2021 Ram 2500: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Ram 2500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 101 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2021 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program5 variants tested — showing 2021 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated29.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
29.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ram 2500 has 101 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 2500
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 101
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Ram 2500 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Ram 2500?
The 2021 Ram 2500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Ram 2500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical components, including wiring and infotainment system.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical components, including wiring and infotainment system.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Ram 2500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 101 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 RAM 2500, the most frequently reported issues involve electrical faults, engine problems, and transmission/drivetrain concerns. There are 8 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (35 out of 101).
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category (26 complaints).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are reported in 23 complaints.
- Electrical faults, including wiring and electronic system failures.
- Engine problems, such as stalling or loss of power.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues, including shifting or driveline noise.
All 2021 Ram 2500 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 2500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 35 | — | 5 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 26 | — | 5 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 2500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is …
THE VEHICLE HAS UNEVEN RESPONSE WHEN TURNING OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL PROPERLY AND IT HAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS THE STEERING ISNT CONSISTENT WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BUT THEIR TE…
Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood. Unknown if fire was due to electrical or leaking fuel issues under the hood. Major safe…
Ram is refusing to repair and item on my truck egr cooler is cracked, leaking and burning coolant. They have recalled every year model but mine. All have same issue, all have same part and part number. Dealership suggested I contact NTSB to see if I could get it recalled. It is s…
Front right wheel detached while driving on the highway - going about 45mph due to snow on roadway. We are glad no one was injured. All the lugs had come off the wheel. Now need wheel and rim replacement, and new hub assembly and lugs. It will be repaired at the dealer where …
The rear right seat belt became stuck and would not release, trapping my [XXX] son. Although the buckle was unlatched, he was entangled in the seat belt, and the retraction system would not loosen. The vehicle was stationary at the time of the incident. Due to the inability to …
The lifters failed at 64,000 miles they where replaced under warranty. but now the lifters are making noise again with 71,000 miles since replaced. it’s a bad design that could be fixed permanently with the right parts! No warning lights just failure.
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The truck has experienced three separate transmission failures within a few months. Each time the transmission was replaced, the vehicle failed again shortly afterward. At one point, the dealership returne…
My vehicle was repaired for a known recall related to the tailgate unlatching issue. NHTSA ID Number: 22V904000 This repair was completed, and then my tailgate continued to open unexpectedly. I have taken it back to the dealership after damage was caused to my tailgate when it …
After starting the vehicle, fire smell came into the cab. After exiting the vehicle smoke was coming from the engine. The engine caught on fire and car was totaled within 10 minutes.
Leather dash is delaminating and shrinking starting at the defrost vents. This appears to impact the passenger airbag deployment. Chrysler/Stellantis is aware of the issue, but considers the dash to be an accessory and refuses to correct if not under warranty.
The Transmision went out at 80k miles leaving me stranded. They did correct the issue. However, thought that I would report this because I was in traffic causing and almost wrecked
Been driving over 2 months and zero issues. On a Thursday headed to store and transmission would not get out of first gear.made it to a shop 1.5 miles away and they said transmission was gone.
TRANSMISSON MAKES A WHINING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS WHEN EXCELERATING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL RAM DEALERSHIP 4X NOW. FCA DID APPROVE A SMALL TRANSMISSION PART REPAIR, BUT UNFORTUNALTY IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
I have a seized brake caliper that is a direct result of a faulty brake hose. The brakes were looked at by a brake specialist business and I was told the brake hoses had to be replaced as well as the calipers, rotors and pads on the front. I took it to the Lake City, Florida deal…
Backup camera fails to activate when vehicle is put in reverse gear
Tailgate was repaired in February 2025 for issue under 22V-904 and then after the repairs were completed my tailgate dropped again resulting in damage to my tailgate.
Imminent lifter failure. Has a very loud tick. This is a very common and almost always catastrophic failure. This is on the 6.7L Cummins engine
Steering wheel started to make a snap noise when being turn either to the left or right. Didn't happen every turn but would come and go and became more frequent. Took to dealer for diagnosis and they said it's the same noise the 1500s have when the clock spring failed or broke. H…
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was plugged in charging for about 15 minutes and unoccupied when it suddenly caught fire. The contact noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ram 2500.
2021 Ram 2500 Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ram 2500. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Ram 2500 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 101 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Ram 2500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 2500?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (35 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (26 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ram 2500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Ram 2500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ram 2500, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 101 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ram 2500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ram 2500. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Ram 2500?▾
The 2021 Ram 2500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ram 2500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Ram 2500 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.