2021 Ram 1500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD | 233.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 144.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 4,971 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 4X4 | 233.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 144.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,130 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD | 242.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 153.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,020 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4 | 242.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 153.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,232 lb | 57/43 |
| Quad Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD | 229.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 140.6 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 4,800 lb | 57/43 |
| Quad Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4 | 229.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 140.6 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,088 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +31% | $3,700 | 390 |
| 1500 HFE 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +31% | $3,700 | 384 |
| 1500 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +32% | $4,000 | 418 |
| 1500 HFE 2WD Hybrid | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | +16% | $2,900 | 394 |
| 1500 2WD Hybrid | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +11% | $3,050 | 407 |
| 1500 4WD Hybrid | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 417 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +1% | $3,350 | 450 |
| 1500 2WD Hybrid | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -4% | $4,000 | 467 |
| 1500 4WD Hybrid | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +4% | $4,000 | 472 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 474 |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -14% | $4,450 | 514 |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -7% | $4,450 | 523 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -14% | $4,450 | 513 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -7% | $4,450 | 526 |
| 1500 TRX 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 10 / 14 / 12 | -34% | $6,850 | 748 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover 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% |
Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ram 1500 (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Silverado | 27 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2021 Toyota Tundra | 15 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 GMC Canyon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Nissan Titan | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (15)
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.
Not every 2021 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 276 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 193 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 96 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 1500 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 1500 | 22 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 103 |
| 2025 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 365 |
| 2024 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 77 |
| 2023 1500 | 24 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 11 | 203 |
| 2022 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 16 | 631 |
| 2020 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 640 |
| 2019 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 29 | 1,494 |
| 2018 1500 | 23 | – | ★★★★★ | 15 | 667 |
| 2017 1500 | 23 | – | Not rated | 13 | 884 |
| 2016 1500 | 24 | – | Not rated | 16 | 1,554 |
| 2015 1500 | 24 | – | Not rated | 17 | 1,459 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →