NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty steering column control module may prevent the driver's side air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering column control module at no cost to you.
This page covers 9 recalls, 101 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2021 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2021 Ram 2500 spread fairly evenly across the powertrain, electrical system, and engine, with no single dominant area pulling far ahead. On the powertrain side, owners report transmission trouble, particularly a failure to engage reverse once the transmission reaches normal operating temperature, the truck revs but doesn't move, and the problem comes and goes unpredictably. Electrical complaints cover a range of symptoms including steering column noise, turn signals that don't self-cancel, and inconsistent steering feel that technicians reportedly couldn't replicate during inspection. Engine complaints frequently mention the EGR cooler cracking and leaking coolant, with several owners describing coolant burning off and concern about fire risk. A smaller number of owners report underhood fires, though the source, electrical or fuel-related, isn't consistently identified across those reports. One isolated report describes a front wheel separating at highway speed after all lug nuts came off.
101
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 RAM 2500 has 9 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: the intake air heater relay on diesel-equipped trucks can short circuit even with the ignition off, and transmission fluid can leak onto hot engine components.
Both fire risks apply to trucks with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. The heater relay issue has been addressed through multiple repair campaigns, as prior fixes did not fully resolve the problem. On the occupant protection side, a fault in the steering column control module can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash, and the side curtain airbags on certain trucks may have been filled with the wrong amount of compressed gas, causing them to deploy incorrectly. There are also two visibility and control concerns: the anti-lock brake module software can fail to light up the stability control warning indicator when the system has a problem, leaving the driver unaware of the fault, and misaligned tailgate strikers can allow the tailgate to swing open while driving, creating a road hazard from falling cargo.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty steering column control module may prevent the driver's side air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering column control module at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 5 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short can develop in the heater grid relay whether the ignition is on or off, potentially causing an electrical hazard.
What the fix does
The heater grid relay will be replaced at no cost to you at an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate striker may be misaligned with the box latch, preventing the tailgate from latching properly and allowing it to open while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment and adjust it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Pressure and heat can build up inside the transmission, causing transmission fluid to leak from the dipstick tube.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ABS control module software may fail to turn on the electronic stability control malfunction warning light when ESC malfunctions occur.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ABS control module software at no cost to restore the warning light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Side air bag curtain assemblies may contain incorrect gas pressure, causing improper deployment in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side air bag curtain assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the intake heater relay can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the relay and replace it if needed. Insulating material will be applied if a related recall is open.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The intake air heater relay may short circuit on certain trucks with 6.7L Cummins diesel engines, even when parked with the ignition off.
What the fix does
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will mail owners with corrective action details once the repair procedure is finalized.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay can occur, potentially causing a vehicle fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Relay and replace it if needed. Insulating material will be applied if a related recall is open.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
