Is the 2021 Ram 1500 reliable?

The 2021 Ram 1500 has 1093 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ram 1500?

Top problems: ENGINE (271 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (188 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (100 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ram 1500?

Yes, there are 14 recall(s): BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES, AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Ram dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ram 1500?

The 2021 Ram 1500 gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ram 1500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ram 1500 is approximately $2,012/year (truck-fullsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Ram 1500

Q: Is the 2021 Ram 1500 often stolen?

The Ram 1500 was the #15 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 6,900 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ram 1500 has 1093 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 1093. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: i purchased my 2021 ram 1500 limited night edition on march 11, 2021. it was new. within 3 weeks and less than 1,000 miles of driving the vehicle stalled twice while in the middle of an intersection. the fuel tank was full and the engine was warm each time. the first time around march 17 i was al. There are 14 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 23 crash reports 19 injuries

1093

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

271 complaints

25%

• I PURCHASED MY 2021 RAM 1500 LIMITED NIGHT EDITION ON MARCH 11, 2021. IT WAS NEW. WITHIN 3 WEEKS AND LESS THAN 1,000 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. THE FIRST TIME AROUND MARCH 17 I WAS AL
• PURCHASED TRUCK ON 3/4/2021.WITH 21 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ON 3/11/2021 WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DOING 65MPH. IN THE CENTER OF A 3 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND A DASH SIGNALED A WARNING "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" APPEARED ON THE DASH, I MADE IT OFF THE FREEW
• I HAVE HAD 2 SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY 2021 RAM 1500 LARAMIE WITH APPROX. 4,500 MILES ON IT. 1ST , AND MOST IMPORTANT, I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE STALL WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ONTO A ROADWAY. IT HAS OCCURRED BETWEEN 5-25 MPH APPROX WHILE PULLING FROM A STOP, OR SLOW ROLL, INTO TRAFFIC. THE SECOND OCCU

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“I PURCHASED MY 2021 RAM 1500 LIMITED NIGHT EDITION ON MARCH 11, 2021. IT WAS NEW. WITHIN 3 WEEKS AND LESS THAN 1,000 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. THE FIRST TIME AROUND MARCH 17 I WAS AL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Ram 1500

Based on 171 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 30K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 37 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 42K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (14)

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION10/06/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.

Above-average theft risk

#15 most stolen in 2025

The Ram 1500 was the #15 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 6,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Full-size truck; catalytic converters

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Ram 1500

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,500/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ram 1500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,012

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$648

vs US avg

+20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-fullsize)1.08x

× theft risk1.06x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2012

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ram 1500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2021 1500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1093 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I PURCHASED MY 2021 RAM 1500 LIMITED NIGHT EDITION ON MARCH 11, 2021. IT WAS NEW. WITHIN 3 WEEKS AND LESS THAN 1,000 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. THE FIRST TIME AROUND MARCH 17 I WAS AL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I PARKED MY TRUCK, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND EXITED AND WENT INSIDE. I WAS WALKING MY DOG SEVERAL MINUTES LATER AND SEEMED TO NOTICE MY TRUCK MOVING BACKWARDS. I SAW THE FRESH TRACKS IN THE SNOW IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK AND REALIZED THAT IT WAS ROLLING BACKWARD ON MY DRIVEWAY. I GOT IN, PRESSED THE BRAKE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I PARKED MY TRUCK, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND EXITED AND WENT INSIDE. I WAS WALKING MY DOG SEVERAL MINUTES LATER AND SEEMED TO NOTICE MY TRUCK MOVING BACKWARDS. I SAW THE FRESH TRACKS IN THE SNOW IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK AND REALIZED THAT IT WAS ROLLING BACKWARD ON MY DRIVEWAY. I GOT IN, PRESSED THE BRAKE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I PARKED MY TRUCK, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND EXITED AND WENT INSIDE. I WAS WALKING MY DOG SEVERAL MINUTES LATER AND SEEMED TO NOTICE MY TRUCK MOVING BACKWARDS. I SAW THE FRESH TRACKS IN THE SNOW IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK AND REALIZED THAT IT WAS ROLLING BACKWARD ON MY DRIVEWAY. I GOT IN, PRESSED THE BRAKE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 14 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)