The vehicle dossier US · 2021
2021 Ram
3500Problems & recalls
62 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 28 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 62 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 6 years with reports.
60,000 miles is the median among 11 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 24,000–77,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
9 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULECampaign 25V765000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 14C
Read campaign 25V765000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDSCampaign 23V060000
A park-outside advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Reported concern
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.
Manufacturer campaign: 13A
Read campaign 23V060000 at NHTSASTRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTSCampaign 22V904000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: ZB8
Read campaign 22V904000 at NHTSAPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONCampaign 22V835000
Reported concern
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Manufacturer campaign: ZA3
Read campaign 22V835000 at NHTSAELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Campaign 22V140000
Reported concern
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Manufacturer campaign: Z20
Read campaign 22V140000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAINCampaign 21V925000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: Y99
Read campaign 21V925000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDSCampaign 21V798000
A park-outside advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Reported concern
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.
Manufacturer campaign: Y76
Read campaign 21V798000 at NHTSAWHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDSCampaign 21V398000
Reported concern
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
Manufacturer campaign: Y26, Y36
Read campaign 21V398000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEMCampaign 21V163000
Reported concern
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.
Manufacturer campaign: Y08
Read campaign 21V163000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
585 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
9100901Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.NHTSA ID 11037344
Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11037344 at NHTSA114254RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA ID 11036754
RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036754 at NHTSA114255RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA ID 11036753
RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036753 at NHTSA113744SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEEDNHTSA ID 11035981
SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035981 at NHTSA113742SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEEDNHTSA ID 11035980
SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035980 at NHTSA113276CORE – HEATERNHTSA ID 11035075
CORE – HEATER
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035075 at NHTSA113277CORE – HEATERNHTSA ID 11035074
CORE – HEATER
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035074 at NHTSA113069SWITCH – HEADLAMPNHTSA ID 11034910
SWITCH – HEADLAMP
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034910 at NHTSA113070SWITCH – HEADLAMPNHTSA ID 11034909
SWITCH – HEADLAMP
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034909 at NHTSAS2208000045 REV.DBackup Camera Poor Image Quality InspectionNHTSA ID 11034385
Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034385 at NHTSA9100841 Rev 1If customer concern diagnosis leads to suspect u-joint issue with the prop shaft, u-joint service kit should be utilized to fix concern. Prop shaft replacement would not be required.NHTSA ID 11034380
If customer concern diagnosis leads to suspect u-joint issue with the prop shaft, u-joint service kit should be utilized to fix concern. Prop shaft replacement would not be required.
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034380 at NHTSA113066OUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATERNHTSA ID 11034376
OUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034376 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
High pressure fuel pump failureEA23001
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337
Campaign reference in the source: 24V957
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