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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,535 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2021 Ram 1500 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2021 Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #44

Jan 202025

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I just purchased a new truck on Friday and was told on car fax it had a open recall.On 1/20/25 around 0835 I arrived at service entrance and was not greeted or checked in after being told I would be charged a diagnosis fee for a very important safety recall related to ABS. I would like this incident investigated as it jeopardizes my and my family safety. Also told him the truck was under warranty and the wireless charging for phones was not working and got bring it back to where you bought it. I requested his supervisor and he walked away and acted like he was on the phone. This is my only local dodge dealer and now forced to goad hour south to get this fixed. I took a card because service manager never came out to address me as customer this dealership needs looked into.I think I was also discriminated at for being Caucasian as both service techs are Hispanic info email of service manager from card is Location of Dodge dealer. The person that wanted to charge me avoided me asking his name but had long curly hair and younger thug attitude guy. Also was told to leave after like anyone would be upset of a safety recall that are free and being told I would be charged. I-??m requesting an investigation into this matter and or pursuing legal action. I know it-??s a federal holiday and I have a 3 day weekend but hope this matter can be addressed soon as this is not right. Thank you. New Century Motors of Santa Barbara 300 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara Ca 93105 aaguilera@newcenturymotors.com

- Goleta, CA, USA

problem #43

Jan 032025

1500

  • miles
Steele North Star texted me about a Recall for ABS module on my RAM truck. -??Steele North Start CJDR - Service Hi [XXX], this is Steele North Star Dodge. We are contacting you to let you know that there is a recall on your 2021 Ram 1500. This recall is for ABS Module Configuration. We would love to take care of this recall for you free of charge! We would also like to offer you a rental covered by Chrysler while we have your vehicle in service for the recall. Please contact us back at 210-341-2251 or you can reply to this text message and we can get you scheduled. Thank you and have a wonderful day!-?? I called for appointment they said they would call me back on Thursday but didn-??t. Then when I called them the next day today Friday they said they wanted to charge a $10 admin fee but I said their text said repair would be FREE so when I questioned & said I didn-??t feel a charge is fair then they refused to schedule repair & told me to take my truck to another dealership. Steele is my closest dealer. They lied about a free recall repair expecting people to pay a $10 admin fee. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #42

Dec 012024

1500

  • miles
Just driving normal condition and speed all of a sudden my car jam or brake on it-??s own, causing a quick sudden jerk and almost getting hit from the back. All of my front sensors and back sensors was shut off at this time.

- Mays Landing, NJ, USA

problem #41

Nov 292024

1500

  • 75,327 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction contract warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering and the service brakes did not function as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the steering was inoperable and very hard to steer. The contact stated that snow was on the ground and due to the failure, the contact's vehicle crashed into a concrete curve. The contact stated that when the vehicle crashed into the concrete curve, the service brakes and the steering were independently reset. The vehicle was damaged on the front driver's side rim, however, the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was being towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,327. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Berkley, MI, USA

problem #40

Oct 182024

1500

  • miles
I have experienced the engine surging while driving 2 times in the last 3 months. 10/18/2024. The RPMs slowly increase regardless of taking my foot off the gas pedal, slowing, or coming to a stop. The engine remains to rev. It causes me to have an extremely hard time keeping a maintained speed and gets difficult to slow down or slow to a stop. The truck was not on Cruise control, it was in 2-wheel drive, and the issue started right as I took off. The engine can be heard revving and trying to accelerate even in an attempt to try neutral with the foot off the gas to resolve the issue. I ensure I do not have my foot on the gas pedal and have to push my brake to the ground to stop. I have called our dealership who reports they are unaware of the issue I describe. Putting the car in park does not resolve the revving, which can be heard, and the Rpms fluctuations seen increasing stuck between 5-7. I have to completely stop and turn off the engine. I had pulled out and drove down a busy intersection I could not pull off on. The engine acceleration issue event lasted for about 10 minutes before I could safely pull off to turn the truck off. It was terrifying. If I had to suddenly stop I would of crashed. What? How many

- Flat Rock, MI, USA

problem #39

Sep 162024

1500

  • miles
Several times I-??ve been backing up and for no reason the truck jerks to a stop and some kind of alarm or buzzer goes off and it jerks to a complete stop even when I-??m not close to anything.

- Saint Joseph, MO, USA

problem #38

Jul 022024

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, also under warranty. However, upon picking up the vehicle after the second repair, the dashboard immediately displayed both the "service braking system" warning and the check engine light. On July 23, 2024, I left the vehicle at the dealership for a third time. The following day, they informed me that the problem was with the ABS module, which was under engineering review and unavailable. They advised contacting RAM customer care, which confirmed the part's unavailability and anticipated delays due to a lack of vendor supply, with no clear resolution timeline. Despite ongoing efforts, the issue remains unresolved. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive, lacking ABS and traction control due to system shutdowns. Additionally, on September 3, 2024, and a few weeks prior, I experienced problems with the vehicle being stuck in park mode because the brakes would not disengage. Restarting the vehicle temporarily resolved the issue, but it persists.

- Dade City, FL, USA

problem #37

Feb 212024

1500

  • miles
Multiple times now I have been stopped at lights/stop signs and when I start to drive again my truck automatically engages the parking brake on its own and I can-??t move, the truck then shuts down. I have to pull the parking brake switch, while pushing the brake and turn the truck back on multiple times before I can get the truck to move again. I have almost been hit in traffic when this happens.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #36

Oct 182023

1500

  • miles
On October 18, 2023, my son was driving the RAM 1500 on the Southern State. While changing lanes to exit, he advised the the engine turned off; was not able to break and hit another vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and would like this to be investigated by Chrysler. This could have caused my son's death.

- Malverne, NY, USA

problem #35

Nov 212023

1500

  • miles
The vehicle occasionally shuts down when coming to a stop or slowing gradually. It shuts down the engine. I believe the parking brake is automatically set (not completely sure as the emphasis at that point is restarting the vehicle). I am sure the engine start knob must then be selected to Park and the brake pedal depressed to restart the engine. This situation has occurred at least 4 times since the vehicle was purchased 11/25/2020. I have reported it to a FCA Ram dealer who stated that nothing is apparently wrong. I feel it is a safety issue which should be investigated as it happens with no warning on citystreets and highways. The latest occurrence was on 11/21/3023, the other occasions were spaced apart 6-12 months.

- Jaksonville Beach, FL, USA

problem #34

Oct 302023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In approximately August 2021 the vehicle stopped operating at highway speeds. When the vehicle stopped operating, it caused the auto parking brake to engage as well as the engine to shut down. All steering was lost and it caused my vehicle to skid off the side of the roadway. since then, numerous other electronic failures have happened in the car even after multiple attempts for warranty service to include additional engine failures luckily, at stoplights the vehicle is currently in the shop again for additional electrical problems related to the start stop button in the vehicle, it appears that ram does not take responsibility for the defect, and this should be investigated. If I would have been near any trees, pedestrians other vehicles or buildings, I would-??ve surely run into them without any control whatsoever over my vehicle.

- Oak Point, TX, USA

problem #33

Sep 272022

1500

  • miles
Rpm goes up and down to 3 on 10-20 mph. back bed wiggles on 60mph lots of vibration going on! Brakes have some grinding sound.

- Tucson , AZ, USA

problem #32

Jul 012021

1500

  • 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at low speeds over a speed bump, the vehicle stalled. While driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the brakes engaged independently. The brake was engaged. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake assist disabled message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

- Port Wentworth, GA, USA

problem #31

Jan 012022

1500

  • miles
While driving at any rate of speed the brakes have suddenly just locked resulting in the inability to move. When it locks up it takes a harsh fast jerk on everyone in the vehicle. Not only does this put my entire family at risk of potentially getting hit by other vehicles that could possibly lead to a fatality. The brakes also lock up while backing up for no reason which again jerks everyone in the vehicle. The engine shuts off randomly while moving also while slowing down or coming to a stop which puts everyone at risk. The Manufactures have many defects that are highly detrimental to families, Ram needs to recall these trucks as its putting everyday life in danger. A truck can be replaced however a loved one you can't. I barley drive mine not only due to the safety risk and defects but also because I had many issues with the Dealership I purchased from, and I will not put myself or child back in such environment which results in having to find someone else that deals with Ram. I have made ongoing complaints regarding the issues including Battery was completely dead and I had to replace, the dashboard lights blink, message power steering unavailable, services shifters. I have made it very clear that I personally do not feel safe driving my family in this truck. Ram has done a poor job with getting the help owners need to stay safe. I never get a response from anyone when I report problems. So, I have a New Truck in my driveway, with financial obligations yet the New Vehicle is unreliable transportation, along with putting lives at risk. Ram needs to recall these trucks due to the ongoing defects and poor quality along with acknowledgement that the truck is not worth the price paid. I avoid going out because the truck is not a reliable vehicle for a family, it's only a risk taker and I'm not willing to risk my life or my families. This has caused ongoing hardship; I fear driving my own vehicle which has caused me to not go out in the community.

- Bassett, VA, USA

problem #30

May 102023

1500

  • miles
This morning, I was slowing down, foot on the brake because traffic was stopped in front of me. When I got to about 4 mph the truck wouldn-??t stop, it kept going, although my foot was on the brake. I was getting close to the car in front of me so I pushed harder on the brake. When I did this, the truck stopped but the wheels keep turning. So, now I-??m stopped and tires are spinning as if I-??m doing a burnout. I put the truck in neutral, then to park. I put back into drive and was able to drive to work. My safety and everyone else-??s safety around me is in danger now because next time, will my truck stop" Will I run into the back of someone because my truck won-??t stop" I have contacted the dealer (Walt Massey) but waiting on a call back to speak with someone about this issue. About 5 weeks ago, similar incident occurred. The following week, my truck wouldn-??t start so had to have it towed to dealership. Told them about the first incident and that the truck would not start. Was told the radio frequency hub needed replacing. Waited 3 weeks for the part to come in, finally came in and was installed, I picked up truck from dealership Thursday, May 4. I assumed the issue was resolved, after paying $830 to the dealership. I have a 2 year old, $70,000 truck with 43,000 miles (just out of warranty) on it and I-??m terrified to drive it. There have been no warning lamps or messages on the truck.

- Moss Point, MS, USA

problem #29

Apr 162023

1500

  • miles
When I turn left or right, I slow down to turn and when I accelerate after turning, the engine shuts down and the parking brake auto-engages. This has occurred twice in heavy traffic scenarios, endangering myself, my passengers, and the drivers behind me. According to blogs with posts of this same issue with other Ram 1500 owners, issue has not / cannot be reproduced due to its arbitrary nature of occurrence. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine shutting off.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #28

Apr 122023

1500

  • miles
In the last week, truck shut down in the middle of acceleration in the middle of an intersection. All truck electronics shut down completely for 30 min, even the ability to lock and unlock vehicle. Today, while going 49 miles an hour, the breaks and steering shut down completely for several minutes.

- Ventura, CA, USA

problem #27

Mar 042023

1500

  • miles
We lease a 2021 Ram. For the past year our truck will randomly stall when making a turn and pushing the gas. It shuts off, puts the vehicle in park, and engages the emergency brake when pulling out into traffic. We have brought it in to the dealership we got it from, letting them know that this is a huge safety concern especially if pulling out into busy traffic which is something we have to do on a daily basis. They said since they cannot replicate the issue there is nothing to fix. Our truck continues to stall and we use it not only for transport of our family but for hauling horse trailers - making it even more dangerous. We need a resolution as this puts us at risk and is very stressful, changing how we drive because we are afraid to pull out in certain situations.

- Winter Garden, FL, USA

problem #26

Feb 272023

1500

  • miles
I have had two incidents where shortly after a cold start while driving the vehicle it would turn off and and the emergency brake would apply. In both instances I was approximately a mile from where the vehicle was started. I had slowed to make a right turn, upon completion of the turn driving under 20 MPH the vehicle's engine would turn off, I was able to coast to a stop and then the vehicle's emergency brake would engage. When this happens the operator is forced to come to a complete stop, shift to park (in order to restart) and disengage the emergency brake. 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie eTorque 12K miles

- Niceville , FL, USA

problem #25

Feb 162023

1500

  • miles
I was turning right at a stop sign leaving my development and the truck shut off and applied the emergency brake. Thankfully it was at a stop sign in the residential area and not entering the main throughway. From reading online this is a known Ram issue.

- Williamstown, WV, USA

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