2021 Ram 1500 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 23V265000Apr 13, 2023131,700 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.

  Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. Filed Jul 19, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   Me and my 2 children and my husband were traveling to Springfield Mo . We had stopped for some snacks at Dollar general . When we all go back in the vehicle . My husband tried to start our truck he was turning the key over and over and it just wasn’t starting . Here it is 95 degrees outside with 2 small children and our truck is our only transportation . So my husband explained to AI what issue we were having and it said an issue with our Powertrain Control Module . The…

   NHTSA complaint #11751341 · source
4. Filed Jul 6, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am experiencing a severe, life-threatening stalling issue with my 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. While driving at low speeds through a neighborhood (between 5 and 15 mph), the engine suddenly and cleanly shuts down without any prior warning, sputtering, or illumination of dashboard error lights.As soon as the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion, the truck's transmission safety system triggers 'AutoPark' and instantly activates the…

   NHTSA complaint #11748408 · source
5. 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
6. 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
7. Filed Mar 15, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   RAM's 2023 recall addressed the engine shutdown problem in 131,700 of its half-ton 1500 RAM trucks equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi eTorque mild hybrid engine. RAM said 1,500 5.7-liter eTorque models built between June 3, 2020, and September 12, 2021, had faulty software and needed a powertrain control module calibration update to fix the problem. Consumer complaints also exist that the RAM eTorque system has caused vehicles to shut down while in motion, which is by far the…

   NHTSA complaint #11724398 · source
8. Filed Mar 14, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Wa driving with cruise on at 60 mph. Truck stalled with no notice, no warning lights or check engine light. All temperatures and pressures seemed okay at time of incident. Could not move electronic shifter into neutral, was stuck in drive. Alarm came up to shift to park, I did not shift due to moving at 55mph at this time. Coasted to a stop on side of the road. At about 2-3 mph, truck automatically shifted to park. I attempted to restart truck but engine just cranked over…

   NHTSA complaint #11724312 · source
9. Filed Jan 27, 2026NHTransmission & Drivetrain

   There have been several instances where the vehicle appears to lose traction in 4WD. An error message appears "4WD Overheated Performance Temporarily Reduced". When this message appears, the vehicle is unable to gain traction in snow. Even 1" - 2" of snow is enough to prevent forward movement. In this condition, the rear end of the truck tends to fishtail to the right and left. After checking online, there appears to be many other instances associated with this condition.…

   NHTSA complaint #11713693 · source
10. Filed Dec 18, 2025GATransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

    My bearings in my rear assembly has failed before 100K miles. In addition, I had to replace the eTorque generator before 100K miles.

    NHTSA complaint #11705949 · source
11. Filed Nov 10, 2025115,000 miMITransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle began to vibrate. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the front axle half-shaft was worn and needed to be replaced. The contact also took the vehicle to a tire shop and was informed that new tires were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11698629 · source
12. Filed Oct 6, 2025140,000 miWITransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH or slower, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle intermittently hesitated and slightly surged forward before accelerating. The failure had become more persistent over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact found information related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); however, the VIN…

    NHTSA complaint #11691574 · 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