2021 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Fuel system and powertrain problems among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2021 Dodge Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck meant to do tough jobs. The automaker claims it has “the power to haul,” but that’s only true if the truck isn’t in the shop for repairs. Otherwise, customers are busy dealing with a faulty fuel system and a defective transmission.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Dodge Ram 2500

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
28
Power Train
16
Engine
10
Fuel/propulsion System
4
Structure:body
4
Service Brakes
3
Structure
3
Air Bags
2
Electronic Stability Control
2
Fuel System, Diesel
2

Problems with the Fuel System

The fuel system is responsible for delivering the gasoline or diesel to the engine for power. When this system isn’t working, it creates a myriad of problems.

Some issues can be seen with this NHTSA complaint. “2020 Ram 2500 Diesel 1900 miles began to lose power while traveling 70 mph on the expressway. I attempted to accelerate to no avail, I was traveling in the fast lane and caused several vehicles to abruptly change lanes as to not make contact with the truck. Additionally, I attempted to exit the road, changing multiple lanes, the vehicle continued to lose power becoming a hazard to moving traffic. I was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road. The truck was shaking and sputtering. I turned off the truck and attempted to restart. The truck would turn over but not start. A tow truck was dispatched to my location and the truck towed to local dealership. I was told the fuel pump CP4 had failed and metal shavings were in my fuel system.”

This sounds like a serious issue that could make truck ownership quite unenjoyable. However, there’s even more going on with these models, including a very dangerous recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V163000 talks about a short occurring in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay that could cause a vehicle fire. One day a person could be driving their 2021 Dodge Ram truck and the next it could be a pile of burnt-up rubble. I’m sure most people can think of better ways to spend $50k+.

Powertrain Problems

Having a faulty powertrain would also be a big downer for owners, which is precisely what Dodge Ram 2500 drivers are dealing with.

An Edmunds review states, “Currently only driven my brand new 2500 Tradesman Diesel for a day and a half, when it would not go into reverse then check engine light came on. Once I was finally able to find a dealer that wouldn’t make me wait a week to bring it in, I found out it wasn’t just the solenoid pack that was bad. Metal shards all through the transmission. Been waiting a week to get Ram to authorize a new transmission and then at least another week to actually get it shipped. Will be close to an entire month before I get to drive it again. Really concerned with what else I am going to have to deal with now.”

Ram is willing to discuss some 2021 Dodge Ram 2500 powertrain issues, with Service Bulletin #S2021000006 Rev. talking more about the transmission slipping and flaring. Yet, there’s no resolution and there is no talk about any defects that are causing them. It wouldn’t be the first time that this automaker tried to hide issues from drivers. In fact, there have been class action lawsuits about the manufacturer trying to hide electrical defects that affected the seatbelt control units and airbag systems. If the company is good at hiding things like this, it is probably attempting to cover up more issues just to protect its reputation, or what’s left of it.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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1 COMMENT
  • David S

    I purchased a 2021 Dodge 2500 Big Horn Ram lifted truck in October of 2021. July 7th, 2022 the transmission blew fluid, out and caught the truck on fire. The truck had 1527 miles on it and the second time we had pulled our camper. Allstate refused to pay for the lifted kit and the additional items I had placed on the vehicle. I lost a total of $14,000. on the truck and an additional $6,000. on a trade while trying to replace the truck. Chrysler sent me a letter stating that the cause was undetermined. Today I received a recall letter say the transmission might blow out fluid through the dipstick and catch the truck on fire.

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