2021 Ram 3500 Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Ram 3500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 59 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Ram 3500 has 59 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ram 3500 has 59 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 3500
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
Common problems
Most common 2021 Ram 3500 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.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Ram 3500?
The 2021 Ram 3500 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Ram 3500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- 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 systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Ram 3500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
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
Complaints for the 2021 RAM 3500 are concentrated in electrical faults, engine problems, and transmission/drivetrain issues. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among the reported components.
- Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are also frequently reported.
- No crash-related complaints were recorded for this model year.
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
Full breakdown
All 2021 Ram 3500 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 3500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 16 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 3500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact s…
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. While the contact's husband was driving at 55 MPH, the driver's rear wheel detached. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while a pickup box trailer was hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it…
Brake system is not functioning as designed. Rear axle braking is not being fully applied and is most noticeable and concerning during heavy haul usage. Vehicle has to be operated carefully and with an alternate braking method utilized to obtain adequate braking. The problem can …
Both front ball joints wore out at 20,000 miles The 3rd break light leaks into the cab at 26,000 miles & won't be warrantied even though there's an active recall for our same truck, same part just different model
I have had two tires separate in the past couple of months with less than 24000 miles and 5 years old. I filed a complaint with Nexen and they sent a partial payment for the first one but rejected the second claim that happened less than 500 miles of the first claim. They claim…
While driving my truck I noticed my mpg gauge was showing 0 mpg. Then I realized my "miles to go" gauge was reading "low" even though I had plenty of fuel in the tank and my fuel gauge was showing 3/4 full. Even though I use my truck as a commercial vehicle, and drive coast to co…
The contact filed the complaint on behalf of the customer, who was the owner of a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The owner informed the contact that the fi…
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image, compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The veh…
Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain…
Failure of hydraulic lifters and camshaft in Cummins 6.7 liter diesel engine of 2021 RAM 3500. Engine exhibited significant ticking noise and the engine does not work properly, putting the safety of driver and passengers in vehicle at risk. Vehicle is not driveable. This issue ha…
Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 LT235 / 80 R 17. While driving down interstate and pulling a 21,000 lb GVWR fifth wheel trailer, the truck began vibrate. After stopping it appeared that the front passenger tire was out of round. This was confirmed after jacking up the vehicle. Suspect …
I powered on the truck. Upon ignition check engine light, along with ABS, 4WD, traction control came on. Lights for the forward collision and adaptive cruise control illuminated. ABS system in the truck is no longer functioning causing the brake pedal to pulsate and lose pressure…
Nexen LT235/80R17 2 blow out's and one tire failure. factory installed tires. I have had 2 blowouts on the right front of my Ram 3500. I had discount tire unmount and re mount my spare on the blown-out tire wheel (for appearance purpose) so my spare is now another brand, the spar…
2021 Dodge Ram drivers side A-pillar handle is detaching due to failing plastic clips
Driver power seat started moving forward on its own until it was all the way forward, would not move backwards with the button. It pinned my legs to the dash, preventing me from reaching the throttle or brake pedal
The rear driver’s side and rear center seat belts no longer latch. When sliding the belt into the recepticle it fails to “click” or connect. The belt pulls right back out. It does not work at all, it is reproducible every time. The dealer will charge a lot of money to say tha…
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to drive forward or to reverse. The RPM was raised high, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to …
Left blinker does not cancel after left turn 60% of the time causing other vehicles to pull out in front of me almost causing accidents
Hydraulic roller lifter failure.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ram 3500.
Safety recalls
2021 Ram 3500 recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ram 3500. 9 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Ram 3500 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Ram 3500 reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Ram 3500 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 3500?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (16 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (12 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ram 3500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Ram 3500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ram 3500, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ram 3500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ram 3500. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS. 9 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 3500?▾
The 2021 Ram 3500 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 3500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Ram 3500 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
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.