2021 Ram 2500 Complaints

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/11/2026

ABS/Forward Collision/Traction Control/4WD/Cruise Control warning lights on. Braking is inconsistent. Sometimes hard to brake, sometimes brake pedal is real spongy and will go almost to floor.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/13/2026

I am writing to formally follow up regarding complaint/case number 97989810 through Dodge and to request that this matter be elevated for a complete technical review concerning my 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, VIN [XXX]. Time - Line PRIOR FACTORY-WARRANTY REPAIR The XXX factory-warranty repair is an important part of this vehicle's mechanical history. That repair involved the timing-cover/timing-gear-case area and front crankshaft seal. As part of that repair, the harmonic balancer/vibration damper was removed and reinstalled. Approximately 26,000 miles later, the vehicle experienced a failure involving the vibration damper and its associated mounting bolts. +++ Vehicle receipt will be attached XXX took vehicle Naples Dodge after large thump and vehicle would not move Per dealership - Finding - Advise it was an after market tune that caused harmonic balancer got loose and sheered the bolts Ongoing the dealership provided video and several reports that it was an after market tune no coralation between the 2024 service and findings today Findings: Cummins Service Technician XXX technician report In XXX Cummins filed a safety recall with the NHTSA (Campaign ID 24V-192) concerning certain engines equipped with vibration dampers are the critical details of the recall:The Issue: The front vibration damper capscrews (mounting bolts) were not torqued to specification during assembly. If left unaddressed, the capscrews could fracture or loosen, potentially causing the vibration damper to separate from the engine. This creates a high risk of personal injury, mechanical failure, or property damage.(Note: If you are looking for Dodge Ram trucks, Cummins also issued a Technical Service Bulletin—TSB210097—addressing fluid degradation and capscrew fractures on viscous vibration dampers for B6.7 engines, though it was handled as a service bulletin rather than a sweeping automotive safety recall). Direct coralation of what occure INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/24/2025

There is a known issue with the Ram Power Wagon locking differential system where the electronic locking differential wiring harness will fault one of three ways. The first being that the wiring harness is two short so when the rear axle articulates there isn't enough slack therefore causing the plug in the diff housing to fail. The second is that sensor inside the housing faults due to gear oil build up on the sensor. Finally the third if the locker wiring inside the housing wears out causes the locker to fault. Any of these three issues causes a "Service Axle Locker System" and prevents the front and rear lockers to be used indefinitely. This can cause the truck to become stuck during off pavement driving.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 08/26/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair might take 2 or 3 days to be completed. The dealer was only able to pay for a rental vehicle for two days. The contact stated that 5 days later, the dealer was still waiting on parts from the manufacturer to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 07/01/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and associated the failure with the recall. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/19/2026

This problem first occurred on a state highway in [XXX] in 2023 and again in 2026 (this incident.) While driving south on XXX, there was an undulation/slight bump in the interstate while in a mild right hand curve. My vehicles brakes engaged without my input and slowed me down from 70mph to 35mph with traffic behind me. My gas accelerator and brake pedal were unresponsive from user input. At no point was my vehicle out of control to trigger such aggressive braking from my ESC, ERM, or ABS. The concern here is that thankfully this was on dry roads and traffic was far enough behind me to avoid a collision. My concern is this happening in winter weather/icy/wet roads, or with significant traffic behind me causing a possible high speed rear-end vehicle accident. There was a safety recall for ESC/ABS a few years ago on my vehicle that I dealt with through the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STRUCTURE — Filed 02/13/2026

There was a tailgate recall for the tailgate falling down potentially spilling cargo onto the road. The dealership Autonation Dodge in [XXX] tried fixing the recall multiple times but the tailgate kept falling down after they tried to fix it 2 or 3 times. Now they're trying to make me sign a service fee authorization which I don't agree with because either the recall isn't fixed, or there are other issues that can cause the tailgate to fall down which should be included in this recall because they can potentially cause the same dangerous situation which caused the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/28/2026

The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is intermittent and temperature-dependent, which means it cannot be predicted or avoided by the driver. The vehicle is used to tow an enclosed cargo trailer weighing approximately 7,000 pounds.The safety risk: inability to engage reverse on demand creates a hazard in any situation requiring reverse motion, including backing away from a stopped vehicle, reversing out of a fuel station, backing a loaded trailer at a campground or boat ramp, or executing an evasive reverse maneuver. With a trailer attached, loss of reverse function can leave the truck and trailer stranded in active traffic lanes or at intersections.The defect was first reported to a dealer in August 2023 with diagnostic trouble code P2701 stored (Friction Element B implausible pressure, internal transmission fault). The code was logged but not addressed at that visit. Over the following 32 months the same defect was reported to the same dealer four additional times. On the fourth visit the dealer replaced the complete transmission and torque converter under warranty and certified the repair complete after a documented 77 mile dealer test drive. The same defect returned approximately 4 customer miles after the truck was returned to me. The truck is currently at the dealer for the fifth repair attempt, with the dealer's own write-up confirming that the vehicle will not move while in reverse at operating temperature.The defect has been confirmed by the dealer service department through their own diagnostic process, has been documented across five repair orders, and has resulted in a complete factory transmission and torque converter replacement that failed to resolve the issue.Warning indicators: a P2701 diagnostic trouble code was s

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/26/2025

THE VEHICLE HAS UNEVEN RESPONSE WHEN TURNING OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL PROPERLY AND IT HAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS THE STEERING ISNT CONSISTENT WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BUT THEIR TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY OF THE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING WORN SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.THIS PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING AND CLICKING SOUND HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BACK IN DECEMBER WITH MULTIPLE CLUES AFTER VISUAL EXAMINATION OF A PRIOR ACCIDENT.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/20/2026

Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood. Unknown if fire was due to electrical or leaking fuel issues under the hood. Major safety risk to occupants, especially children in car seats. Fire became out of control and burned the interior of the vehicle to bare metal. There were no injuries in this incident. This report being submitted by Law Enforcement on owners behalf. Full report from Law Enforcement included in this complaint.

ENGINE — Filed 03/02/2026

Ram is refusing to repair and item on my truck egr cooler is cracked, leaking and burning coolant. They have recalled every year model but mine. All have same issue, all have same part and part number. Dealership suggested I contact NTSB to see if I could get it recalled. It is said to cause ifres in some trucks

WHEELS — Filed 01/26/2026

Front right wheel detached while driving on the highway - going about 45mph due to snow on roadway. We are glad no one was injured. All the lugs had come off the wheel. Now need wheel and rim replacement, and new hub assembly and lugs. It will be repaired at the dealer where we bought the vehicle new, Ed Tomko in Avon, OH. The service dept there has looked at it and gave the diagnosis. No warning indicators. Reporting because we saw a similar issue as recall for different lines of the same year Ram trucks. Wondering if the 2500 is also in that situation.

ENGINE — Filed 09/19/2025

After starting the vehicle, fire smell came into the cab. After exiting the vehicle smoke was coming from the engine. The engine caught on fire and car was totaled within 10 minutes.

STRUCTURE — Filed 04/17/2025

Tailgate was repaired in February 2025 for issue under 22V-904 and then after the repairs were completed my tailgate dropped again resulting in damage to my tailgate.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/25/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was plugged in charging for about 15 minutes and unoccupied when it suddenly caught fire. The contact noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There were no reported injuries. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact mentioned that the fire spread to the home causing damage. There was no police report filed, crash, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) on December 20, 2024. The vehicle remained at the scene of the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/17/2024

The contact owned a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a cow, causing the front bumpers to bend 2 ft. inward. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises on the left arm, on the shoulder, on the chest, on the right elbow and on the right knee. The contact did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was awaiting to be totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/10/2024

While driving in stop & go traffic traveling at speeds less than 15mph, when I stepped on the brake pedal to slow / stop my RAM, the brake pedal failed to activate the brakes and the vehicle continue in a forward motion causing my RAM to collide with the vehicle traveling in front of me. After the collision, my RAM pushed the vehicle I hit into the center shoulder of the freeway. My RAM continued its forward motion (up an shallow grade) for another 1/4 mi. My constant stabbing and continual pressure failed to stop or slow my RAM. I eventually I brought my vehicle to a stop by depressing the "emergency brake pedal". While I was attempting to stop my RAM in appeared the throttle continued to deliver the engine power even though my right foot was on the brake pedal.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/01/2024

My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an Electrical system recall and shows to have been completed. (Safety Recall 13A/NHTSA 23V-060) If this recall was completed, maybe something else needs to be checked out. The truck is currently at a dealership to be repaired, but I will still be scared of it catching on fire because the dealership cannot tell me why or how the fire started. 03

SEATS — Filed 09/01/2023

I recently had an issue with the wiring in the passenger seat of my 2021 RAM 2500 (Longhorn Edition) with interior heated/cooled seats. My passenger seat had a wiring short which caused the seat cushion to ignite. With some quick searching, it appears that I am not alone in this event. In fact, it appears at least a couple people have had their entire truck burn. I am sure that this specific model is not the only one with this wiring set up in the seats. I was wondering if you have collected any data on these events to date? Thank you for your help.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 12/15/2021

Fire on sliding portion of read window. Short on connection point of wiring harness for defroster. Dealer verified and confirmed. All has been documented. Also has had PCM and other electrical components real places two times now, along with other electrical issues that are still ongoing since time of purchase back in March of 2021. John L. Sullivan of Yuba City refuses to do work or rectify this issue. Ryan Triebess, the service manager, has a personal attachment to online reviews and refuses work to any paying customer that voices their dissatisfaction leaving me with a truck that to this day is a fire risk.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/29/2022

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/19/2021

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/09/2021

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/19/2021

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.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/12/2021

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.