Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. Once I come to a stop, the e-brake is automatically applied and the vehicle will not restart or respond to any inputs from the keyfob. Vehicle is towed to nearest dealer, am told that the issue is related to an open recall that they have fixed and is now operating as normal. Less than one week later, the exact same thing occurs again, once again while traveling at highway speeds. Is towed into another dealer for service, and it is identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced due to a water leak. Repair is completed and vehicle returns to normal operation. 10/16/26 I attempt to start the vehicle with no success. After evaluating for a dead battery the vehicle is once again towed to a dealer (the same one that serviced it the first time). It is again identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced again due to a water leak around the back glass. I point out the Warranty Bulletin D-23-17 that would cover my vehicle and pertains to back glass water leaks. Am told by the dealer and Ram customer care that it does not in fact apply to my vehicle based on manufacturing date, despite it directly conflicting with the dates reflected on the notice. The TSB and the Warranty Bulletin appear to have conflicting dates for manufacture on them. This is incredibly deceptive behavior by Ram and should be looked into further. I have identified at least 8 previous complaints submitted to the federal safety agency pertaining to the water leak/RF Module issue within the last 18 months along with acknowledgement from multiple service advisors at the dealerships that it is a known issue, yet no recall has been issued for it. Due to the potential and documented history of this leading to sudden power loss, it is merely a matter of time before this results in severe injury or loss of life.
2021 Ram 1500: water leaks into the cabin
19 of the 690 complaints about the 2021 Ram 1500 describe water leaks into the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Water leaks into the cabin by model year
What owners say
Rear window frame cracked at both corners- water leaks inside of vehicle during rain. This can affect electrical components that are at the rear cab inside the truck. I noticed this a month ago but dont know how long it has been there.
There is water coming into the vehicles cab via the rear window and is getting electrical components under the rear window wet. Took vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. Concluded water coming into cab of vehicle from top of rear glass. Frame of window is likely culprit. General concern 05CHZ-01 THIS IS A VERY KNOWN ISSUE
I took my truck into the dealership for the second time because my tpms module was not functioning correctly. I would get an error about a mile into my travels saying it was unavailable. My second appointment the technician found the rear windshield is leaking water down through the back driver side and dripping water onto the module. Ram issued a previous recall for cars manufactured on or before Sept 30 2020. My truck was manufactured Nov 4 2020. The problem is the same but my truck some how was manufactured after the supposed fix date. It’s clear if you read on ram forums that tons of people are having the same issue. Rams fix is just sealing it but I have to pay out of pocket due to their failure of admitting the recall should go past Sept 30 2020 manufacture date.
2021 ram 1500 rear window seal is failing , water leaking in cab creating mold under floor mats.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was water leaking from the third brake light and had leaked onto the battery pack control module and RF hub, and the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,259.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated there was rainwater leaking into the rear passenger’s side cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the third brake light and applied sealant; however, the leak persisted. The contact was informed by the dealer that the leak failure may be caused by a faulty frame or window. No further information was available. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine, and while at the dealer the contact was informed that the exhaust manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the bolts inside the exhaust manifold were inadequate and were prone to failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,700. The VIN was not available.
Water leaked into their vehicle into my Ram 1500 cabin. Water leaks from the third brake light above the rear window into the cabin. It caused the Radiofrequency hub to short circuit, and my vehicle wouldn't turn on; it killed my battery, and when I replaced my battery, it automatically drained. Also an issue in the cab is the following: bad odors, smells, and mildew. I have children and not knowing that there is mildew growing in my vehicle is a major health concern.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the cabin of the vehicle near the windshield on the upper left and right corners. The third brake light on the rear windshield had moisture inside the housing, causing the leak into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed the floorboard was wet. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 29,300.
On [XXX], my husband tried to start the truck and nothing would happen. We originally thought the key fob battery was bad, changed the battery and the truck still would not start. We had it towed to the Singing River Chrysler dealership in Florence, Alabama and they told us the Radio Frequency Hub/wireless receiver (located in the back of the cab) was bad due to a water leak. This truck is kept under a carport when it is not driven it was a shock to us that water could have caused the issue. They also informed us there was a bulletin posted on how to fix it. This problem causes the vehicle to shut down, with no steering, with no brakes, if an individual is driving in the rain and this happens it would cause an accident and potentially lives lost. There needs to be some kind of recall to have it fixed. At this time it is going to cost $1,000.00 to fix a manufacturer defect that I should not have to pay for. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Cluster Message “To Operate Tailgate Shift to Park” Vehicle is In Park
- Switch – headlamp
- Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
- Instrument Panel Delamination Customers may comment on the following: ● Wrinkles or bubbles in the...
- Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot
- For Dealer awareness, HD truck, eliminate 1 of 2 M8 Joints for Sidestep bracket to Body Attachment, Bolt...
- Handle
- Grille - speaker
Related recalls
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
- Risk
- An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Recall number 22V904000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Ram 1500 water leak
Is water leaks into the cabin a common problem on the 2021 Ram 1500?
19 of 690 owner complaints about the 2021 Ram 1500 (3%) mention water leaks into the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ram 1500?
There is 1 recall and 105 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Ram 1500
Stalling 132Check engine light 51Loss of power 34Fuel pump 28ABS 21Power steering loss 19Backup camera 18Engine failure 17Won't start 17Key fob 12No deployment 10Screen failure 9Jerking 8Start-stop 8Warning lights 8Airbag light 7Grinding brakes 7Fuel smell 7Won't shift 7Battery drain 6Overheating 6Adaptive cruise 5Fire or smoke 5Hesitation 5Steering lock-up 5Whining noise 5
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