2021 Ram 1500 engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
280 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 Ram 1500, 41% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 25,810 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 280
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Related recalls
- 1
- Median mileage
- 25,810 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 276 |
| Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe | 1 |
Engine complaints across Ram 1500 years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 8, 2026WVEngine
I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. I have already taken the vehicle to a Ram dealership for this same issue. The dealership performed a computer/software update in an attempt to correct the problem, but the P00AF issue continued afterward. I returned to the dealership and was told they could not…
NHTSA complaint #11762650 · source - Filed Aug 31, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 22V-767 / Stellantis Recall Z96 for a defective Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. The recall remedy (HPFP replacement) was performed at an authorized Stellantis/Ram dealership on 3/29/2024. On 8/9/2026, while driving the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and blocked the road in the left lane. The vehicle failed to restart and needed to be towed. The vehicle was…
NHTSA complaint #11761142 · source - Filed Aug 24, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", and "Self-Park Assist Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel.…
NHTSA complaint #11759110 · source - 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 - Filed Jul 23, 2026NYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
MGU unit failed / car seized in the middle of the road - sent in to be repaired Unsafe to be stuck in the middle of the road, could not even put the car in neutral to push out of the road Known problem that RAM and Stellantis know about and are not placing warnings. We were told by the dealership we were 5,000 in line for a new part and that it would take a year. No warnings, truck ran perfectly before
NHTSA complaint #11752289 · source - Filed Jun 29, 2026MAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
On 6/9/2010 I was accelerating up a ramp to merge with traffic on Rt146 north . I had reached the top of the ramp and as I viewed the oncoming traffic behind in the mirror I began to shift into the right lane. Suddenly the engine light started flashing, my truck immediately lost power and slowed to 40mph. The truck that had been well behind me was suddenly swerving to avoid my truck . I nearly got rear ended by a truck which would have probably killed my daughter and I.We…
NHTSA complaint #11747300 · source - Filed Jun 28, 2026MIEngine
Loud winning sounds in engine, louder during excelleration. Dealer service center found the eTorque to be bad and i was told not to drive it. And there is no fix or parts for it. Not sure when or if they will get the parts. No recall no part no fix!!
NHTSA complaint #11747020 · source - Filed Jun 10, 2026PAEngine
I purchased a 2021 Ram 1500 North Edition (VIN: [XXX]) on XXX. As of last week, I noticed fluid leaking from under the engine compartment of the truck. I crawled under the truck and found that this five-year old truck has an oil pan that has rusted and rotted on the bottom and side leading to a leak of motor oil. I searched this online and found that this is a common issue amongst this model in this time frame and that it can cause a "catastrophic" loss of oil pressue while…
NHTSA complaint #11743214 · source - Filed Jun 4, 202680,000 miWIEngine
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were abnormal sounds coming from the exhaust, the exhaust was leaking, and the contact discovered that there were cracks on the exhaust manifolds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifolds and gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact did research and was made aware of an…
NHTSA complaint #11742065 · source - 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 - 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 - Filed May 13, 2026OHEngine
The exhaust manifold on both sides of the motor have cracked and have broken bolts. The Ram dealer confirmed it and says it is a known issue that the manufacturer will not fix. With the crack and broken bolts, exhaust fumes are leaking out. It gets nauseating in the cab of the truck if the windows are up for too long. My independent mechanic is set to replace the manifolds with aftermarket ones due to literature saying the OEM will end up the same way. No dash lights have…
NHTSA complaint #11737488 · source
Other 2021 Ram 1500 problem areas
- Electrical System (197)
- Other / Unknown (105)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (98)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (97)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (84)
- Brakes (75)
- 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