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Electrical system

2021 Ram 1500 Electrical problems

Owners have filed 202 complaints about the 2021 Ram 1500's electrical system with NHTSA - 29% of all its complaints, most recently on November 7, 2026. They describe 2 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Complaints
202
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Electrical complaints

Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Complainant [[redacted]], a licensed contractor, master plumber, and master craftsman in [[redacted]], reports an unresolved, hazardous defect pattern on a 2021 RAM 1500 TRX (odometer: ~27,842). The vehicle features a 702-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 requiring specialized auxiliary cooling to prevent acute thermal derating, engine shutdown, and loss of motive power at highway speeds. BeginningXXX, recurring check-engine lights, "Intercooler Coolant Low" warnings, and confirmed DTCs P026E (Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump...

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Performance) and P0EA7 (Auxiliary Coolant Pump Control Circuit Performance) emerged, governed by Stellantis TSB 07-003-22. The vehicle was brought repeatedly to authorized dealer [[redacted]] CDJR ([[redacted]]) under Service Director [[redacted]] for safety remediation. Instead of curing the root electrical and cooling failures, the dealer engaged in a 5-month cycle of clearing codes, withholding Wi-Tech diagnostic logs, and holding the truck across multiple visits for over 45 cumulative days. During these extended holds, the vehicle suffered multiple deep-discharge battery cycles and parasitic drains, further degrading safety-critical electrical modules. The dealer then refused to release the vehicle without payment of an unsubstantiated $1,796.98 balance, unlawfully grounding a compromised vehicle while withholding proof of diagnostic repairs. Despite exhaustive pre-suit efforts, dealer management stonewalled all resolution. Formal complaints were logged with the WA Attorney General (File [redacted]), WA Dept. of Licensing (File [redacted]), and FTC (Report [redacted]). Active civil litigation is pending in Clark County Superior Court (Case [redacted]) with a 12-person jury pursuit. Chronic auxiliary cooling pump failure creates severe sudden shutdown risks in traffic. Federal defect investigation is urgently requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11776429
Electrical systemLights

There are issues where the dash display goes blank and the headlights do not operate properly. The headlights will not switch from dim to bright automatically or manually. At times one or more lights will not even illuminate. It is not a constant problem but intermittent instead. We are not comfortable driving the vehicle after dark because it may happen at any time.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11776224
Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Ram 1500. At the time of purchase in June 2024, the vehicle mileage was 16,203. The vehicle was dealer sale. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy while attempting to trade in the vehicle to another dealer, who presented a Carfax report listing the mileage at 16,244 in May 2024. Additionally, the Carfax report indicated that the vehicle had been serviced every 50,000 miles at Szott M-59 Jeep (6700 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48383). The contact stated the vehicle had never been serviced at Szott M-59 Jeep. The current mileage was 52,517.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11776174
Electrical systemFuel system

A check engine light issue fuel filler neck replace, eism leak detection pump and fuel line bundle

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11774443
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. Once I come to a stop, the e-brake is automatically applied and the vehicle will not restart or respond to any inputs from the keyfob. Vehicle is towed to nearest dealer, am told that the issue is related to an open recall that they have fixed and is now operating as normal. Less than one week later, the exact...

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same thing occurs again, once again while traveling at highway speeds. Is towed into another dealer for service, and it is identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced due to a water leak. Repair is completed and vehicle returns to normal operation. 10/16/26 I attempt to start the vehicle with no success. After evaluating for a dead battery the vehicle is once again towed to a dealer (the same one that serviced it the first time). It is again identified that the RF Module/Hub will need replaced again due to a water leak around the back glass. I point out the Warranty Bulletin D-23-17 that would cover my vehicle and pertains to back glass water leaks. Am told by the dealer and Ram customer care that it does not in fact apply to my vehicle based on manufacturing date, despite it directly conflicting with the dates reflected on the notice. The TSB and the Warranty Bulletin appear to have conflicting dates for manufacture on them. This is incredibly deceptive behavior by Ram and should be looked into further. I have identified at least 8 previous complaints submitted to the NHTSA pertaining to the water leak/RF Module issue within the last 18 months along with acknowledgement from multiple service advisors at the dealerships that it is a known issue, yet no recall has been issued for it. Due to the potential and documented history of this leading to sudden power loss, it is merely a matter of time before this results in severe injury or loss of life.

Filed Incident Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 11772120
Electrical system

I am writing to express my concern about vehicle warranty coverage being provided by RAM (Stellantis NA) on their vehicles. I have a 2021 Ram 1500 which has a motor generator unit (MGU) which has failed due to a defect with the bearings. This has been diagnosed by the dealership and identified as covered under the emissions warranty. This diagnosis was made by Kolosso Ram in Appleton, Wisconsin in June of 2026. At this time I was advised that it could be a 6 to 8 month wait for parts because of a parts shortage due...

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to the demand for the replacement part. My vehicle has been out of service since April while I maintain loan payments, depreciation of value, insurance and have no vehicle for transportation. A call to Ram was unsuccessful on two occasions to obtain any kind of relief in form of loaner vehicle or faster procurement of the part. Ram continues to build vehicles with this MGU unit while customers are stuck with inoperable vehicles some of with are still under original warranty or covered by the emissions warranty. The failure of Ram to ensure that customers have working vehicles is causing undue stress both emotionally and financially. This is also a potential safety issue as failed parts could put operators in an unsafe position.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11764603
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11761686
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [[redacted]] on [redacted]. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on [redacted] -- four days before I purchased the vehicle. The dealer, John Heister Dodge Ram, did not disclose...

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this open recall at any point during the sale, and the vehicle was sold to me with the defect unrepaired. This is a known safety-related defect, as new vehicles are required to have open recalls repaired before delivery. The recall remedy has not yet been performed on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11760353
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Multiple times this has happened when I engaged in reverse the screen will be blank and can't see anything. It will take a couple of times of driving,parking and turning on and off the truck before it turns back on. This is a major safety concern as i can not see anything as i reverse. This does not happen every time but does happen often. I haven't had it checked out professionally because it hasn't been permanent but I do have Multiple videos of the problem recurring that I can send.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11756871
Electrical systemVisibility & wipersBody, doors & structure

Rear window frame cracked at both corners- water leaks inside of vehicle during rain. This can affect electrical components that are at the rear cab inside the truck. I noticed this a month ago but dont know how long it has been there.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility · StructureNHTSA 11755206
Electrical system

Engine ticking and trunk lock latch not opening

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11755099
SteeringElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11753665
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11753305
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

In January I experienced a "backlite leak" that allowed water to enter the cab of my vehicle. As a direct result of this water intrusion, my RFH (Radio Frequency Hub) module failed due to electrical shorting caused by moisture exposure. This failure was sudden and completely outside of my control and was not the result of misuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. Not to mention the risk it put my family in as I was driving with my wife and daughter when the module failed and caused total power failure. I was...

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driving down the road with my family in the vehicle when without any warning the truck completely shut down and didn't have any power. I brought it to the dealership I bought it from and they stated they fixed the leak and replaced the RFH. Fast forward to this past week, there was another leak in the rear window. The dealership then stated it was a faulty back window unit that needs to be completely replaced. Stellantis (formerly FCA) previously acknowledged this defect through extended warranty coverage. However, my vehicle's model year was later excluded despite being affected by the same known issue. This exclusion is particularly concerning given that the defect ultimately caused collateral electrical damage beyond the window itself. Given the documented nature of this issue, its prior recognition under extended warranty, and the risk of safety it put my family in I wanted to document this issue

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11746081
Electrical system

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 severe electrical damage, truck will not start. There is an extended warranty related to this issue BUT according to Ram my truck does not qualify.....

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11741285
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Made several stops and on the last one when I went to start the vehicle it wouldn't start. Used jump pack and it started. Had a non-flashing check engine light and a service ESC light. Decided to drive across town to auto store and have them check battery and replace if bad, When I pulled into the auto store parking lot the truck died and wheels locked up. (Very sudden stop) All four gear selector lights (PRND) were lit. Thought to myself "I'm glad this didn't happen on the roadway." Turns out the battery was indeed bad, and a new battery got me running again.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11739206
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

[[redacted]] Fire occurred while driving [[redacted]] my Ram 2021 and it was like a mini blast with a lot of sparks as I saw in a rear-view mirror. Everything went out on the dashboard and the car stopped at the Top of Wolf Creek Pass [[redacted]] . I got out of the car and saw a small fire burning under the car. The fire under the car went out on its own. The very shape of the hole (perfectly round) in my muffler indicates an explosion that occurred simultaneously. Also, the fused edges of the round hole...

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indicate a high temperature during this explosion and fire. I disagree that this fair damage [[redacted]] my Ram 2021 3.0 ecodiesel [[redacted]] is considered from Progressive insurance as simple "wear and tear." estimate only $1669,78. Garber Collision Pontiac repaired the Ram 2021 by 04.24.2026 and replaced the damaged wiring harness ($1161 self-pay) as required by Progressive. After this repair, the Ram 2021 was unable to move and was delivered to the Tucson Ram dealer on 05/04/2026. The dealer did not indicate the root cause of the damage in the estimate. The car was also returned to me by the dealer. When I asked the dealer on 05.12.2026 to indicate the root cause of the damage, the dealer replied that he was not aware of such a similar damage and indicated that the warranty on the car has expired and there are no open recalls. But The dealer's initial assessment from 05.13.2026 (estimates $9325.25) indicates the fire was caused by a failure of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler, which is a known issue (similar to recall VB1/19V-757) where the cooler cracks, leaks coolant, and causes a fire in the intake manifold. This is a component failure resulting in an explosion/fire, not typical wear. I need a diagnostic report that specifically mentions the EGR cooler failure as the source of the fire. I give my full consent for Ram Manufacturing to send an independent inspector to me for Ram 2021 3.0 Ecodisel INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11738547
Electrical system

I was driving at freeway speeds when the vehicle lost engine power and all the electronics in the vehicle stopped functioning. I was able to safely get the side of the road and stop the vehicle. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Tech inspected remote frequency hub (RFH) and observed corrosion on the circuit board. It looked as if water intrusion had occurred inside the vehicle, entered the RFH, causing corrosion and circuit failure. Believe intrusion occurred in the third brake light at the top of the cab. I...

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am reporting this matter because a failure in the RFH caused the vehicle to stop functioning. I was lucky to be traveling on a straight, wide road and could safely get to a stop. I don't believe this would have been the case if I was on a curve or narrow road.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11738443
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

I was only allowed 3 components to choose from, but I want to make certain that Im including the these additional components that has been failing:Forward Collision Warning, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System,Engine,Lane assistance/ Departure, and Lighting. There could be more to include but heres the dangerous issue I encounter everyday I utilize my vehicle,that has yet to be fixed nor addressed appropriately when I articulate EXACTLY what I feel,& see occur.My safety & everyone esle has been put at risk everyday which...

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caused my 1st accident which I predicted was potentially likely since May 1,2025. It occurs exactly the same everytime just like the 1st terrifying experience: Id be stopped at a red light,intersection waiting for green light. With foot on brake between 5 to 10 seconds later I can feel the brake disenaging with my foot fully and physically on the brake simultaneously my vehicle screens will light up indicators erractically,(ghost touch,touch screen digitizer failure), while LUNGING FORWARD 5-7 ft on it OWNS,simultaneously screen blackout,& vehicle screen system reset followed by vehicle putting itself in emergency brake.This puts everyone around at RISKS AS MY VEHICLE OPERATES ON ITS OWN, which caused an accident at a red light where my truck plowed into the vehicle in front of me.Ive waited for an independent service contractor to evalute on 4 different occasions which they failed to appear or make contact on THEIR desired scheduled dates.The dealership has failed to reproduce due to unsatisfactory failed service repair attempts, discrepancies in verbal & documention.Absolute lack of concern for my safety or interest in issue, as at least 2 comeback services were met with breach of contract by dealer.The DEALERSHIP has been the only ones servicing my vehicle & according to their top tier diagnosis components successfully checked out in contrast to my many reoccurring service request for same issue.Prior to failure no warning lamps or messages appeared.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11733891
SteeringElectrical system

July 2021 bought ram 1500 limited. $75k September 2021 3k miles took to dealer with REVERSE TRAILER STEERING UNAVAILABLE MESSAGES AND BACK UP CAMERA issues. Not fixed. Issues still happening. DEC 2021 ram 1500 recall y80 issued. RTSCM NEEDS updated. April 2022 dealer visit 11k miles recall y80 addressed and repaired. Issues continued. Several undocumented stop by dealer visits by request to look at while happening. Software updated each time. April 2023 purchasing dealer visit agin 26k miles. Up to this date...

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vehicle was a lease. I bought the lease out with hopes to repair the issue. That dealer updated and also removed my dash to inspect the module. At this point as well 2 cases had been opened with ram themselves and I was wrote off as it will be fixed eventually. After that the issues never went away to this day but I was at a loss. A lemon law attorney told me that I didn't have enough proof of the issue and i will share all my proof here with you guys. 2 month ago it froze the screen and accelerated on its own almost hitting a women and child pedestrian. I have had enough. I have worked hard for that money spent in the truck and cannot get the safety recall resolved. Now that the dash has been removed there are lights that shine in my eyes at night through the crease in the dash. All evidence cannot attach to this form because they are videos but I have over 65 showing proof and repair attempts

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11731259
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had a history of wiring failures and that the air bag wiring harness had been replaced three times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical wiring failure, and the wires were zip-tied in place. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11730160
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual popping sound. The low battery and check engine warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the battery lost power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an...

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independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 78,900.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11729935
Electrical systemDriver assistance

Electrical system shutdown including loss of all safety features (blind spot, emergency braking, abs, traction control, towing), climate control options (AC, Heat, window operations) and user interfaces (U-Connect screen, center gauge cluster). Initial warnings (2) on center cluster on listed- 1. Blind Spot Detection Disabled 2. 115 Volt Cargo Power Outlet On All electronics, controls were then disabled- black screens, inoperable controls. Passenger rear windows, sliding back glass, panoramic sunroof and...

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drivers side mirror are the only working electronics other than speedometer. Upon inspection of all fuses, relays, battery, alternator, and checking all accessible wiring related to blind spot and auxiliary power and finding no defective issues, web searches were performed. Based on numerous other RAM owners on multiple forums on RAM trucks 2020 and newer with blind spot avoidance, we found a likely culprit in the driver's side brake light. Upon inspection of the left rear brake light assembly, a small hairline crack was located with signs of internal moisture/ condensation. After observing the internal moisture the drivers side rear brake housing was removed and disconnected for closer inspection and potential repair. While the driver side brake light assembly was removed, an instance occurred when my wife needed the vehicle. Upon and during the entirety of operation over the next 1.5 hrs driving approximately 63 miles, all electrical options worked as intended minus the blind spot avoidance and a new warning on brake lamps (obvious as tail light had been removed). During this time, the proximity sensor housing was removed from the assembly, water accumulation dried, and allowed to remain open next to a dehumidifier for 4 hours. Epoxy was applied over the hairline Crack, and any area that looked as if could be affected. Unit was reinstalled, however all electronic failure returned. Unit removed again to attempt humidity removal- all electronics res

Filed Incident Electrical system · Lane departure · Back over preventionNHTSA 11728155
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Our alternator is bad in a 2021 Ram. There are 10,000 on back order and up to a 9 -12 month wait list. There is obviously something wrong with this brand and should be recalled.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11726592
Electrical system

The rear running lights go out due to a short in the wire harness from the computer module to the tail lights. The short causes the lights to either flicker or go totally out.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11723703

Ram 1500 electrical complaints by year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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