2021 Ram 1500 brakes problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
75 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2021 Ram 1500, 11% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 38,063 mi.
- Brakes complaints
- 75
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 38,063 mi
Specific components reported
Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service brakes | 54 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 19 |
| Parking brake | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:abs warning light | 1 |
Brakes complaints across Ram 1500 years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
Risk: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 2, 2026TXBrakes
I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington, Texas on November 11, 2025 and was advised they were going to do a software update. On July 27th , I contacted (formerly Don Davis) now Clay Cooley Ram dealership and spoke to a…
NHTSA complaint #11754291 · source - Filed Jul 9, 2026PABrakes
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. Approximately six months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, ABS, stability control, and brake warning lights illuminated, and the "Auto Park Disabled," "Service Antilock Brake System," and "Service ABS System" warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
NHTSA complaint #11749322 · source - Filed Apr 26, 2026MDBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
I was only allowed 3 components to choose from, but I want to make certain that Im including the these additional components that has been failing:Forward Collision Warning, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System,Engine,Lane assistance/ Departure, and Lighting. There could be more to include but heres the dangerous issue I encounter everyday I utilize my vehicle,that has yet to be fixed nor addressed appropriately when I articulate EXACTLY what I feel,& see occur.My safety & everyone…
NHTSA complaint #11733891 · source - Filed Apr 13, 2026INCrashBrakesOther / UnknownSteering
While driving, a deer entered the roadway. I applied the brakes to avoid hitting the deer and lost traction due to icy road conditions. The vehicle spun out and struck a utility pole. I later became aware of an open recall involving the ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) system for this vehicle. There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts before or after the incident. The vehicle did not maintain stability as expected during braking on ice. I am unsure…
NHTSA complaint #11730807 · source - Filed Mar 2, 2026MNBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control
Stellantis is recalling over 1.2 million 2019-2024 Ram 1500 pickups, including the 2021 model year, due to a software flaw in the ABS module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system My ram vin is not listed, but i am receiving this error.
NHTSA complaint #11721459 · source - Filed Dec 5, 202530,000 miAKBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travelled down to the floorboard and became stiff, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated…
NHTSA complaint #11703235 · source - Filed Nov 25, 2025110,000 miMDBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact…
NHTSA complaint #11701509 · source - Filed Oct 4, 2025MNBrakes
I am receiving a check electronic brake system alert. I can no longer use cruise control, traction control or four wheel drive.
NHTSA complaint #11691392 · source - Filed Sep 19, 202562,000 miTXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and ECS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the ABS. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11688348 · source - Filed Jul 30, 2025LABrakesEngine
When making a turn from a stop, the truck will kill the engine then engage the parking brake. I thought this may have been tied to Ram Safety Recall 37A, which I had fixed at the dealership, but the truck continues to have this issue even after the recall was fixed. This is not my video, but it shows what happens [XXX] Also, complaints about this issue can be found in this thread from a Ram forum [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
NHTSA complaint #11677159 · source - Filed Jun 9, 202571,000 miTXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the electronic stability control system warning light illuminated. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the contact noticed a mushy sensation and a significant reduction in braking power. The contact proceeded to use the brakes on the trailer to be able to slow the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the ABS had…
NHTSA complaint #11665820 · source - Filed Jun 5, 2025WABrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
On May 16 2025 I started my truck and all the lights started flashing on my cluster( I took pictures) I drove down the street in my vehicle and it put itself into park. I drove back to my shop and called the dealership to make an appointment along with enterprise Rent-A-Car. I had the rental vehicle from May 16 through May 22. After the ABS module recall was performed on May 21, 2025, my 2021 Ram Rebel began experiencing electrical and mechanical failures affecting multiple…
NHTSA complaint #11665135 · source
Other 2021 Ram 1500 problem areas
- Engine (280)
- Electrical System (197)
- Other / Unknown (105)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (98)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (97)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (84)
- Steering (50)
- Body & Structure (35)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (30)
- Airbags (27)
- Visibility & Wipers (25)
- Lighting (13)
- Suspension (9)
- Wheels & Tires (5)
- Seats & Seat Belts (4)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology