Makes›Ram›1500›2021

2021 Ram 1500

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Ram 1500
Pictured: 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, front 2.28.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD, Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 4X4, Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD, Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 33 hwy
Length
229.1–242.1 in
Curb weight
4,800–5,232 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
15 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2021 standard pickup truck (19.8 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints683 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 80 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 233 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 145-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,971 lb (Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway), 31% better than the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 19.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 15 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 683 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2021

  • Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 1500 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD233.1 in79.5 in77.6 in144.5 in68.5 / 68.1 in4,971 lb57/43
Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 4X4233.1 in79.5 in77.6 in144.5 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,130 lb57/43
Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD242.1 in79.5 in77.6 in153.5 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,020 lb57/43
Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4242.1 in79.5 in77.6 in153.5 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,232 lb57/43
Quad Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD229.1 in79.5 in77.6 in140.6 in68.5 / 68.1 in4,800 lb57/43
Quad Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4229.1 in79.5 in77.6 in140.6 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,088 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+31%$3,700390
1500 HFE 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26+31%$3,700384
1500 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+32%$4,000418
1500 HFE 2WD Hybrid3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 23+16%$2,900394
1500 2WD Hybrid3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+11%$3,050407
1500 4WD Hybrid3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+15%$3,200417
1500 Classic 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+1%$3,350450
1500 2WD Hybrid5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-4%$4,000467
1500 4WD Hybrid5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+4%$4,000472
1500 Classic 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+4%$3,550474
1500 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-14%$4,450514
1500 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-7%$4,450523
1500 Classic 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-14%$4,450513
1500 Classic 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-7%$4,450526
1500 TRX 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive10 / 14 / 12-34%$6,850748
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.8 MPG2021 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2021 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2021 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD
Side crash test — 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Ram 1500 (this car)26 MPG★★★★★15
2021 Chevrolet Silverado27 MPGNot rated12
2021 Toyota Tundra15 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Chevrolet Colorado23 MPG★★★★★1
2021 GMC Canyon23 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Nissan Titan18 MPGNot rated5
2021 GMC Sierra26 MPGNot rated10

Recalls (15)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Jul 30, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V495000 · 1,271,294 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Steering › Steering Control Module · Nov 6, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V765000 · 532 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Air Bags · May 8, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V298000 · 71 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices · Oct 10, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V754000 · 31,676 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module · Sep 5, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V653000 · 1,025,432 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Apr 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V265000 · 131,700 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Feb 9, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V059000 · 77,079 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments · Dec 8, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V904000 · 1,224,078 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Engine · Oct 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V767000 · 60,413 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 25, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V638000 · 7,895 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Nov 24, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V925000 · 376 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
Risk
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
Steering › Steering Control Module · Nov 23, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V918000 · 38,157 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Sep 9, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V698000 · 2 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."
Risk
A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Jun 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V438000 · 14,096 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Feb 1, 2021 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 21V037000 · 683 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
Risk
A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

683Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
27Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
23Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine276
Electrical System193
Unknown Or Other103
Power Train96
Fuel/Propulsion System69
Service Brakes54
Steering49
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking46
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1124/12: 625/01: 1325/02: 1725/03: 1225/04: 1925/05: 1925/06: 1225/07: 1025/08: 1425/09: 1725/10: 1125/11: 525/12: 926/01: 926/02: 626/03: 1026/04: 1126/05: 626/06: 1026/07: 926/08: 926/09: 826/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 19

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 276 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 193 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Power Train — 96 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 1500 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 150022–Not rated00
2026 150022233.1 inNot rated9103
2025 150023233.1 inNot rated8365
2024 150023233.1 inNot rated677
2023 150024233.1 inNot rated11203
2022 150026233.1 inNot rated16631
2020 150026233.1 in★★★★★14640
2019 150023233.1 in★★★★★291,494
2018 150023–★★★★★15667
2017 150023–Not rated13884
2016 150024–Not rated161,554
2015 150024–Not rated171,459

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →