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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 Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Power Train | |
| Engine | |
| Structure:body | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Structure | |
| Air Bags | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | |
| Visibility/wiper |
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+.
Problems with the Powertrain
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
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Dodge pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Mar 22, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 22v835000 (power train) he became aware that the replacement dipstick was 15-inches long instead the previous 44-inches in length. Additionally, the dipstick stated that it was not intended to check the transmission fluid level. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to take the vehicle to dealer to have the fluid level checked. The contact was not provided information for the change in the dipstick. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 20, 2023 |
| State | MT |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v835000 (power train) and 23v060000 (electrical system) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Electrical System, Power Train, Structure |
| Date | Mar 10, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v835000 (power train), 22v904000 (structure), and 23v060000 (electrical system) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 10, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number:23v060000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Mar 10, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v904000 (structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Mar 06, 2023 |
| State | OR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v835000 (power train); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
| Date | Feb 16, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v140000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Air:antilock:abs Warning Light |
| Date | Feb 16, 2023 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle lost abs functionality. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow as needed, causing the vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. The contacted stated that the driver of the other vehicle sustained unknown injuries while the contact sustained neck and back injury. The contact stated that there was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Feb 10, 2023 |
| State | NM |
| Description | A high percentage of ram owners with the 6. 7 cummins engine are removing the grid heater due to a weak bolt that, over time becomes weak and falls down into the intake of the engine. The bolt will go directly into the engine block and cause catastrophic damage. There is an aftermarket fix which is a heater element installed into the intake horn itself instead of directly on top of the flat intake surface. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Feb 01, 2023 |
| State | AR |
| Description | When driving down the road at speeds above 50 mph. The hood will ripple when a cdl style vehicle goes by. When I purchased the vehicle. I had to take it to fletcher dodge in jonesboro ar, to have the nuts that bolt the hood to the raising bracket tightened because they where loose and center latch adjusted. The hood still ripples enough to think its going to come open. |
| Category | Fuel System, Diesel, Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch |
| Date | Jan 18, 2023 |
| State | ND |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact stated that upon driving several miles and refueling the vehicle, he noticed that the diesel exhaust fluid (def) additive gauge remained stuck in the same position. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure and that the failure would persist even after the repair. Upon investigating the failure, the contact discovered that the failure mainly occurred in cold weather due to the def additive crystallization in cold temperatures, causing the additive gauge to be stuck in the same position. A message indicating to add a def additive in the vehicle for safety was displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the tailgate latch had fractured due to cold weather and had been replaced three times by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. |
| Category | Engine, Wheels:hubcap/cover, Wheels:rim |
| Date | Jan 06, 2023 |
| State | MS |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign or stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle had to be placed in park and restarted. While driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the rim cover had detached from the wheel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed that the rim covers were not replaceable, and that the rim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, allen samuels jeep ram (2201 university ave, oxford, ms 38655) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 06, 2023 |
| State | SC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v835000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact notified the local dealer of the issue and was informed that the dealer only received one part per week to perform the recall repair. 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. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | This truck was sold with a snow plow prep pack but after installing a snow plow the frame of the truck bent due to the pressure. Ram has redesigned their frame as of this model year 2021 and it is not capable of handling a plow. I know of three trucks in my local area that this has happened to and ram wont admit the problem now these trucks are being traded. People out there will be buying trucks with bent frames not knowing it. |
| Category | Fuel System, Diesel |
| Date | Dec 02, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the warning message stated that 5 mph maximum at 1500 miles service def system, see dealer. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into limp mode and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the diesel injectors were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The diesel injectors were replaced several times, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 700. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Nov 17, 2022 |
| State | CT |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, he heard an abnormal noise from the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated the brake control warning light was illuminated. The contact was attempting to park on the side of the road but while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as designed. The contact started downshifting and used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence and had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. The contact was informed that the front passenger wheel bearing hub assembly needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Aug 09, 2022 |
| State | NE |
| Description | In june 2021, this vehicle literally drove away while in the park gear. It was running and accelerated across a state highway, down an embankment and 200 feet into a cornfield while pulling a trailer. I immediately called ram and they did perform an investigation. They subsequently offered to buy the vehicle back, which I declined. This vehicle has been in for warranty work on the transmission several times with this being the result. They have offered to diagnose and repair it, which it is still under warranty anyway. I have not received a copy of their inspection yet, but this could have been a very deadly situation which has gone unaddressed so far. There was over 10,000 dollars in damages done to the vehicle. |
| Category | Equipment |
| Date | Jun 10, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500 hauling a 2019 keystone avalanche 395 with a b&w companion slider fifth-wheel trailer hitch. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailer was wobbling. Upon inspection, the contact's husband noticed that the fifth-wheel trailer hitch was loose and the bolts had been severed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the bolts would be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. |
| Category | Power Train, Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Jun 06, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Traveling at slow speeds the motor has abruptly died, loss of steering, acceleration, and brakes were a result. Message came up on dash to shift the truck to park. The parking bake automatically was applied when vehicle slowed to approximately 3 mph leaving the truck stranded in the middle of a intersection one time and once in the roadway. Shifting the truck to park and the truck started up as if nothing had happened. No codes no check engine light. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | May 30, 2022 |
| State | OR |
| Description | The tailgate unlocked and dropped, hitting the trailer jack and damaging the tailgate. The tailgate was locked and shut, this was confirmed before we left the house. The tailgate dropped sometime while driving to another location. The truck is available for inspection. This put others at risk as we had large amount of very large agates in the bed of our truck we were transporting on a very busy road. This problem just happened today. It has not been inspected as of today. There were no warnings or messages notifying us of this problem. Please let us know how to proceed, there is now damaged to our new truck which we take much pride in caring for!!! |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Apr 07, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ram 2500 equipped with bridgestone tires, tire line: transforce at, tire size: lt275/70/r18, dot number: vn15tr91821. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22t002000 (tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer located 2. 5 hours away. The contact declined. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 14, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Driver-side windshield does not defrost for a long time while the right side (passenger side) defrosts properly. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Dec 02, 2021 |
| State | IA |
| Description | Driving highway speed and truck shut off completely. Took to dealer, no issues found. 800 miles later driving highway speed truck shut off again. Took to dealer, no issues found so far. Complete loss of power, power steering, power brakes, etc. Display read, "press brake and push button to start" while coasting in neutral both times. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 27, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | There is inadequate airflow in the front defrosters. It barely defrosts my windshield and makes it very hard to see. The vents just don't seem to produce enough air to defrost the windshield. The first incident happened in the late spring on a chilly wet day. It was ok during the warm summer weather. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Nov 22, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | My vehicle has a 12" screen in the dash. While operating the vehicle, weather notifications keep popping up. I've looked for ways to disable this "feature", even gone as far as cancelling the sirius connected feature(by calling sirius). These pop-ups still persist and are distracting me from paying attention to the road. There is not way to turn these off. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Nov 19, 2021 |
| State | ID |
| Description | The contact owned a 2021 ram 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v798000 (electrical system). The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with a fob key from inside his residence, he did not hear the engine start. The contact looked outside when he noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's driveway, not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall however, the dealer did not perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would be in touch via email. The failure mileage was approximately 10,200. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Nov 01, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | There was a severe head on collision and airbags did not deploy. The dealership says there was no deceleration however, the crash was severe enough that they should have deployed, the driver also tried to stop and the trucks airbag system did not detect the sudden brake. This is a 2021 truck that has a sudden brake sensor, that combined with the collision should have caused the airbags to deploy. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Oct 27, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | Right rear shock failure which lead to shock oil leaking onto brake system. Local dealer states parts are not available due to current allotment met for the month. Took truck into olathe dodge for warranty repair on monday 10/25/2021, two hours of waiting to be told part would not be available until end of november. No warning lamps etc displayed. Oil was found all over the rear end including wheel and tire. Creates a safety hazard with any fluid leaking onto braking system. Confirmed by dealer. |
| Category | Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 20, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Electronic tailgate has unlatched itself and fallen open while driving 5 times now twice now resulting in damage and things falling out of rear of truck onto highway |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Oct 04, 2021 |
| State | SC |
| Description | Lost control of pedal no acceleration this has happened multiple times taken to dealership on multiple occasions. They can't find a code for issue. Uconect reports the issue when it happens. It is a intermittent problem that occurs in some heavy traffic at times. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Aug 20, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | At a stop light after 10 min of normal driving on country and city roads my truck started smoking from front passenger wheel well. Smoke intensified and quickly turned black. Immediately pulled over and found flames burning through front passenger wheel liner and from around passenger side battery and intake filter. Fire was put out with fire extinguisher and engine bay sprayed down by fire truck when they arrived on scene. Fire melted through battery case leaking battery acid, parts of the intake filter housing, all surrounding electrical wiring and completely through wheel well. Was building in intensity until put out with fire extinguisher. Truck was purchased in june 2021 and had 0 active recalls. Truck was completely stock. |
| Category | Air Bags, Seat Belts |
| Date | Aug 12, 2021 |
| State | IL |
| Description | I was driving my 2021 ram 2500 west at approximately 35mph when a oncoming vehicle a 2008 dodge nitro failed to navigate a curve in the road crossing center line of road hitting me head on at a estimated 50-6- mph. (driver was ticket for to fast for conditions) it was a clear , dry day. The ram trucks air bag and seatbelt restraint system did not deploy/lockup . There were no warning lights , messages, or symptoms making me aware of any problems. The vehicle was towed from the scene, incapable of moving on its own. Vehicle has only 2000mi. The vehicle was inspected by insurance company and found to need a complete new frame due to the impact. 100s of people from police officers to dealers to service managers for ram cannot believe that there was no airbag deployment or seatbelt restraint. Ram had a independent person inspect vehicle and and within 48 hours ram sent me a email saying the rate of deceleration nessary to activate the airbag system was not there in thus accident. I really disagree with ram in this case as does everyone that has seen the vehicle. When a 8000lb truck gets hit hard enough from a 3000lb car to knock it off the center of road and up over the curb that should have been more than enough impact to make my safety devices in my vehicle work as expected. If this accident did not provide enough acceleration for my safety equipment to work I believe along with many others that something in design is flawed. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Apr 07, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | 2020 ram 2500 diesel 1900 miles began to lose power while traveling 70mph on the expressway. I attempted to accelerate to no avail. I was traveling in the fast lane and caused serval vehicles to abruptly change lanes as to not make contact with the truck. I attempted to exit the road, changing multiply 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. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 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.
See more posts from Brian Jones
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.