2021 Ram 1500 electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 25V298000May 8, 202571 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

  Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the 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."

  Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 16, 2026WIElectrical System

   I am writing to express my concern about vehicle warranty coverage being provided by RAM (Stellantis NA) on their vehicles. I have a 2021 Ram 1500 which has a motor generator unit (MGU) which has failed due to a defect with the bearings. This has been diagnosed by the dealership and identified as covered under the emissions warranty. This diagnosis was made by Kolosso Ram in Appleton, Wisconsin in June of 2026. At this time I was advised that it could be a 6 to 8 month wait…

   NHTSA complaint #11764603 · source
2. Filed Sep 2, 202681,000 miFLTowedElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11761686 · source
3. Filed Aug 28, 2026NCElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XXX -- four days before I purchased the vehicle. The dealer, John Heister Dodge…

   NHTSA complaint #11760353 · source
4. Filed Aug 14, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i reverse. This does not happen every time but does happen often. I haven't had it checked out professionally because it hasn't been permanent but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that…

   NHTSA complaint #11756871 · source
5. Filed Aug 6, 2026TXBody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   Rear window frame cracked at both corners- water leaks inside of vehicle during rain. This can affect electrical components that are at the rear cab inside the truck. I noticed this a month ago but dont know how long it has been there.

   NHTSA complaint #11755206 · source
6. Filed Jul 30, 2026ALElectrical SystemSteeringVisibility & Wipers

   RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.

   NHTSA complaint #11753665 · source
7. Filed Jul 28, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).

   NHTSA complaint #11753305 · source
8. Filed Jun 23, 2026FLBody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   In January I experienced a “backlite leak” that allowed water to enter the cab of my vehicle. As a direct result of this water intrusion, my RFH (Radio Frequency Hub) module failed due to electrical shorting caused by moisture exposure. This failure was sudden and completely outside of my control and was not the result of misuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. Not to mention the risk it put my family in as I was driving with my wife and daughter when the module failed and…

   NHTSA complaint #11746081 · source
9. Filed Jun 1, 2026NYElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   2021 Ram 1500, rear window leaked after it rained. (Common problem with these trucks, even a class action law suit because of this issue). Leak was bad enough to cause severe electrical damage, truck will not start. There is an extended warranty related to this issue BUT according to Ram my truck does not qualify…..

   NHTSA complaint #11741285 · source
10. Filed May 21, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngine

    Made several stops and on the last one when I went to start the vehicle it wouldn't start. Used jump pack and it started. Had a non-flashing check engine light and a service ESC light. Decided to drive across town to auto store and have them check battery and replace if bad, When I pulled into the auto store parking lot the truck died and wheels locked up. (Very sudden stop) All four gear selector lights (PRND) were lit. Thought to myself "I'm glad this didn't happen on the…

    NHTSA complaint #11739206 · source
11. Filed May 18, 2026143,171 miILFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    [XXX] Fire occurred while driving [XXX] my Ram 2021 and it was like a mini blast with a lot of sparks as I saw in a rear-view mirror. Everything went out on the dashboard and the car stopped at the Top of Wolf Creek Pass [XXX] . I got out of the car and saw a small fire burning under the car. The fire under the car went out on its own. The very shape of the hole (perfectly round) in my muffler indicates an explosion that occurred simultaneously. Also, the fused edges of the…

    NHTSA complaint #11738547 · source
12. Filed May 17, 2026CAElectrical System

    I was driving at freeway speeds when the vehicle lost engine power and all the electronics in the vehicle stopped functioning. I was able to safely get the side of the road and stop the vehicle. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Tech inspected remote frequency hub (RFH) and observed corrosion on the circuit board. It looked as if water intrusion had occurred inside the vehicle, entered the RFH, causing corrosion and circuit failure. Believe intrusion occurred in the third…

    NHTSA complaint #11738443 · source

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