Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Ram 1500
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Ram 1500 has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 686 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V495000 Improperly Installed Seat Belt Buckle Anchor/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V765000 Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V298000 Improperly Connected Air Bag/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V754000 Rearview Mirror Glass May Detach/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V653000 Disabled Electronic Stability Control/FMVSS 126 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V265000 Incorrect PCM Software May Cause Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V059000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V904000 Tailgate May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V767000 Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V638000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V925000 Side Curtain Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V918000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V698000 Incorrect Spare Tire Installed/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V438000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V037000 Master Cylinder Push Rod May Disconnect NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 277 complaints
- Electrical System 199 complaints
- Unknown or Other 103 complaints
- Power Train 100 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 70 complaints
- Service Brakes 54 complaints
Of the 686 complaints on file, 27 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 686 complaints, owners report 23 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $13,000–$20,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2021 Ram 1500 has high recall and complaint counts, particularly concerning engine, electrical, and powertrain issues. With 683 owner complaints and 15 recalls, the vehicle shows notable challenges, affecting its reliability perception. In multiple systems, issues may vary in severity, and while some are covered under recalls, others may result in costly out-of-warranty repairs. Data suggests potential reliability concerns, warranting caution for buyers.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 50,000–100,000 miles | $1,500–$4,500 | common |
| Electrical system | 40,000–80,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | common |
| Power train | 60,000–120,000 miles | $1,000–$3,000 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake fluid replacement
- Coolant system flush
- Transmission fluid service
- Air filter replacement
- Tire rotation and balance
- Multi-point inspections
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Engine misfires or stalls
- Electrical system failures
- Transmission shifting issues
- Brake system anomalies
- Warning lights on dashboard
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Ram 1500 at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.