What 102 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 2500 Crew Cab

Transmission sometime do not go in gear

NHTSA ODI 11627658

The integrated brake controller fails to provide braking to my travel trailer when attempting to stop. Multiple times this has pushed my truck into an intersection. There are no warning lights or failure messages. The brake controller is configured correctly as the issue has only been occurring the past few months and it was working as intended prior.

NHTSA ODI 11600654

Passenger side seatbelt locked in place and would not release. It continued to retract but would not release. We had to use the emergency release mechanism at the base to get the passenger free from the seatbelt. This was super scary. The seatbelt is in perfect condition, the truck has never been in an accident or had any other issues. It has been perfectly maintained. We took the vehicle into the closest dealer and they stated that it was a known issue and charged us $200 to replace a solenoid part. We googled the issue and found thousands of people that had the same issue. We called Chrysler Ram at 800-853-1403 and they said there wasn't a recall for this truck specifically, but it was very similar to several other recalls for seatbelts for the same year and model of truck; however there was nothing that they could do to help.

NHTSA ODI 11597310

The passenger side seat belt retractor failed on this truck a couple of months ago. We had the parts replaced by the local dealer and did not think anything about it until our second truck also had the same issue and seriously hurt my mother. Report number 11597310. As the same part failed on two different trucks in a short period of time, we googled the issue and found lots of other RAM truck owners complaining of the same issue. We called RAM and they said there is no recall for the issue and there was nothing they would do. If this part fails, causing the retractor to lock and continue to "rachet" down on the passenger is could cause serious harm to people. My mother was hurt and we had to force the emergency release at the base of the seatbelt to get her out. If a person is alone in the vehicle when this part fails there is no way they could escape and it could cause a fatality.

NHTSA ODI 11597312

The leather dash cover is peeling/ separating from the dash panel. The way it is peeling I don’t believe the passenger airbag will deploy properly. There are seams that should split when the airbag deploys, but I think with the leather pealing it will just push the cover up and direct the airbag in the wrong direction.

NHTSA ODI 11595820

When placing the truck in first gear to control speeds on steep declines both on and off road the vehicle's RPMS will climb significantly and the truck will accelerate abruptly under it's own power until it reaches 21-25mph. At which point the RPM's come down and truck begins to slow as expected. Once truck reaches a speed of 11mph the RPM's begin to climb again and the truck accelerates(Not due to gravity, but accelerates under it's own power) aggressively. It will continue to do this pattern until you either reach flat ground or switch gears. Safety is at risk due to uncontrolled descent down steep mountain passes. Constantly having to apply breaks to prevent the truck from going off the road. This safety liability is exacerbated when towing a trailer. I have reported the issue to the dealer multiple times with their claim that the vehicle is behaving as expected. I have not experienced this with any other vehicle. This is not common vehicle behavior. No warning Lamps, Messages or Other symptoms. Reproducible on any hill with steep enough descent.

NHTSA ODI 11593628

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11593085

The contact owned a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a cow, causing the front bumpers to bend 2 ft. inward. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises on the left arm, on the shoulder, on the chest, on the right elbow and on the right knee. The contact did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was awaiting to be totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

NHTSA ODI 11589293

While driving in stop & go traffic traveling at speeds less than 15mph, when I stepped on the brake pedal to slow / stop my RAM, the brake pedal failed to activate the brakes and the vehicle continue in a forward motion causing my RAM to collide with the vehicle traveling in front of me. After the collision, my RAM pushed the vehicle I hit into the center shoulder of the freeway. My RAM continued its forward motion (up an shallow grade) for another 1/4 mi. My constant stabbing and continual pressure failed to stop or slow my RAM. I eventually I brought my vehicle to a stop by depressing the "emergency brake pedal". While I was attempting to stop my RAM in appeared the throttle continued to deliver the engine power even though my right foot was on the brake pedal.

NHTSA ODI 11588347

My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an Electrical system recall and shows to have been completed. (Safety Recall 13A/NHTSA 23V-060) If this recall was completed, maybe something else needs to be checked out. The truck is currently at a dealership to be repaired, but I will still be scared of it catching on fire because the dealership cannot tell me why or how the fire started. 03

NHTSA ODI 11580670

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be updated. The ECM was updated but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,510.

NHTSA ODI 11578857

3 months ago at around 23,000 miles, my truck had a P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire code, dealership “reset” the vehicle and code didn’t return. 3 weeks ago, cylinder 2 started having a loud tapping noise after the vehicle was fully warmed up. Vehicle has been at the dealership for 1 week with zero communication from the dealership or from the RAM caseworker. No rental car has been offered.

NHTSA ODI 11572681

I have multiple safety recalls on my vehicle. I contacted the local dealership about 8 months ago and they said I was added to their waiting list. I hadn't heard anything so I contacted them today and they said it would be another 6 months. I then contacted FCA Recall Assistance Center as noted on the recall and they said they couldn't do anything since I was already on a waiting list. I'm find in unacceptable that it takes almost two years to get an "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" resolved.

NHTSA ODI 11572194

The rear camera displayed in the 12” display goes full blast bright when reverse is selected at night. It blows out your night vision and makes it extremely difficult to see outside the vehicle via the mirrors. There is no dimming option available. The problem has been reported to FCA via “ram cares” and there has been no resolution over the last year.

NHTSA ODI 11560458

I have been on a waiting list for more than 6 months at Christopher’s dodge world in golden Colorado for completion of mandatory safety recalls on my vehicle. The parts are available and these critical safety recalls have not been performed. I receive automated messages from FCA informing me that these recalls are required yet never have received a call from the dealer to actually schedule them. I have been told the parts are unavailable when I call and that I am deep down a waiting list and “I will be contacted when my number comes up”. I have contacted “ram cares” via automotive forums and they are no help either. The recalls keep piling up on vehicle vin [XXX] They are a fire risk and safety risk and FCA acknowledges this yet over a year and a half later my vehicle has never been able to be seen for completion of these required recalls. The recalls currently incomplete are: Z20 ZA3 ZB8 13A INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11560461

I have attempted to get 2 recalls that require parts completed at my local Ram dealer who has called me both times saying that the parts were in, and they were ready to schedule the appointment to complete the recalls. The first appointment was on September 25th, 2023, and when the vehicle was checked in, I was informed they had no parts to complete 2 of the 3 recalls that existed at that time. They completed the recall that required no parts and said I was put back on the list for the ones that required parts with no answer of why the parts were not available (I had been put on the list for the parts in June). I received another call in the middle of November that the parts were in and scheduled an appointment for the 18th of December. I called the dealer today to confirm (11th of December) the parts were in fact available and was told they were not because I did not answer my phone, to of which I replied I already had an appointment scheduled for those parts. The only remedy the dealer offered was to be placed back on the parts list for the third time. I then called FCA's recall center twice and was told both times my only remedy was to get back on the parts list again for parts they said was readily available or try another dealer. The grid heater relay has already had 2 previous recalls completed and I have been trying to not park near structures following the recall directions for a long time now until this gets resolved.

NHTSA ODI 11559593

I recently bought this truck used from a Ford dealership. The next day when I was taking my wife for a short drive. I noticed the engine light was on the dash display. I the same time the truck started accelerating Like it was on cruise control and returning to a higher speed. The cruse control was not set when I tried to access the cruse control I would get the message that it was unavailable at this time. I had to stop the truck and turn the truck off. When I restarted the engine light was still on, but the acceleration stopped. I drove to the dealership to see if they had any information or recalls but by the time, I got there the engine light was off and their computer did not tell them anything. This has now happened two times. The dealership says I must bring the Truck in while this is happening. for them to get a reading. This is not my primary vehicle, and I don't drive it all the time and it is 45 minutes from any dealership. The uncontrolled acieration is a safety issue. The problem has not been reproduced Dealer thay had no idea what was happening. The warning lamp engine and the cruse control not available message., I am wondering if anyone else has had the problem?

NHTSA ODI 11555957

Back up camera glitch’s I have a video, and I tried to submit photos but it kept say they were to large

NHTSA ODI 11554105

The flexible section of the exhaust coming from the engine that connects to the rigid sections of exhaust that contains the DPF components developed a hole in it. I reported that exhaust was smelled inside my cab and that sooty smoke could be seen coming up by my passenger side front window for almost a month. The Ram dealership told me the first two times I took it there that it was normal for regens to create smokey conditions. It was not til the third trip to the dealer, after being treated for bronchitis, GI problems, and extreme fatigue with elevated levels of CO in my blood that they finally lifted the truck and found an exhaust leak. I am concerned that the excessive regens caused by the faulty PM sensor that they just fixed caused the section of exhaust to fail. And if it is a widespread issue, others may also be exposed to dangerous levels of diesel exhaust.

NHTSA ODI 11552373

Safety Recall ZB8. had recall work done, which according to the instructions, does not address the latching of tailgate. tailgate had unintended opening yesterday, resulting in a $4000 tool falling out of vehicle. dealership said to call Ram, Ram says dealership issue since they did recall.

NHTSA ODI 11547328

ABS and traction control is not working intermittently Blinkers are not working Windshield wipers are not working Cruise control is not working Gear electronic (+/-) is not working -Service electronic stability control light is on intermittently -Service trailer brake system light is on intermittently -When towing heavy load I see a leak under hood. I'm extremely worried about driving my truck. Please advise. Called multiple dealers, conflicting what has to be done. Is it covered under warranty/recall?

NHTSA ODI 11546950

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11543864

I recently had an issue with the wiring in the passenger seat of my 2021 RAM 2500 (Longhorn Edition) with interior heated/cooled seats. My passenger seat had a wiring short which caused the seat cushion to ignite. With some quick searching, it appears that I am not alone in this event. In fact, it appears at least a couple people have had their entire truck burn. I am sure that this specific model is not the only one with this wiring set up in the seats. I was wondering if you have collected any data on these events to date? Thank you for your help.

NHTSA ODI 11542890

On February 9 2023 Ram issued a recall on my vehicle Ram 2500. In that recall it was noted “ An electrical short in the relay can potentially lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off” further owners were advised to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings. This requirement is a burden on vehicle owners and subjects the vehicle to additional risks including weather (hail, extreme heat, and paint oxidization) and other risks such as vandalism and theft. You would think stellantis would have a sense of urgency to complete these recalls, they obviously do not. I have contacted the dealer Waxahachie Ram multiple times to only receive the same answer… we don’t have the part, we only get one every two weeks, we’ll call ya. Reading consumer complaints on NHTSA, multiple consumers have had the same experience. A manufacturer issuing a recall is meaningless if they don’t repair the vehicles. Stellantis has demonstrated they have total disregard for the consumers who owns these affected vehicles by exceeding a reasonable amount of time to perform these repairs and keeping consumers in unsafe vehicles. Unlike your other complaints, I ask NHTSA to not just contact the manufacture and fall for their “parts distribution disconnect” response. This is clearly a failure on Stellantis to repair a recall on a reportedly 306k vehicles recall. I ask the NHTSA not to just call Stellantis but to investigate the actions and inactions they have taken to timely complete these repairs. Investigate if there is a financial benefit to Stellantis to delay these repairs. Investigate if the replacement part is identical to the ones used on newly manufactured rams and if so investigate why those units would have an available part or get priority at the dealership (vehicle sale?)vs essentially no parts available for the already sold units. Is Stellantis allocating these parts to timely repair the affected vehicles? A real investigation needs to find out!

NHTSA ODI 11541283

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11537351