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2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Trx
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
654 owner complaints · 0 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
Engine problems dominate (41% of complaints, typically reported near 5k miles).
Zero recalls, rare for a car this age.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file for this model year, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Trx, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Brakes (71)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
41%270 complaints · typically near 5k mi · 76 in the last 2 years
“Loud winning sounds in engine, louder during excelleration. Dealer service center found the eTorque to be bad and i was told not to drive it. And there is no fix or pa…”
Electrical system
29%189 complaints · typically near 9k mi · 86 in the last 2 years
“2021 Ram 1500, rear window leaked after it rained. (Common problem with these trucks, even a class action law suit because of this issue). Leak was bad enough to cause…”
Transmission & drivetrain
15%95 complaints · typically near 12k mi · 37 in the last 2 years
“I am experiencing a severe, life-threatening stalling issue with my 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. While driving at low speeds through a nei…”
Fuel system
14%90 complaints · typically near 10k mi · 19 in the last 2 years
“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 war…”
Recalls (0)
No recall campaigns on file for this model year.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Ram 1500 CREW CAB TRX beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every 1500 Crew Cab Trx model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Trx against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.