2021 RAM 3500 Problems: 8 Known Issues
2021 model year · 11,150+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 11,150+ owner reports, the 2021 RAM 3500 has 8 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing ($400-$8,000 repair), Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder ($300-$3,500 repair) and AAM 9.25 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure ($200-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 8 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls22 recalls
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common RAM 3500 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 11,150+ owner reports, the 2021 RAM 3500 has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing, Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder, AAM 9.25 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the RAM 3500 reliable?
The 2021 RAM 3500 has 8 known issues documented across 11,150+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing and Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder and AAM 9.25 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common RAM 3500 problems?
Repair costs for known RAM 3500 issues range from $50 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing, typically costs $400-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2024 RAM 3500 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing?
The 2007-2024 RAM 3500 with the 68RFE 6-speed automatic transmission suffers from premature failure when towing heavy loads (over 10,000 lbs). The 68RFE is a derivative of the older 545RFE and was not adequately engineered for the torque output of the 6.7L Cummins. The overdrive… Repairs typically run $400-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder?
The RAM 3500 equipped with the Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission experiences torque converter shudder, overheating when towing, delayed shifts, and premature wear. The torque converter lockup clutch develops a shudder at light throttle and highway speeds. When towing he… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 AAM 9.25 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure?
The RAM 3500 4x4 with the AAM (American Axle Manufacturing) 9.25 front axle experiences premature front axle seal leaks and u-joint failures. Differential fluid leaks from the inner axle seals, contaminating the front brakes. The front axle u-joints wear out prematurely, especial… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues?
The RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins equipped with the integrated exhaust brake system experiences failures of the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) actuator and exhaust brake solenoid. The exhaust brake uses the VGT turbo vanes to create backpressure for engine braking while towing. The… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Grid Heater Relay Failure (6.7L Cummins)?
The intake grid heater relay fails, preventing the grid heater from warming intake air during cold starts. The grid heater draws significant current (up to 200 amps), and the relay contacts eventually burn and weld or fail open. Without the grid heater, cold-start performance deg… Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure (6.7L Cummins)?
The factory exhaust manifold bolts on the 6.7L Cummins break due to repeated thermal expansion and contraction cycles. Broken bolts allow the manifold to separate from the cylinder head, creating exhaust leaks that produce a ticking noise and reduce turbo efficiency. The center b… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014, 2018-2022 RAM 3500 Front Hub and Bearing Assembly Wears Out Early, Causing Hum and Wheel Play?
The front wheel bearing on the RAM 3500 comes as a hub-and-bearing assembly, and Ram lists it as one part ("Hub and Bearing, Brake, Front"), so a worn bearing means replacing the whole hub. Owners report these hubs wearing out at a wide range of mileages. A 2019 3500 with the 6.4… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 5th Wheel / Gooseneck Prep Wiring Corrosion?
The factory 5th wheel and gooseneck towing prep wiring harness corrodes at the in-bed connector junction, particularly where it connects to the 7-pin and 4-pin trailer connectors under the bed. Water intrusion from rain, truck washes, and bed spray deteriorates the connector term… Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.