NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Ram 3500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2021 Ram 3500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 62 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ram dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Ram 3500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2021 Ram 3500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 3500, describing incidents dated January 19, 2021 to June 1, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 17 complaints
Engine 13 complaints
Power Train 11 complaints
Unknown or Other 9 complaints
Wheels 7 complaints
Service Brakes 6 complaints

Of the 62 complaints on file, 4 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11747714 · Filed July 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, occasionally while activating the left turn signal to make a turn, the rear driver’s side turn signal failed to operate as intended. The message related to the brake light and turn signal was displayed on the…
ODI #11741292 · Filed June 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
ODI #11735999 · Filed May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal…

Read all 62 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 Ram 3500 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA23-001: High pressure fuel pump failure
Open since March 17, 2023
- Recall 24V-957

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy/FMVSS 208

NHTSA #25V765000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported November 6, 2025 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 532 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.45% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14C · Owners notified December 11, 2025

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Engine Compartment Fire

NHTSA #23V060000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Relays/Solenoids · NHTSA notice

Reported February 9, 2023 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 302,067 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13A · Owners notified April 4, 2023

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Tailgate May Open While Driving

NHTSA #22V904000 · Structure — Body — Tailgate — Hinge and Attachments · NHTSA notice

Reported December 8, 2022 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,224,078 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign ZB8 · Owners notified December 22, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Transmission Fluid Leak May Cause Fire

NHTSA #22V835000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported November 10, 2022 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 250,079 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign ZA3 · Owners notified December 29, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

ESC Light May Not Indicate Malfunction/FMVSS 126

NHTSA #22V140000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported March 10, 2022 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 370,437 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign Z20 · Owners notified March 29, 2022

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Side Curtain Air Bag May Deploy Improperly

NHTSA #21V925000 · Air Bags — Side/Window — Curtain · NHTSA notice

Reported November 24, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 376 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.03% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign Y99 · Owners notified January 17, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Electrical Short in Relay May Cause Fire

NHTSA #21V798000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Relays/Solenoids · NHTSA notice

Reported October 14, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 131,177 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign Y76 · Owners notified November 10, 2021

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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 were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Wheel Studs May Break

NHTSA #21V398000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported May 27, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 447,985 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign Y26, Y36 · Owners notified August 26, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer 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 December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Relay May Short and Cause Fire

NHTSA #21V163000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported March 11, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 19,214 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign Y08 · Owners notified May 3, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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 notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2021 Ram 3500. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

62 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 3500.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11747714

Incident: May 16, 2025 · Filed: July 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, occasionally while activating the left turn signal to make a turn, the rear driver’s side turn signal failed to operate as intended. The message related to the brake light and turn signal was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear driver’s side brake light failed to operate as intended while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, while shifted into reverse(R), the reverse warning light fail to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign: 24V197000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Back Over Prevention

ODI #11741292

Incident: June 1, 2026 · Filed: June 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and were on backordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Fuel System, Diesel

ODI #11735999

Incident: April 8, 2026 · Filed: May 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal shavings were found throughout the entire system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Back Over Prevention

ODI #11727064

Incident: March 25, 2026 · Filed: March 25, 2026

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 aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Wheels

ODI #11724142

Incident: March 13, 2026 · Filed: March 13, 2026

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 into the wheel hub. The contact was informed that the rear wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #11713842

Incident: September 11, 2024 · Filed: January 28, 2026

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 commit to finding/acknowledging a fault. Manufacturer has been notified in writing and unresponsive. There are no messages displayed/stored. Disproportionate brake wear between front and rear axle braking is observed.

Suspension; Exterior Lighting; Unknown or Other

ODI #11708936

Incident: November 3, 2025 · Filed: January 5, 2026

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

Tires

ODI #11705984

Incident: September 21, 2025 · Filed: December 18, 2025

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 brother had the same issue with the same tires and truck with similar mileage and was sent a check for 6 new tires. I have additional photos and photos of the other tire as well as emails with Nexen and XXX Sr. Quality Analyst [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11700252

Incident: November 14, 2025 · Filed: November 19, 2025

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 during that time, my "check engine light came on along with my "low fuel warning" light. I also realized during that time that my odometer had stopped working. It wasn't showing any numbers at all. When I got home, I checked online to see if anyone else had heard of this problem, or how to fix it. That's when I realized just how common this problem is. Even though my truck is used in the US and my mileage is calculated in miles, the odometer is programmed to stop working at 1,000,000 kilometers, which is 621,369 miles. Who would know or expect this to happen? I called several independent garages, all of which refused to attempt to fix an odometer problem because of the legal implications. I then called several Ram dealers who all told me they had never heard of this and would have to call FCA for advice on how to fix it. After two days of waiting, my local dealer called me back and said they could give me an appt a week later to diagnose the problem with my truck. They said FCA knows about the problem, but to fix it, it has to have a new gauge cluster installed. Nobody I talked to was able to tell me if the truck was safe to drive or why Ram wasn't warning owners of this problem when their trucks reached such an odd number of miles. When they replace the odometer, it will start over again at 0 miles and a sticker in the door jamb stating that the odometer was replaced at 621,369 miles, as if anyone would think to look in the door jamb for this sticker. The reason so few other drivers are going through this problem is because they are buying an OBD reader and resetting it.

Engine

ODI #11697674

Fire

Incident: October 28, 2025 · Filed: November 5, 2025

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 vehicle was taken to a local tow yard. The vehicle was later towed to the independent mechanic. No injuries were sustained. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced by an independent mechanic. The failure occurred the following day after the vehicle was released by the independent mechanic. In addition, the owner of the vehicle had received a recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Other Ram 3500 model years

Check your 2021 Ram 3500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ram 3500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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