2021 Ram 2500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 178 |
| 2014 | 341 |
| 2015 | 214 |
| 2016 | 258 |
| 2017 | 688 |
| 2018 | 2559 |
| 2019 | 193 |
| 2020 | 162 |
| 2021 | 107 |
| 2022 | 176 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 24 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: electrical system — 35 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240402
Also filed under ENGINE
At a stop light after 10 min of normal driving on country and city roads my truck started smoking from front passenger wheel well. Smoke intensified and quickly turned black.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210820
24% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I am writing to formally follow up regarding complaint/case number 97989810 through Dodge and to request that this matter be elevated for a complete technical review concerning my 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, VIN [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 20260910
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
23% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
There is a known issue with the Ram Power Wagon locking differential system where the electronic locking differential wiring harness will fault one of three ways.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260907
11% of complaints: structure — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
CRASH9% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
This problem first occurred on a state highway in [XXX] in 2023 and again in 2026 (this incident.) While driving south on XXX, there was an undulation/slight bump in the interstate while in a mild right hand curve.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
SAFETY TIMELINE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection.
Campaign 21V163000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied.
Campaign 21V798000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
Campaign 21V925000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Campaign 22V140000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 22V904000 — check if this car was fixed
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 22V835000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles.
Campaign 23V060000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C.
Campaign 25V765000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Ram 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V163000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V798000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V925000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V140000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V904000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V835000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V060000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V765000 (air bags, steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Ram 2500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 2500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.