80 of the 1,130 complaints about the 2021 RAM 1500 are about the driver-assist systems — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 24,000 miles.
80
Complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
the reverse camera quit working, trailer reverse function inop, service electric throttle light is on. I have had the recall completed. the programing did not completely correct the issue. the vehicle s at the dealership now - has been there for a week now- no word on what the problem is.
NHTSA complaint #11731381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Electrical system shutdown including loss of all safety features (blind spot, emergency braking, abs, traction control, towing), climate control options (AC, Heat, window operations) and user interfaces (U-Connect screen, center gauge cluster). Initial warnings (2) on center cluster on listed- 1. Blind Spot Detection Disabled 2. 115 Volt Cargo Power Outlet On All electronics, controls were then disabled- black screens, inoperable controls. Passenger rear windows, sliding back glass, panoramic sunroof and drivers side mirror are the only working electronics other than speedometer. Upon inspection of all fuses, relays, battery, alternator, and checking all accessible wiring related to blind spot and auxiliary power and finding no defective issues, web searches were performed. Based on numerous other RAM owners on multiple forums on RAM trucks 2020 and newer with blind spot avoidance, we found a likely culprit in the driver's side brake light. Upon inspection of the left rear brake light assembly, a small hairline crack was located with signs of internal moisture/ condensation. After observing the internal moisture the drivers side rear brake housing was removed and disconnected for closer inspection and potential repair. While the driver side brake light assembly was removed, an instance occurred when my wife needed the vehicle. Upon and during the entirety of operation over the next 1.5 hrs driving approximately 63 miles, all electrical options worked as intended minus the blind spot avoidance and a new warning on brake lamps (obvious as tail light had been removed). During this time, the proximity sensor housing was removed from the assembly, water accumulation dried, and allowed to remain open next to a dehumidifier for 4 hours. Epoxy was applied over the hairline Crack, and any area that looked as if could be affected. Unit was reinstalled, however all electronic failure returned. Unit removed again to attempt humidity removal- all electronics res
NHTSA complaint #11728155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Electrical system shutdown including loss of all safety features (blind spot, emergency braking, abs, traction control, towing), climate control options (AC, Heat, window operations) and user interfaces (U-Connect screen, center gauge cluster). Initial warnings (2) on center cluster on listed- 1. Blind Spot Detection Disabled 2. 115 Volt Cargo Power Outlet On All electronics, controls were then disabled- black screens, inoperable controls. Passenger rear windows, sliding back glass, panoramic sunroof and drivers side mirror are the only working electronics other than speedometer. Upon inspection of all fuses, relays, battery, alternator, and checking all accessible wiring related to blind spot and auxiliary power and finding no defective issues, web searches were performed. Based on numerous other RAM owners on multiple forums on RAM trucks 2020 and newer with blind spot avoidance, we found a likely culprit in the driver's side brake light. Upon inspection of the left rear brake light assembly, a small hairline crack was located with signs of internal moisture/ condensation. After observing the internal moisture the drivers side rear brake housing was removed and disconnected for closer inspection and potential repair. While the driver side brake light assembly was removed, an instance occurred when my wife needed the vehicle. Upon and during the entirety of operation over the next 1.5 hrs driving approximately 63 miles, all electrical options worked as intended minus the blind spot avoidance and a new warning on brake lamps (obvious as tail light had been removed). During this time, the proximity sensor housing was removed from the assembly, water accumulation dried, and allowed to remain open next to a dehumidifier for 4 hours. Epoxy was applied over the hairline Crack, and any area that looked as if could be affected. Unit was reinstalled, however all electronic failure returned. Unit removed again to attempt humidity removal- all electronics res
NHTSA complaint #11728155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Engine malfunction cause low oil pressure and cause a catastrophic failure and lock brakes up multiple people i know have had same issue as me and it due to a manufacturer error on oil gallery bolts backing out and causes rockers not to get proper oil and chews cams up
NHTSA complaint #11726139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Stellantis is recalling over 1.2 million 2019-2024 Ram 1500 pickups, including the 2021 model year, due to a software flaw in the ABS module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system My ram vin is not listed, but i am receiving this error.
NHTSA complaint #11721459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed from service immediately and taken to an authorized RAM dealer. Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management have acknowledged the defect and identified a required replacement part; however, the part has been on national backorder since October 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the vehicle has been out of service for over three months. Stellantis has provided at least ten different estimated repair dates, all of which have passed without resolution. Despite the steering-related nature of the failure, Stellantis has stated there is no active safety recall. The vehicle remains unrepaired due to the unavailability of the required steering-related component. I am concerned that this defect may affect other vehicles and that the prolonged inability to repair a known steering failure presents an ongoing public safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to request formal review of this issue and to document the safety implications of this unresolved steering defect.
NHTSA complaint #11708022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed from service immediately and taken to an authorized RAM dealer. Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management have acknowledged the defect and identified a required replacement part; however, the part has been on national backorder since October 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the vehicle has been out of service for over three months. Stellantis has provided at least ten different estimated repair dates, all of which have passed without resolution. Despite the steering-related nature of the failure, Stellantis has stated there is no active safety recall. The vehicle remains unrepaired due to the unavailability of the required steering-related component. I am concerned that this defect may affect other vehicles and that the prolonged inability to repair a known steering failure presents an ongoing public safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to request formal review of this issue and to document the safety implications of this unresolved steering defect.
NHTSA complaint #11708022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an Over-the-Air update was been performed on the vehicle overnight and the following day the battery was drained and needed to be replaced. The contact drove another vehicle to an independent mechanic and purchased a new battery. After replacing the battery, an error code for a firmware failure was displayed on the instrument panel. As a result of the message, the radio module became defective, and the back over prevention system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11694043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Mine was flickering the 115v cargo outlet and the radio was Turning on and off… blind monitoring system, Cap applying the brakes, automatically thinking something was in front or behind me
NHTSA complaint #11674110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Mine was flickering the 115v cargo outlet and the radio was Turning on and off… blind monitoring system, Cap applying the brakes, automatically thinking something was in front or behind me
NHTSA complaint #11674110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
THE VEHICLE STARTS BUT WILL NOT ACCELERATE, and the necessary replacement part is still unavailable. I was informed that the manufacturer does not have the part in stock and that it needs to be manufactured, with an estimated arrival date of July 29th.
NHTSA complaint #11672633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11657520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in 35 degree weather I finished refueling My 2021 Dodge Ram limited Hemi Etorque at conserve fuel in buellton Ca . Another car was at the pump in front of me so I put the truck into reverse to back up from pump and exit . When truck started in reverse it felt like the Emergency brake automatically engaged itself as it made a loud brake rubbing sound in and completely stopped very quickly . This seemed very harsh on the vehicle . I had a current safely recall fixed for software update on 1/20/25 at crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Ram in Ventura Ca. I was recently rear ended and have whiplash and this agitated my neck more as it was so sudden with no warning noises or alerts on dash . When I drove to nearest ram dealer in Santa Maria I was told they where to busy with no mechanics to look at truck and to take it back to Ventura service who did safety recall and never provided me what work was actually done to truck . This is a huge inconvenience as i to drive 45 mins south or one hour north to get to dodge dealers .just purchased this used truck last Saturday not knowing about this issue and software effecting vehicle . I will try and contact gas station to see if this was captured on outdoor surveillance cameras . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11637844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I just purchased a new truck on Friday and was told on car fax it had a open recall .On 1/20/25 around 0835 I arrived at service entrance and was not greeted or checked in after being told I would be charged a diagnosis fee for a very important safety recall related to ABS . I would like this incident investigated as it jeopardizes my and my family safety . Also told him the truck was under warranty and the wireless charging for phones was not working and got bring it back to where you bought it . I requested his supervisor and he walked away and acted like he was on the phone . This is my only local dodge dealer and now forced to goad hour south to get this fixed . I took a card because service manager never came out to address me as customer this dealership needs looked into .I think I was also discriminated at for being Caucasian as both service techs are Hispanic info email of service manager from card is Location of Dodge dealer . The person that wanted to charge me avoided me asking his name but had long curly hair and younger thug attitude guy . Also was told to leave after like anyone would be upset of a safety recall that are free and being told I would be charged. I’m requesting an investigation into this matter and or pursuing legal action . I know it’s a federal holiday and I have a 3 day weekend but hope this matter can be addressed soon as this is not right . Thank you . New Century Motors of Santa Barbara 300 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara Ca 93105 aaguilera@newcenturymotors.com
NHTSA complaint #11637060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Steele North Star texted me about a Recall for ABS module on my RAM truck. “Steele North Start CJDR - Service Hi [XXX] , this is Steele North Star Dodge. We are contacting you to let you know that there is a recall on your 2021 Ram 1500. This recall is for ABS Module Configuration. We would love to take care of this recall for you free of charge! We would also like to offer you a rental covered by Chrysler while we have your vehicle in service for the recall. Please contact us back at 210-341-2251 or you can reply to this text message and we can get you scheduled. Thank you and have a wonderful day!” I called for appointment they said they would call me back on Thursday but didn’t. Then when I called them the next day today Friday they said they wanted to charge a $10 admin fee but I said their text said repair would be FREE so when I questioned & said I didn’t feel a charge is fair then they refused to schedule repair & told me to take my truck to another dealership. Steele is my closest dealer. They lied about a free recall repair expecting people to pay a $10 admin fee. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11634017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Just driving normal condition and speed all of a sudden my car jam or brake on it’s own, causing a quick sudden jerk and almost getting hit from the back. All of my front sensors and back sensors was shut off at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11630309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Rear Tail light assembly is faulty and allows water intrusion which affects the blind spot alert to send alert that service is needed. When this happens it causes the entire infotainment area and dash to begin flashing and going haywire. Nothing works. Windows will not respond or go up or down. Speedometer is not present at all. This happened to us while on a highway which was quite alarming. The blind spot alert is tied to the whole computer system for the truck so when this fails it affects everything else. Upon taking to dealership we were told Ram is aware of this issue and has changed the design of the newer tail light assemblies including better weather stripping to keep water out. So they admit there is an issue but will not cover replacement of the faulty part and instead quotes almost $2000 to fix this. We called Ram directly at 800-334-9200 to lodge a complaint and inform them that this is a serious safety issue. Case #[XXX] was opened. This problem is not limited to just us as a simple google search of “blind spot alert ram truck “ yields hundreds of people who have and are experiencing this same issue. It seems a recall should be issued to address this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11629091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Ram continues to refuse to implement a fix for Recall 24V-653. The ABS disabling the Electronic Stability Control is extremely dangerous and renders my truck unfit for its intended purpose. Additionally the failure to implement a fix has made it impossible to sell or trade in my truck fir it's full market value.
NHTSA complaint #11624897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Several times I’ve been backing up and for no reason the truck jerks to a stop and some kind of alarm or buzzer goes off and it jerks to a complete stop even when I’m not close to anything.
NHTSA complaint #11615138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
After changing the battery, my truck was affected by a computer malfunction which caused my ABS, forward collision detection, electronic stability control and other systems to not work and indicate trouble in the dash. I took it to the dealer, and they charged me $205 to reprogram the computer. These are all symptoms of recall 85B, but my VIN is not in the affected list at this time. I believe the list should be expanded and that I should receive a refund from FCA for the repair work that was completed.
NHTSA complaint #11613678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
After changing the battery, my truck was affected by a computer malfunction which caused my ABS, forward collision detection, electronic stability control and other systems to not work and indicate trouble in the dash. I took it to the dealer, and they charged me $205 to reprogram the computer. These are all symptoms of recall 85B, but my VIN is not in the affected list at this time. I believe the list should be expanded and that I should receive a refund from FCA for the repair work that was completed.
NHTSA complaint #11613678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
>Refer to investigation PE24018. For reference recall 23V-265 was performed on this truck. >This incident was before the recall work, and it was mentioned to my dealership. There have been no additional incidents. >Driving on a rural road at about 30mph. I slammed on breaks to avoid contact with animal. My vehicle went into park, emergency break activated, and engine turned off. I was able to restart vehicle. >There were no safety issues at the time >I don't have any information about warning lamps or messages other than noting my emergency break was engaged.
NHTSA complaint #11604299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When slowing down for a traffic light vehicle salled and e-brake was automatically engaged, Also happened when making a slow right hand turn, Has happened twice so far. Both times tok into dealer and it could not be reproduced. No warning for it happening and all software was up to date,
NHTSA complaint #11602419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Computer concern - caused the battery to be completely drained during the night, after a jumpstart the vehicle has multiple system errors. stability control, ABS , and both front and rear collision error. states need servicing. Unknown what caused battery drain and errors. Battery was checked no issues. Others have posted same issues with their 2021 Ram 1500 with e torque.
NHTSA complaint #11595106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Computer concern - caused the battery to be completely drained during the night, after a jumpstart the vehicle has multiple system errors. stability control, ABS , and both front and rear collision error. states need servicing. Unknown what caused battery drain and errors. Battery was checked no issues. Others have posted same issues with their 2021 Ram 1500 with e torque.
NHTSA complaint #11595106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Multiple times now I have been stopped at lights/stop signs and when I start to drive again my truck automatically engages the parking brake on its own and I can’t move, the truck then shuts down. I have to pull the parking brake switch, while pushing the brake and turn the truck back on multiple times before I can get the truck to move again. I have almost been hit in traffic when this happens.
NHTSA complaint #11573229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
During cold rainy wether, water leaked in through rear sliding glass window and fried the BCM, which caused a complete shut down of all systems. I was not driving the vehicle at the time but if this had occurred while driving this could have ended in a catastrophic accident. In researching this issue, many ram vehicles have experienced this and/or similar issues including the vehicle stalling while in operation. When this issue occurred,, there were no warnings or prior indications. Additionally, water was found inside the passenger compartment. Also, the vehicle could not be manually placed in neutral so that it could be moved for towing. The tow service had to slide the vehicle onto tow trailer with sliders placed under the rear wheels. The was then vehicle towed to a FCA dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11569804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The software shut down all of the systems control. Nothing can be controlled. It locks the doors windows side boards panaramic sunroof speed denominator turns the heat on can’t turn it off.tailgate opens all of this happens around 15 minutes after it has been turned on. I complained about it several times before took it in they replaced the radio. It’s currently at the dealership to do a dainostic evaluation
NHTSA complaint #11567978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), the image from the rear-view camera was blurry or blank. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for over 2 years. The contact stated that he researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V059000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the VIN was not included. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11547979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.