MYRModel Year Report

2021 Ram 2500

▲ Better than typical
2021 Ram 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:35:45.939Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
108
Recalls
8

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 178 complaints 2014: 343 complaints 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 259 complaints 2017: 690 complaints 2018: 2,578 complaints 2018 2019: 193 complaints 2020: 162 complaints 2021: 108 complaints 2021 108 2022: 178 complaints 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 58 complaints 2024 2025: 65 complaints 2026: 30 complaints
2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 178 complaints 2013 2014: 343 complaints 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 259 complaints 2017: 690 complaints 2017 2018: 2,578 complaints 2019: 193 complaints 2019 2020: 162 complaints 2021: 108 complaints 2021 108 2022: 178 complaints 2023: 49 complaints 2023 2024: 58 complaints 2025: 65 complaints 2025 2026: 30 complaints
2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 178 complaints 2013 2014: 343 complaints 2014 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 259 complaints 2016 2017: 690 complaints 2017 2018: 2,578 complaints 2018 2019: 193 complaints 2019 2020: 162 complaints 2020 2021: 108 complaints 2021 108 2022: 178 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2023 2024: 58 complaints 2024 2025: 65 complaints 2025 2026: 30 complaints 2026

2021: 108 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20095
20100
20110
20120
2013178
2014343
2015215
2016259
2017690
20182,578
2019193
2020162
2021108
2022178
202349
202458
202565
202630

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 35 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2024-04-02

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, 2021-08-20

Engine

24% · 26 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2026-09-10

Also filed under Power train

Power train

23% · 25 reports
CRASH
Show 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, 2026-09-07

Structure

11% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASH

Service brakes

10% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
Show 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, 2026-07-21

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2021-05-03Electrical system21V163000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2021-11-10Electrical system21V798000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2022-01-17Air bags21V925000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2022-03-29Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic22V140000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2022-12-22Structure22V904000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2022-12-29Power train22V835000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2023-04-04Electrical system23V060000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2025-12-11Air bags, steering25V765000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Ram 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 35 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V163000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 21V798000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 21V925000 · Air bags
  • Recall 22V140000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 22V904000 · Structure
  • Recall 22V835000 · Power train
  • Recall 23V060000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 25V765000 · Air bags, steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.