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Visibility & wipers

2021 Ram 1500 Visibility problems

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2021 Ram 1500's visibility & wipers with NHTSA - 4% of all its complaints, most recently on October 19, 2026. Windshields, wipers, defrosters, mirrors, backup cameras and glare.

Complaints
27
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Visibility recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500

Visibility: rearview mirrors / devices

24V75400031,676 vehicles affected

The 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."
The risk
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Visibility complaints

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
Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the HVAC system was activated to defrost the window, and there was a failure with the heater core which caused the windshield to become foggy with chemical steam inside the cabin of the vehicle, severely affecting the visibility. The contact constantly pulled over and used napkins and towels to wipe the windshield, and even after turning off the heater. The contact stated that the windshield was still foggy. The dealer was contacted by phone. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11769940
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
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
AirbagsVisibility & wipers

The leather-wrapped dashboard on my 2021 Ram 1500 is bubbling and delaminating on both the driver and passenger sides. The material is lifting and separating from the base, creating glare and reflections that impair forward visibility while driving. It also raises potential concerns with passenger airbag deployment due to the distorted/bubbling surface over the airbag module area. This is a widespread known defect on 2019-2021 RAM trucks with leather dashboards. I have an open case with Ram Customer Care (#96620269) where only partial coverage was offered. Attached are photos showing the bubbling/delamination on both sides. This defect affects safe vehicle operation. Please investigate.

Filed Incident Air bags · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11746001
Visibility & wipers

Rear drivers side window shattered without any incident or accident. Possibly due to extreme cold but it was not witnessed and truck was parked in driveway.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11726009
Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and while inspecting the exterior of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver's side rear glass had fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side rear glass fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to Safelite Auto Glass. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11725257
Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. While driving 65 MPH in inclement weather and attempting to clean the windshield, the windshield washer fluid failed to spray onto the windshield. The contact was unable to see the road clearly and pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The contact became aware that the windshield washer fluid hose was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the windshield washer fluid hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11719123
Visibility & wipers

My driver sun visor support broke when I tried to pull down the sun visor. It is supported by a plastic piece. If it wasn't supported on the left side it could have fell down completely blocking my visibility of the road. I looked up this issue online and there are many other videos with the same issue with these trucks. This issue is so persistent that some third party companies have already come out with plastic support pieces to screw in to fix this. I took the truck to the dealer but they said they won't fix it since my truck is out of warranty. There was no warnings, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11700963
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Vehicles headunit no longer functions, backup camera system is also in-operational. Due to apparent over the air (OTA) updates to the uconnect infotainment headunit there is a widespread and known issue of, during the automated firmware update process, the vehicles battery being drained completely. This causes the vehicle to lose all power and the head unit to then fail the update process which creates a failure state for the headunit. In this particular case the headunit is "bricked" prescribled troubleshooting...

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steps have been attempted but screen only displays: ("Software Update Update failed. Please re-insert USB Device.") according to a dealership service technician needs to be replaced. But there are none available for order. 2021 Ram 1500 BH UC 4 8.4" w/o nav.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11692019
Visibility & wipers

the rear defrost overheated causing the rear windshield to shatter

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11683070
Visibility & wipers

Hello similar incident to the hd 2020 ram 2500 windshield wipers not operate propertly. Reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash. My vehicle is experiencing the right side windshield wiper becoming loose in which prevents it from wiping right and left motion as it would normally wipe. A visual of the nut indicate a rusty appearance (and possibly a not a proper fitting nut) tommorrow I have an appointment with the dealer to address , manufacture recall number 75b on my vehicle and will address this...

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issue. Here in puerto rico it is raining quite a bit lately so the issue has appeared for the first time once. I needed to address the issue so, after removing the nut I applied some plumbers tape and tightened the nut back in place. I would be greatly appreciated if this issue can be addressed. Thank you

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11658309
Visibility & wipers

The rear window (backlite) has a known manufacturing defect that allows water intrusion, potentially damaging the RF hub and creating conditions conducive to mold growth (see TSB 23-098-23). My vehicle has been affected by this defect, yet FCA has only extended the warranty to select vehicles, excluding others of the same year, make, and model that are clearly impacted by the same issue. This defect has led to saturated floor boards/carpet under the rear seats and has lead to the growth of mold.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11652762
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Rear window is leaking in both of the top corners and running down interior of vehicle. Damaged sensor under rear seat that had to be replaced and would not allow vehicle to unlock or start. Battery had to be disconnected and towed to repair facilty.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11646184
Visibility & wipers

I was driving East bound at 8:00 am into the sun. I lowered my sun visor to block the sun. About 15 mins down the road the sun visor assembly completely separated from the ceiling mount. Looking this issue up online I found a YouTube video of another owner who had the same problem. Many comments from viewers describing that their drivers sun visor has separated from the mounting bracket. My truck only has 26k miles on it and it's not even 4 yrs old yet, but out of warranty by 5 months. This is a serious driving hazard as someone might try to catch the falling visor while driving in sun glare.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11641001
Visibility & wipers

Both of the front driver and passenger side flip down sun visors have broken within one week of each other. Each visor is attached to the ceiling of the cab by a metal arm with a plastic retaining clip. That plastic clip has broken on both visors within one week of each other and my truck only gets very light use. Since the retaining clip is broken both visors fall out of the ceiling and hang in the view of the driver and block the line of sight, which means the driver can not see directly in front forward. I...

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have spoken to the local Dage Ram dealership who sold me the truck as well as the main national Ram customer service and both say the repair is outside of warranty even though its a safety issue and a clear defect so they will not fix the issues without me paying form $550 plus labor for each visor.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11616317
Visibility & wipers

This has happened twice. The first Time Ram replaced the part no charge Warranty. The drivers side Sun visor breaks where it is hooked on to the interior roof. It falls down only hanging by the wires for the light in the visor. Yesterday it did it while driving on Highway. I allmost crashed. The part is on back order and Ram doesnt know when they will get them. Without it you are blinded by the Sun. Dangerous.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11611205
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the U-Connect system inadvertently kept reconnecting, preventing the HVAC system and defroster from operating as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the U-Connect system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 11530093
Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to use the windshield washer function, there was no washer fluid coming out as needed. The contact parked the vehicle in the garage and notice that due to 5-degree weather, the windshield washer fluid line had burst. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 40,500.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11498529
Visibility & wipers

I bought a new truck from a dealership with an open recall on it. I didn't think anything of it, since they assured me they would fix it once they could. About a month after I purchased it, the dealer called me and told me they were not legally supposed to sell me the truck in the first place and that I had to bring my truck back to their lot indefinitely and leave it their until they could fix the recall, that currently has no remedy to it. I told them I was uncomfortable with this, and I didn't think it seemed...

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right. They told me they would call me back the next day, but it had now been a week later, and I have not heard anything from them since then. I'm not sure if this is the appropriate way to handle this, but I have been unable to get anymore information from the dealership, and the whole ordeal seemed very odd to say the least.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11447101
Visibility & wipersDriver assistance

I am a courier and use my truck to deliver lots of material that I pick up at loading docks. The back up camera shows all shadows as simply black areas, and any details in shadow are absent. If my load obscures my rear view mirror I am backing up blind until the camera is itself in shadow. This is incredibly dangerous, especially if backing up around children.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiper · Back over preventionNHTSA 11438753
Visibility & wipers

Rear camara does no show images

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11424271
Visibility & wipers

Backup camera sometimes has blank screen and guide lines sometimes are not there and zoom function does not work when no guidelines. Truck has been to the dealership 5-7 times, in January they replaced the camera itself but did not fix the issue. I was to they cannot do anything at this point unless it fails at the dealer. It does not have the trailer backup camera.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11423525

Ram 1500 visibility complaints by year

1500 visibility problems, every 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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