I purchased the vehicle. The dealer, John Heister Dodge Ram, did not disclose this open recall at any point during the sale, and the vehicle was sold to me with the defect unrepaired. This is a known safety-related defect, as new vehicles are required to have open recalls repaired before delivery. The recall remedy has not yet been performed on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Air bag light on. Needed temp start

NHTSA complaint #11760173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Air bag light on. Needed temp start

NHTSA complaint #11760173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", and "Self-Park Assist Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under an unknown recall associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The dealer stated that the failure might be electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11759110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", and "Self-Park Assist Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under an unknown recall associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The dealer stated that the failure might be electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11759110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.

NHTSA complaint #11758255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.

NHTSA complaint #11758255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.

NHTSA complaint #11758255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

NHTSA complaint #11756871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

NHTSA complaint #11756871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

NHTSA complaint #11756871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

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.

NHTSA complaint #11755206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11755206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11755206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.