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 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 63 owner complaints about the 2021 Ram 3500, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 9 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 November 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ram 3500 has problems
63 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
11Power train1 crash/fire/injury
10Engine2 crash/fire/injury
7Wheels
5Structure
5Service brakes
4Back over prevention
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Tires
1611 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 17 | 1 |
| Power train | 11 | 1 |
| Engine | 10 | 2 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 16 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2021 Ram 3500 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 5 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 · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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 3500 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 3500 median. How we score
'07'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Ram 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- High pressure fuel pump failureLed to recall 24V-957
In owners' words
What 3500 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, occasionally while activating the left turn signal to make a turn, the rear driver’s side turn signal failed to operate as intended. The message related to the brake light and turn signal was displayed on the…
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 coast, I was luckily…
After a recall was "repaired" prior to our purchase, the right wheel came off on the interstate, after the lugs sheered off.
Own a 2021 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.