repaired · 2026 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
2021 Ram 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 109 owner complaints about the 2021 Ram 2500, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-765 the manufacturer reports only 35% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 28, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ram 2500 has problems
109 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
35Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
26Engine5 crash/fire/injury
25Power train1 crash/fire/injury
12Structure1 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes
8Fuel/propulsion system
5Steering
4Air bags
4Seat belts
2818 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 35 | 5 |
| Engine | 26 | 5 |
| Power train | 25 | 1 |
| Structure | 12 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 2 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 |
| Air bags | 4 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1 |
| 18 other systems | 28 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2021 Ram 2500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Wiring: relays/solenoids
Park outsideRisk. An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Tailgate: hinge and attachments
Risk. An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q4
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Side/window: curtain
Risk. An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Wiring: relays/solenoids
Park outsideRisk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2021 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other 2500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 2500 median. How we score
'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Ram 2500 safety ratings
2021 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (29.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What 2500 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 TECHNICIANS WERE…
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 were no reported…
My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an…
Own a 2021 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.