2021 Ram 3500 Safety Report
2021 RAM 3500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Ram 3500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Ram 3500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (9) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (59) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Ram 3500 with 13 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 3500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 3500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 3500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ram 3500 | 179 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | 111 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Ram 3500 | 13 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Ram 3500 | 132 | 14 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Ram 3500 | 30 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Ram 3500 | 743 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Ram 3500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Ram 3500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ram onlyElectrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ram onlyWheels
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Ram onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlyPower Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlyService Brakes
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ram 3500
Reliability Score
The 2021 Ram 3500 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2021 Ram 3500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ram 3500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Recalls for electrical system issues, including wiring and relays/solenoids, have been issued. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Recalls for service brakes, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip systems, have been issued. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Tires Multiple instances of tire blowouts and separation have been reported, with some tires not warrantied. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbags Recalls for airbags, including front and side curtain airbags, have been issued. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ram 3500:
Issues with the electrical system, including wiring and relays/solenoids, are a common problem.
Service brake issues, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip systems, are a common problem.
Tire blowouts and separation are a common issue.
Airbag malfunctions, including front and side curtain airbags, are a common issue.
Recall Details for the 2021 Ram 3500
The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ram 3500 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Summary: 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. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
Consequence: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
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. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 20...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Summary: 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. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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.
Summary: 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. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. 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. Owner notification letters...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on De...
Summary: 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. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
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. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notifica...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Ram 3500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Ram 3500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 involved fires.
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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw...
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 was determined that the wheel bolts had detached. The contact was informed that the rear wheel studs had sheared off in...
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 be and has been reproduced and verified by dealer but not in writing. Dealer is not wanting to fully diagnose and/or com...
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 the tires are separated because of the low miles on the truck and it is not driven enough. Less than a year ago my bro...
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 only a couple hours from home, so I kept driving to try to make it home. I did make it home, but duri...
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 fire came from the engine bay. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehic...
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 vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436...
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 in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithi...
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 has been confirmed by the RAM dealership in Livingston, Montana. The 2021 RAM 3500 truck has been sitting at the RAM deale...
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 internal damage to the radials. The tire had a total of 16,600 miles on it. Tire had cold pressure of 80 psi and was j...
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. Dealer diagnosed the troubleshooting codes and determined the ABS and the HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit) need to be repl...
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 spare Nexen that replaced the blow out also blew out within ~2000 miles. I took the vehicle to Walts Live Oak Ram to inspect...
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 that they ran diagnostics to tell me what is obvious, so I have not brought it in yet. This is a serious safety risk since...
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 the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. T...
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.
Showing 20 of 59 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Ram 3500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2023-03-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ram 3500
Has the 2021 RAM 3500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 RAM 3500 has 9 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 RAM 3500 have?
The 2021 RAM 3500 has 59 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 RAM 3500?
The 2021 RAM 3500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 RAM 3500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 RAM 3500 involve engine (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), wheels (5 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, power train, service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2021 RAM 3500 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 RAM 3500 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 RAM 3500 have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2021 RAM 3500 out of 59 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 RAM 3500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 RAM 3500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 RAM 3500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 RAM 3500.
Should I buy a 2021 RAM 3500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 RAM 3500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 59 complaints, 9 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 RAM 3500?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 RAM 3500 are: 1. ENGINE (6 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), 3. WHEELS (5 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 RAM 3500?
Be aware of potential electrical system, service brake, tire, and airbag issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial. The 2021 RAM 3500 has 59 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 RAM 3500?
The 2021 RAM 3500 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 59 owner complaints, 9 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Service Brakes.
What are the known issues with the 2021 RAM 3500?
Known issues with the 2021 RAM 3500 include: Electrical System, Service Brakes, Tires, Airbags. These are based on patterns found across 59 NHTSA complaints. 9 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 RAM 3500?
Yes, there are recalls for electrical system issues, service brake malfunctions, and tire blowouts.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 RAM 3500?
Common issues include electrical system problems, service brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and airbag malfunctions.
Are tire issues covered under warranty?
Some tire issues, like blowouts, may not be covered under warranty, so regular tire checks are important.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical system, service brake, tire, and airbag issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ram 3500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ram 3500. The data includes 59 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16