Is the 2021 Ram 3500 reliable?

The 2021 Ram 3500 has 89 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ram 3500?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (16 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (13 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (11 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ram 3500?

Yes, there are 9 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Ram dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ram 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ram 3500 is approximately $1,687/year (sedan-midsize 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 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ram 3500 has 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 182. The most common issue is electrical problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. we were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started popping. we were lucky to es. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

16 complaints

18%

• Our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. We were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started popping. We were lucky to es
• The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine, cruise control, 4WD, stability control, the ABS and trailer brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact to t
• The Auto lights sensor turns lights on/off at random during dark/night driving. The high beam auto sensor keeps the high beams on, so you do not notice losing driving lights. I found this out by accident, when I started losing my trailer lights at night. Quick fix, turn the light switch to on, inst

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

“Our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. We were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started popping. We were lucky to es”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Ram 3500

Based on 14 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+

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 (9)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS14/10/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ram 3500

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

$1,687

Full coverage / month

$141

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

+1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1687

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ram 3500 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 3500, 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 89 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: Our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. We were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started popping. We were lucky to es
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: Our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. We were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started popping. We were lucky to es
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: Brand new truck (226 miles) STOPPED RUNNING on Interstate 90 in Montana. Very dangerous situation, although was able to pull to side of interstate and was able to tow truck to Butte Montana and no one was injured. Nonetheless, had this occurred in rural area, snowy mountain passes, pulling livesto
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: MY BRAND NEW 2021 RAM 3500 LIMITED LONGHORN, SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING AT AROUND 70 MILES. THIS HAPPENED ON I-84 BETWEEN CALDWELL, ID AND BAKER CITY, OR ON 19 JAN 2021 AROUND 9:00PM. ROADSIDE FAILED TWICE AT GETTING US TOWED TO SAFETY. THE 1ST TOWING COMPANY CALLED TO SAY HE DECLINED THE SERVICE AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)