2021 RAM 1500 Problems: 27 Known Issues

On the 2020-2021 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque (EZL), bulletin 08-014-21 concerns an incompletely seated MGU connector on a bounded group of 5.7L eTorque trucks. It lists loss of 12V charging, possible check-engine/low-battery lights, and a stall with no restart after driving. The illustration does not demonstrate a failed bearing, belt or 48V battery. North American 2020–2021 Ram 1500 DT with 5.7L EZL eTorque, built June 11–November 14, 2020 inclusive, and on the applicable RRT 21-019 VIN list. The RRT expired 18 months after January 27, 2021; historical eligibility is not a current promise of free repair.

On the 2020-2023 RAM 1500, two equipment-specific recalls describe a missing rearview camera image. 23V059 concerns trailer reverse steering control software; 22V638 concerns persistent radio resets on qualified EcoDiesel trucks. The same blank-screen symptom does not establish failed camera hardware, a tailgate harness defect or coverage under both campaigns. 23V059/14A: 2021–2023 Ram 1500 DT with Trailer Reverse Steering Control, built June 3, 2020–August 17, 2022. 22V638/Z86: 2020–2021 Ram 1500 with EcoDiesel and the specified radios, built June 3, 2019–November 20, 2020. Confirm the exact outstanding campaign by VIN; other configurations are not qualified by this illustration.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, the optional 12-inch portrait Uconnect display (Uconnect 4C NAV on 2019-2021 trucks, Uconnect 5 from the 2022 model year) on 5th-gen DT Ram 1500 trucks fails in several ways distinct from the older 8.4 Uconnect freeze/reboot issue. Owners report the screen going completely black/blank and not turning on, vertical lines across the LCD, and visual artifacts. Some failures are LCD-panel hardware (heat/age driven), others are software (memory leaks, failed updates, process crashes) that produce a frozen or black display. Because radio audio sometimes still works via steering-wheel controls, the fault is clearly the display/head unit rather than the speakers. Dealers typically diagnose this as a full head-unit (radio) replacement, which is expensive.

On the 2019-2023 RAM 1500, 5th-gen (DT) RAM 1500 trucks with the Uconnect 8.4 (and 12-inch) systems are widely reported to randomly reboot, freeze on the RAM logo, lose audio (sound cutting out every couple of seconds), and show backup-camera faults such as a blue screen, blank image, a large yellow square, or significant camera delay. Failures cluster in temperature extremes (below ~15F or above ~90F) and can occur at startup or after the system warms up. Some early trucks also had screen de-lamination/ghost-imaging hardware defects requiring radio replacement. A software update (TSB 08-003-19) was issued to address display freezing/glitches.

On the 2019, 2021-2024 RAM 1500, recall 24V653/75B concerns ABS control-module software that can disable electronic stability control. The report identifies ABS, ESC, adaptive-cruise and forward-collision warning lamps at startup. This is separate from 24V794, the 2025-only front wheel-bearing encoder-ring campaign; their model-year populations do not overlap. Certain 2019 and 2021–2024 Ram 1500 DT trucks built October 31, 2017–February 14, 2024, subject to VIN confirmation. Model year 2020 is not in the described population. Recall 24V794/97B concerns 2025 trucks only and does not provide a hardware remedy for this software campaign.

On the 2014-2021 RAM 1500, the ABS/Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) on Ram 1500 trucks suffers internal electronic failures separate from the software-related ESC recalls. Owners report the ABS, brake, traction-control and related warning lights coming on together with stored codes such as C2200 (internal electronic failure), U0121 (lost communication with ABS module) and C2116 (pump motor fault / pump supply low voltage). C2116 in particular is a strong indicator the ABS pump/module itself has failed. The base brakes still function but ABS, stability and traction control are disabled, and the module must be VIN-programmed when replaced.

On the 2019-2022 RAM 1500, recall 22V904/ZB8 describes misaligned tailgate strikers that can prevent proper latching. The tailgate may then open while stationary or driving, allowing unsecured cargo to fall out. The illustration shows upper-edge binding, not a broken latch or electrical release fault. Certain 2019–2022 Ram 1500 DT trucks, subject to VIN confirmation. The dealer procedure excludes XH5 parallel/perpendicular park assist and MWK multifunction tailgate; 2019 also excludes LAN tailgate warning lamp. Related 2500/3500 campaigns do not establish their parts, torque values or artwork for a Ram 1500.

On the 2019-2026 RAM 1500, chrysler recalled 1,271,294 RAM 1500 pickups covering model years 2019 through 2026 because the second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed — the buckle anchor was not attached to the body structure as designed. In a crash the anchor can pull free and the belt will not restrain the rear-seat occupant. NHTSA recorded the trucks as non-compliant with FMVSS 210, 'Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.' This is one of the largest campaigns filed against the truck and it reaches all the way into current 2026 production, so a brand-new truck on a dealer lot can be affected. Owner notification letters were expected August 18, 2026 with VINs searchable from August 6, 2026.

On the 2019-2025 RAM 1500, the 2019+ RAM 1500 equipped with the optional four-corner air suspension system experiences compressor failures, air spring leaks, height sensor malfunctions, and control module issues. The truck may sag on one corner, fail to raise/lower, or display "Service Air Suspension System" warnings. The air compressor works constantly trying to compensate for leaks, eventually burning out. Cold weather accelerates air spring rubber deterioration. FCA air-suspension bulletins listed for the Ram 1500 include S1902000008 (compressor module assembly replacement), S2208000197 ('Service Air Suspension' cluster message) and 0812723 (air suspension control module flash). Individual air spring replacement costs $300-600 per corner, compressor replacement is $800-1,500, and a full system overhaul can exceed $3,000.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, rAM 1500s equipped with the optional 4-corner air suspension (common on Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, Rebel) suffer recurring failures. The most common is air-bag micro-leaks (usually a rear bag) that make the compressor run continuously to keep up; the overworked compressor draws in humid air, ingests moisture that freezes in the air lines/dryer in winter, and the system collapses with a 'Service Air Suspension' message. Compressors then fail outright. Owners also report ride-height sensor faults; on 2023 trucks a software bug can falsely flag height sensors as 'stuck' (addressed by TSB 08-152-24). A class action filed in Alberta, Canada covers cold-weather air-suspension failures on 2013-2020 trucks.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500, 2019–2020 5.7L owners report camshaft or lifter repairs after ticking or misfire concerns. One 2019 owner says debris damaged the lower engine and a replacement engine was ordered; another describes continuing problems after cam/lifter repairs. A separate 2021 Rebel owner suspected a similar failure while diagnosis was still unresolved. These accounts do not establish a common mechanism, MDS oiling defect or universal repair. 2019–2021 Ram 1500 DT 5.7L HEMI owner-report scope, with the 2021 account explicitly unconfirmed. Not the 3.6L Pentastar or EcoDiesel. One thread reports P0303 before camshaft replacement; this does not qualify every misfire or justify unrelated code tags.

On the 2009, 2011, 2013-2024 RAM 1500, on the RAM 1500, P0011 is overwhelmingly a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) fault on the 5.7L Hemi, and secondarily on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The Hemi uses a single central cam phaser fed oil pressure through one oil control valve (the VVT solenoid, mounted at the front of the engine near the timing cover). The PCM commands the phaser to a target intake-cam angle and monitors the actual angle via the cam/crank sensors. When the solenoid's fine oil screen clogs with sludge/varnish, or the solenoid sticks, oil flow to the phaser is no longer regulated and the intake cam advances past the commanded position — the PCM flags P0011 (over-advanced, bank 1). The root cause is almost always oil-related: extended oil-change intervals, low level, or off-spec/thick oil that will not flow through the small VVT passages, especially on cold starts. On higher-mileage Hemis, a P0011 (often alongside P0016/P000B) can also be the leading edge of the well-known Hemi cam/lifter wear failure — wear metal contaminating the oil seizes the phaser and solenoid, so P0011 should not be dismissed as 'just a solenoid' on a ticking, high-mileage engine.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500, dT owners report heavy steering and a Power Steering Unavailable Service Required warning, sometimes with assist returning and failing again. A 2019 Big Horn owner reports connector corrosion and rack-and-pinion replacement; a 2021 owner reports EPS module failure. These accounts do not establish one cause, a universal rack repair or a manufacturer-confirmed defect. 2019–2021 Ram 1500 DT owner-report span, with explicit reports from 2019 and 2021 trucks. The older 2015–2016 DS steering recall does not establish coverage for these DT trucks. No failure rate or generalized diagnostic-code list is supported.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500, bulletin 08-137-21 Rev. B addresses vibration or noise during low-speed right turns. The stated repair is an EPS software update, not automatic steering-rack replacement. 2019–2021 Ram 1500 DT built on or before February 25, 2021. This bulletin does not establish a 2022 repair or a universal cause for steering noise.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500, bulletin 23-074-23 attributes the documented third brake/cargo lamp leak to degraded gasket material. Water may appear on the headliner or at the back of the cab. Other entry points require separate diagnosis. 2019–2021 Ram 1500 DT with cargo and CHMSL lamp sales code LPE, built on or after October 1, 2017 and before December 31, 2020. Warranty extension XG1 is 10 years/150,000 miles from in-service date, subject to VIN and regional terms; year alone does not qualify a truck.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500, bulletin 23-098-23 describes a crack at an upper corner of the sliding rear-window frame or a water leak at the top of the backlite. The illustrated crack is in the frame, not shattered glass. 2019–2021 Ram 1500 DT built on or before September 30, 2020 with rear power sliding window GFE or manual sliding window GFD. XL1 coverage is limited to 8 years/150,000 miles from in-service date and the applicable warranty terms; this is not a recall or blanket coverage for 2022–2024.

On the 2019-2022 RAM 1500, owners report peeling or wrinkled coating near the grille, clear-coat bubbles and paint chips on bumper, grille and hood areas. The reports do not establish a common factory defect: one dealer attributed a 2022 complaint to road chips, and members questioned prior wrapping or refinishing in other threads. 2019–2022 Ram 1500 DT owner-report span, with year-specific reports from 2019, 2020 and 2022 and a separate Rebel bumper discussion. No 2021-specific report was found in this source set. Different trim coatings and any previous paint work must be assessed; this span is not a failure-rate claim.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500, 2019 Big Horn and Lone Star owners report a tailgate that clicks or intermittently refuses to open. One owner reports dealer cleaning and lubrication without a documented lasting result. A separate search-result-only account concerns a 2021 Laramie split tailgate; it does not establish the same hardware or remedy. Owner reports from 2019 conventional-tailgate trucks and a 2021 Laramie multifunction split-tailgate search result. No 2020-specific report is present in this source set. The illustration depicts conventional striker clearance only; it does not show split-gate hardware. Recall ZB8 excludes multifunction tailgate MWK and requires its own VIN/equipment check.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can experience harsh shifting, hesitation, and jerky behavior. Some units have failed prematurely. Early model years (2013-2016) seem most affected. Multiple TSBs have been issued for software updates.

On the 2021 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque (EZL), bulletin 21-055-24 addresses a 2021 5.7L eTorque/8HP75 software condition requiring a check-engine light and P0731. It also describes a severe 1–2 upshift bump at high engine rpm/low vehicle speed or inability to select the desired gear with steering-wheel controls. 2021 Ram 1500 DT with 5.7L EZL eTorque and 8HP75 transmission sales code DFR or DFV. The bulletin requires MIL illumination and P0731; it is not blanket 2019–2025 harsh-shift or torque-converter coverage.

On the 2013-2023 RAM 1500, rAM 1500s with the ZF-based 8-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 845RE / 850RE, 8HP70/8HP75) commonly develop torque-converter clutch shudder. It feels like a slight-to-heavy vibration or 'driving over rumble strips' at part throttle and light acceleration, typically 15-50 mph as the converter approaches lock-up. Owners frequently report it around the 70,000-80,000 mile range, often tied to degraded fluid friction-modifier and/or worn/glazed torque-converter clutch material. Severe cases drop into limp mode (stuck in a single gear, often reported as 4th, with a CEL). Harsh 1-2/2-3 upshifts are also reported and are often resolved by a TCM software reflash.

On the 2019-2022 RAM 1500, bulletin 08-144-22 lists transfer-case DTCs, traction-control indication and some blinking 4WD indications. Several clicking, bump and Service 4WD conditions are restricted to 2019–2020 trucks; the bulletin does not diagnose a failed shift motor from these symptoms alone. North American 2019–2022 Ram 1500 DT built on or before April 26, 2022 with DH8, DH9 or DHZ transfer case. Two-wheel-drive trucks are excluded. C1403-92 and the listed clicking/bump/Service 4WD branches have 2019–2020 limits.

On the 2009-2023 RAM 1500, ram 1500 rear (and sometimes front) differential pinion seals weep gear oil at the pinion flange, leaving residue on the driveshaft yoke and a wet spot at the front of the diff. The leak itself is minor, but improper repair is the bigger problem: if the pinion nut is not torqued correctly (and a fresh crush spacer used), the pinion bearing preload is wrong and a whine develops weeks later — whine on acceleration points to the pinion gear, whine on deceleration/coast points to a worn pinion bearing. Owners report the leak around 60k-70k miles and follow-on whining after a dealer reseal.

On the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, bulletin 09-001-24 describes cold ticking from the exhaust manifold area. A technician confirms a crack, distinguishing it from a normal casting parting line or fin; the bulletin is not evidence that every HEMI has broken bolts. 2019–2024 Ram 1500 DT with 5.7L EZL eTorque or EZH engines. This bulletin does not establish coverage for the older 2009–2018 claims carried in the historical record.

On the 2019-2021 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8, 2019 and 2020 5.7L owners report coolant loss or a suspected pump leak; a 2019 owner later described replacing the pump, while the 2020 account reports continued smell or drips after pump and other cooling-system work. A 2021 Rebel report is available only as a search-result excerpt. These accounts do not establish a universal shaft-seal defect or a guaranteed cure. 2019–2021 Ram 1500 DT 5.7L owner reports. The 2021 Rebel account is Search result only; page not opened. STAR S2307000002 is a general suspected-coolant-leak diagnostic note, not proof of a defect, a recall or expanded model-year coverage.

On the 2011-2021 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8, ram 1500 5.7L HEMI trucks commonly throw P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) and P0430 (Bank 2). On these engines the most frequent true cause is not a worn catalyst but an exhaust leak — a cracked exhaust manifold or broken manifold bolts (the same source as the cold-start tick) — which lets the downstream O2 sensor read incorrectly, or a failing downstream O2 sensor itself. The actual catalytic converter can also degrade with age/oil contamination. Because the converter is expensive, misdiagnosis leads owners to replace the cat unnecessarily before ruling out manifold leaks and O2 sensors.

On the 2013-2022 RAM 1500, the front-mounted A/C condenser on 4th- and 5th-gen Ram 1500 trucks develops refrigerant leaks from corrosion and tiny pinholes. Once refrigerant escapes, the system blows warm and the compressor can stop cooling or shut down to protect itself. Owners report oily residue on the condenser fins and progressively weaker A/C, especially in hot weather.