2021 Ram 1500: engine overheating

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NM

The vehicle experienced an overheating condition immediately after being picked up from dealership service on April 11, 2026. Within a short distance of driving, a warning appeared and the vehicle became unsafe to operate, requiring it to be pulled over and towed. The dealership later stated that coolant was low but also reported no leaks. This condition should have been identified and corrected while the vehicle was in their custody prior to release. The failure created a safety risk because the vehicle could not be operated safely on the roadway and required immediate removal from traffic. The issue occurred without prior warning before the failure following service.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

I am submitting this complaint to report a significant and unusual mechanical failure involving my 2021 Ram truck. The vehicle experienced a failure of the heater core assembly, which resulted in engine coolant leaking directly into the passenger compartment. This failure caused coolant odor and fluid intrusion inside the cabin and required extensive disassembly of the dashboard and HVAC system to repair. The total cost of repairs exceeded $5,300, which I believe is disproportionate and unexpected for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Two separate repair visits were required as it was found after the heater core was replaced the actuator on the driver’s side was damaged by the ongoing leak and required repair. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. While this incident did not result in an immediate crash or injury, the nature of the failure raises safety and health concerns, including: •Driver distraction due to coolant fumes and loss of defrost capability •Exposure of occupants to engine coolant within the enclosed passenger compartment •Sudden loss of cabin heating and windshield defogging capability in cold weather Given the age of the vehicle and the severity of the failure, this does not appear to be normal wear and tear. I am concerned that this may represent a design, material, or manufacturing defect that could affect other vehicles of the same model year. The odor was present for many months prior to the failure; however, the local dealership could not examine the issue at the time of a prior oil change due to lack of time on that visit. I am submitting this report to document the issue, assist in identifying potential patterns, and ensure appropriate review by the manufacturer and regulatory authorities. Repair invoices and supporting documentation are included.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Transmission · NH

There have been several instances where the vehicle appears to lose traction in 4WD. An error message appears "4WD Overheated Performance Temporarily Reduced". When this message appears, the vehicle is unable to gain traction in snow. Even 1" - 2" of snow is enough to prevent forward movement. In this condition, the rear end of the truck tends to fishtail to the right and left. After checking online, there appears to be many other instances associated with this condition. The dealer replaced the fluid in the differential and transfer case hoping to fix the issue, but the problem persisted. They were unable to reproduce the issue on the second service call. Currently, my vehicle in in the driveway and is unable to move given the 1" of snow present. The truck is being towed to the dealer tomorrow, Jan. 28th, 2026, for them to assess it a third time. I believe the failure is related to the light duty Transfer Case & Transfer Case Motor, but that has not yet been determined by the dealer. I'm having the vehicle towed since losing traction on a slippery road can be dangerous and cause the vehicle to slow/stop and/or lose control along with 4WD.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Visibility · FL

the rear defrost overheated causing the rear windshield to shatter

Filed Jan 8, 2023 · Electrical · IL · fire

I was driving my new 2021 dodge ram 1500 classic and smoke started to come out from under the hood so I pulled over bc I thought it was overheating and then it caught on fire whilst I was still in it I immediately dialed 911 and by the time they arrived my whole truck was on fire from front to back the truck got totaled and I currently don’t know where it is this happened in September of 2022 and the dealership that sold me the truck are refusing to do anything as it was still under warranty.

Filed Aug 12, 2022 · Transmission · MI

The transmission in this vehicle will stick into 3rd gear. I have to pull off the road. Turn it off and then it shifts. Going into 4th gear is lunges and at times I can fell it slip then engine light comes on. Also if I’m sitting idle and put it into reverse it lunges backwards or dosnt engage at all. I turn it off and turn it back on and reverse works. I have noticed on freeway driving it will suddenly downshift and I smell a burning coming through the vents. Dodge has opened a case and I was advised when it was diagnosed that it has Premature 4th gear failure and it would need a updated transmission. I was also advised by the dealership that this is becoming common problem in the 2021 ram with the v6 motor and dodge delivery vans which they had about 15-20 vehicles at this dealership and I was advised it would take 3-4 months before repairs could be completed with the trans work they had. I called other dealerships and they advised the same time frame. Dodge has opened a case on my vehicle and for the past 2 months I have gotten the run around. I was advised by Clarice 3 weeks ago they were going to contact the dealership to order the transmission. I called for a update and was advised no parts were ordered and I would have to bring it in again and leave it until they got to it and they will not give me a loaner to drive. This is become a serious safety issue. If this transmission overheats or fails it could catch on fire or cause a serious accident please help in this matter. It only has 19000 miles on it and Dodge seems like they don’t want to help