2021 Ram 1500: engine failure

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Steering · 85,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized in place and failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

MGU unit failed / car seized in the middle of the road - sent in to be repaired Unsafe to be stuck in the middle of the road, could not even put the car in neutral to push out of the road Known problem that RAM and Stellantis know about and are not placing warnings. We were told by the dealership we were 5,000 in line for a new part and that it would take a year. No warnings, truck ran perfectly before

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine · IA

The Check Engine Light came on and the truck would misfire and stall. We took it to 2 separate mechanics - Mechanic 1 (Certified Sideros Automotive): It was found that the multiple cam shaft lobes were flattened and ground due to a failed lifter, recommendation - replace engine. Mechanic 2 (Stew Hansens Ram): Check Engine Light came on, multiple cylinder miss fire. Using a bore scope inspected cylinder walls, found a very small crak allowing coolant to slowly bleed into the system, recommendation - replace engine We replaced the engine with a rebuilt engine at a cost of $7,677.58. This should not happen to a truck that is only 4 years old. Its a 2021 and the engine was replaced 5/2025. We were not aware of any recalls but we did have the dealership clear all recalls on the new engine such as the engine software update after it was installed.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Electrical · 45,070 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while reversing approximately 3 MPH into a parking space, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and all four wheels locked up. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the radio frequency module had been short circuited by water that had entered the vehicle either from the rear sliding window or the rear brake light assembly located at the rear and on top of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,070.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Engine · ME

I just recently purchased this vehicle about a month ago. It had 39,000 miles when I bought it. This past weekend I was changing the oil and found out that the oil pan was rusted through. It was oil seeping from the pan. My concern is that if I hadn't noticed that and a rock hit it, the oil could've drained from the pan and seized the motor. Which ultimately could've caused an accident. I had it towed to a dealer. They told me that it was not covered under warranty. I approved the work because I need my vehicle back. I filed a complaint with FCA. A quick search online shows that this is a common issue with those vehicles up in the north but when you look at competing vehicles, this doesn't seem to be an issue for them so it's evident to me that FCA uses an inferior part for a critical component.

Filed Feb 13, 2025 · Electrical · 61,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the rear window. The contact stated that the radiofrequency (RF) module had short-circuited. The contact stated that the key fob failed to function as intended and the steering wheel and brakes seized. The contact used the physical key to unlock the door. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiofrequency module (RF) had short-circuited. The radio-frequency module was replaced, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

I am submitting this report to alert the federal safety agency of potential safety violations and undisclosed structural damage, drivetrain modifications, and possible engine replacement regarding my 2021 RAM 1500, which was purchased from Courtesy Chevrolet after being previously owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Unreported Frame Damage & Structural Repairs Multiple inconsistent and unseen frame welds were discovered, indicating prior accident damage and unreported frame repair. Frame welds do not match factory precision welding, suggesting post-factory reinforcement or structural fixes. Undisclosed Transmission Swap from 8-Speed to 6-Speed According to the federal safety agency records and the vehicle’s VIN, my RAM 1500 was manufactured with an 8-speed transmission. After purchase, I discovered that the 8-speed had been swapped for an older 6-speed transmission (6HP70), which was never disclosed. This creates potential drivability and safety concerns, as the truck’s ECU may not be calibrated for the correct transmission. Possible Undisclosed Engine Swap The engine in my truck has multiple ink and paint markings, which are commonly seen on replacement engines. RFID engine label does not provide a matching serial number, making it difficult to confirm if the engine is original. The casting number on the engine sticker is inconsistent with the vehicle’s model year and VIN (2021), raising concerns that it may be from an older model. Engine mount bolts and wiring appear disturbed, suggesting prior removal and reinstallation. If my truck has an older or higher-mileage engine, this impacts performance, emissions compliance, warranty status, and safety. Lack of Maintenance Records & Vehicle History Transparency

Filed Oct 29, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 35,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the anti-slip control, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service Vehicle" and "4-wheel Drive Failure" were displayed. The front wheels of the vehicle seized, causing the vehicle to start pulling to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Steering · 25,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the wheels were turned to the left during the failure. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the service trailer brake message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to release the steering column to place the vehicle on the lift. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion and steering column needed to be replaced, but the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Jul 5, 2023 · Fuel system, Transmission · 300 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop light, the fuel saving feature activated and engine turned off; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart as designed. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after the failure occurred and the vehicle was restarted, the RPM would be elevated; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 29 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions but no cause for the failure was determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300.

Filed Mar 17, 2022 · Transmission · WI

Cause of the incident is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is currently with a Ram dealership for identification of the issue and repair. The incident occurred shortly after I exited an interstate with traveling speed at 70 mph or faster. If this issue had occurred on the interstate the potential for a serious accident would be extremely high. Incident: On March 16, 2022 while driving into work the vehicle seized and would not move. This occurred as I was pulling into the company parking lot at a speed of approximately 5 mph. The vehicle had just come off an interstate and had been traveling approximately 75 mph in congested traffic. Attempts to put the vehicle into Drive, Neutral, or Reverse were unsuccessful. The shifter would automatically move back into Park. I shut the engine off and then restarted. This did not resolve the issue and the truck would not go into any gear. The START/STOP Ignition also would not go to the OFF position when I shut the engine off. It would go to the ACC position only. I noted two different messages on the display when I restarted the engine. "Service Trans Press Brake When Stopped Key Off Engine to Engage Park" and "Service Trailer Brake System". I check the Error Code with an OBD device. The error code was U0402 "Invalid Data Received From TCM". To move the vehicle I disconnected the negative battery lead for 5 minutes and then reattached. This cleared the error and I was able to put the vehicle into drive. I took the vehicle to the dealership and will not drive it until repaired. The dealership had requested I take the vehicle and continue to drive as is to see if the issue would re-occur. I refused this as it could lead to a serious accident and potential loss of life.