The 2021 RAM 4500 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the intake air heater relay on diesel-equipped trucks, which can short circuit and ignite an engine compartment fire even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.
The remaining diesel-related fire filings all describe the same underlying relay defect, reinforcing that any 6.7L Cummins-equipped truck in this range carries this risk regardless of whether the key is in the ignition. On the chassis side, there is a wheel separation concern: service and owner's manual documentation contains incorrect torque specifications for the flanged lug nuts, which can lead to over-tightening, broken wheel studs, and a wheel detaching from the vehicle while driving. A detached wheel can cause a crash. Rounding out the list is a steering column control module defect that can prevent the driver's side airbag from deploying in a crash, leaving the driver without that protection at the moment it is most needed.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The intake air heater relay may short circuit in certain trucks and chassis-cabs with 6.7L Cummins diesel engines, even when parked with the ignition off.
What the fix does
Replace the intake air heater relay at a dealership.
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
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 owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
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.
