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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
557 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2021 Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #104

Jul 252023

1500

  • miles

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

My truck has shut down unexpectedly, on 2 separate occasions, as I was driving at slow speeds. I then had to come to a complete stop and restart it.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #103

Mar 012024

1500

  • miles
>Refer to investigation PE24018. For reference recall 23V-265 was performed on this truck. >This incident was before the recall work, and it was mentioned to my dealership. There have been no additional incidents. >Driving on a rural road at about 30mph. I slammed on breaks to avoid contact with animal. My vehicle went into park, emergency break activated, and engine turned off. I was able to restart vehicle. >There were no safety issues at the time >I don't have any information about warning lamps or messages other than noting my emergency break was engaged.

- Winona, MN, USA

problem #102

Jul 212024

1500

  • miles
I was driving on the highway when my vehicle suddenly lost power and simultaneously the service throttle control and service electronic stability control messages came up as well as the check engine light came on. This also happened last November and the dealer said they fixed the issue (high pressure fuel pump) but it has now happened again. I was concerned for my safety as well as my passengers and others as we did not have adequate power to get up a hill. And the sudden slowing nearly caused an accident.

- Plymouth, MA, USA

problem #101

Jun 232024

1500

  • miles

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

June 23. 2024 went to drive to Lows engine light came on, after returning home ran code reader and got U11E9 Lost communication with active grill shutter. This is a new vehicle with only 29000 miles this should not be happening. Scheduled for dealership on 6/27/2024.

- Ocford, PA, USA

problem #100

Jun 142024

1500

  • miles
Computer concern - caused the battery to be completely drained during the night, after a jumpstart the vehicle has multiple system errors. stability control, ABS, and both front and rear collision error. states need servicing. Unknown what caused battery drain and errors. Battery was checked no issues. Others have posted same issues with their 2021 Ram 1500 with e torque.

- Puyallup, WA, USA

problem #99

May 092024

1500

  • miles
All fuses were loose from daily driving. I noticed this because I had a 115v cargo outlet on, on my dash that was flickering. My truck doesn't have a cargo outlet. my radio wasn't working either. I went to check fuses and everyone has wiggled loose. This is unsafe do to if someone were to get into an accident the air bags could potentially not go off, or some cars now have electronic steering that could fail at any time. I'm sure there is a lot more that could happen considering cars are getting more and more electronic stuff for them. The problem has not been confirmed with anyone other than myself. I work for an autobody shop so I work with cars daily. No one has inspected this issue other than myself. I have seen many other people having this issue on forums like reddit, Ram truck forums. The fix was to unhook negative cable, Push down all fuses to reseat then hook negative cable back up its been running fine ever sense. Unfortunately I don't have photos of them all being loose because i was just worried about getting it fixed and didn't think about it at the time.

- Wood River, IL, USA

problem #98

Mar 112024

1500

  • miles

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

Leak in rear glass assembly caused RFH Module to fail. Vehicle locked in anti-theft mode needed to be towed to dealer. Dealer left it on lot 9 days then finally got around to replacing the RHF module. After $1800 repair was told I need to return asap to have rear glass assembly replaced. Another $2149 repair. Truck out of warranty 2-1/2 mos with 26,211 miles. Dealer serviced only on schedule since purchase

- Battle Ground, WA, USA

problem #97

Dec 302020

1500

  • miles
When closing the drivers side window with the auto function the window will go up about a 1/4" then go back down 1/4" and stop. A number of times when open/closing the window with the auto window function it will also opens/closes the passenger window. Either way this presents a danger when driving because focus is taken off the road and the drivers focus is directed to the issue. Also possible harm to the passenger if they are unaware. Yes it is available for inspection. The service manger at Pischke Motors West Salem, Tom Curtis, has confirmed the issue in my truck and also a 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 RAM 1500 trucks. This information was sent onto Chrysler Corp in 2021. No one from the manufacturer has inspected my truck. There are no warning lamps or messages or symptoms when this happens. It first appeared upon purchase. Pischke Motors stated that I couldn't get my money back though. The truck has to be running for this to happen not just in ACC mode. I had originally purchased the 2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn truck, when this issued showed up right away and they couldn't fix it they put me into a 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie for additional money. I tested the windows out on the lot and they worked but then later that day it happened again. I have been very patient with the dealer but this is a big safety issue that has been going on for a long time and Chrysler knows about but won't fix. The speed of the vehicle does not matter. it can happen at a stand still or running down the interstate at 70 MPH and in-between.

- La Crosse, WI, USA

problem #96

Mar 282024

1500

  • miles
I was driving down the road at/near the speed limit. The ignition cut off. In order to 'restart' the engine, the truck must be stopped and placed into park. I coasted to the side of the road and restarted and continued driving. The same thing happened a second time. I repeated the process and continued driving. After the third time, the truck would not restart and was stalled on the roadway at a stop light, unable to move. It was towed to a dealer. The ultimate cause was determined to be a water leak at the rear window and the third brake light. The module that controls the key fob/ignition is located directly beneath the rear window (behind the back seat). Water damaged the module and caused the erratic ignition system behavior.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #95

Apr 022024

1500

  • miles
Rear window is leaking into truck came home from vacation and it rained while vehicle parked outside found both my key fob could not be detected and UCONNECT would not respond to commands thru phone. Vehicle totally inoperable could not start. Had towed to Shivley Motors where it currently sits. Found out that water leak could ruin the rf module and electrical componets behind rear seat to include not limited to airbag, carpet, interior. Car totally inoperable no lights signals all it does is alarm goes off. Went to dealer to lift rear seats and found my black carpet to be white with mold which is health hazard being i have allergies to certain mold so now my car is a health risk to myself and my child whom has a heart condition. Have contacted RAM CARES and got them involved but waiting as the dealer has not specified a date they will look at the vehicle. My vehicle just went over the 36K bumper to bumper with it having at time of tow 36,133 miles. I also started to notice over the winter months (DEC, JAN) moisture on the inside windows in the morning but never had the electrical issue til it rained on it while it sat. So this issue technically begun under my warranty just never took it in since had no issues other than the moisture inside car which i shrugged off.

- Saint Thomas, PA, USA

problem #94

Apr 012024

1500

  • miles

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

A recall, software flash for pcm was done on 03/12/2024. 6857 miles i now have 6919 miles. On 2 occasions my truck did not immediately start. Yesterday was the second time of weird starting. After it started i moved it on my lawn and it died. Now it will not start all it does is send the dash lights and electronics crazy. I have checked all items Ram problem solvers asked, all check out. I think this recall messed up the system. I am waiting for service advisor that was involved with recall to get back with me.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #93

Mar 232024

1500

  • miles
On numerous occasions since January 2024, the truck would not start or unlock, shut down while driving, power steering would go out, start up by itself, produce warning messages with & without codes for no reason, and the start/stop button flicker. We would have to set off the car alarm to get it unlocked then would have to disconnect the battery to make it stop. Every time we took it to the dealership, the technicians could not get the problems to repeat, even when keeping it for 10+ days. Once we got it back, the problems would start again. After further research and talking with the dealership, others have had issues like ours after it has rained. Upon further inspection, we found a water leak at either the rear sliding window or the taillight at the window. There was water droplets and wet carpet under the backseat. The truck has to "dry out" before it will start and run properly. Dodge/Chrysler/Ram really needs to put a recall on this issue as it is happening to MULTIPLE trucks and has had lawsuits with it. This is a safety issue!!

- Winder, GA, USA

problem #92

Jan 272024

1500

  • miles
During cold rainy wether, water leaked in through rear sliding glass window and fried the BCM, which caused a complete shut down of all systems. I was not driving the vehicle at the time but if this had occurred while driving this could have ended in a catastrophic accident. In researching this issue, many ram vehicles have experienced this and/or similar issues including the vehicle stalling while in operation. When this issue occurred, , there were no warnings or prior indications. Additionally, water was found inside the passenger compartment. Also, the vehicle could not be manually placed in neutral so that it could be moved for towing. The tow service had to slide the vehicle onto tow trailer with sliders placed under the rear wheels. The was then vehicle towed to a FCA dealership.

- Brookhaven, MS, USA

problem #91

Jan 262024

1500

  • miles
The software shut down all of the systems control. Nothing can be controlled. It locks the doors windows side boards panaramic sunroof speed denominator turns the heat on can-??t turn it off.tailgate opens all of this happens around 15 minutes after it has been turned on. I complained about it several times before took it in they replaced the radio. It-??s currently at the dealership to do a dainostic evaluation

- Stockbridge, GA, USA

problem #90

Dec 202023

1500

  • miles
Around 12/4/2023 I took my 2021 Ram ecodiesel in for a recall on the high pressure fuel pump (z96 recall). It was the first time this dealership had done one of these recalls. After 2 days of working on it, I got it back. 2 weeks later, 12/20/23 I auto started my truck with the factory auto starter. Once I got into the truck, and attempted to turn it on, it set off alarms, asked for anti theft code, and the dash lights were all on saying I had all sorts of issues. I called RAM and was told I needed to tow it to the nearest dealership, which I did on the same day 12/20/23. After almost a month at the dealership and no information, I drove my wife's car and went to talk to them. They told me they believe it is a bad fuse box and need to replace the entire fuse box (TIPM). My concern with talking to other mechanics is that they feel the recall work was not all done correctly and that the relay or some wiring was not put back correctly. Now I have been out a vehicle for over a month as I write this, my recall work has caused more issues that I will have to pay for. This needs to be fixed at the expense of RAM and need assurance that no other electrical issues will occur because of this recall work

- Sumner, WA, USA

problem #89

Dec 212022

1500

  • miles
Truck leaks water from rear windshield, water runs down to receiver module for the key FOBs and causes truck not to turn off. Leaks from headliner into safety eq on windshield causing GPS issues, visability as water runs down inside of windshield. RAM will not fix under warranty. truck is well withing 3yr /36K miles

- Vacaville Ca, CA, USA

problem #88

Jun 232023

1500

  • miles
Engine gaskets blow up just after the 60000 miles warranty..no warning light on dashboard... battery fails before the 2 year warranty...starter failed when engine replaced it...no warning light....rear sensors fail since i bought it..never fixed... with exception of the rear sensors... everything is paid on my wallet money... dealership doesn't want to fix it under warranty

- West Valley, UT, USA

problem #87

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 #86

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 #85

Oct 302023

1500

  • miles
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

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