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2021 Ram 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Ram 3500 carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering relays/solenoids and curtain. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Recall remedy parts on backorder or unavailable.” Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

Campaign #21V798000 · Oct 14, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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 This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign #21V925000 · Nov 24, 2021

Issue: 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.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Campaign #21V398000 · May 27, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #21V163000 · Nov 3, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #22V140000 · Oct 3, 2022

Issue: 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."

Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #22V835000 · Oct 11, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign #22V904000 · Aug 12, 2022

Issue: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

Campaign #23V060000 · Sep 2, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #25V765000 · Jun 11, 2025

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Ram 3500.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • High pressure fuel pump failure

    Action #EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · linked recall 24V957

    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 equi…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Recall remedy parts on backorder or unavailable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11564857
“I took the vehicle to the dealer for recall Manufacturer Recall Number13A NHTSA Recall Number23V-060 The dealer told me that they can only order one per week. I will have to wait over a year for the part to come in. This is a fire hazard and I have been advised to not park the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533101

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2025-11

“Our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. We were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462482
“The transmission’s light came on saying that it was heated. I parked as soon as possible and that’s when the flames were coming out of the hood. I did burned my hands trying to put out the fire with 3 fire extinguishers. I did not want my truck to burn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457648

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cummins 6.7L diesel engine internal component failure

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-08

“Failure of hydraulic lifters and camshaft in Cummins 6.7 liter diesel engine of 2021 RAM 3500. Engine exhibited significant ticking noise and the engine does not work properly, putting the safety of driver and passengers in vehicle at risk. Vehicle is not driveable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678915
“Catastrophic lifter failure. Was able to safely deliver vehicle to dealership service department. If not handled properly, engine failure could occur while driving and hurt/kill someone”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585369

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel stud fracture and wheel detachment

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2026-03

“While the contact's husband was driving at 55 MPH, the driver's rear wheel detached. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while a pickup box trailer was hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the wheel…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724142
“The contact owns a fleet of 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side rear wheel studs fractured.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11521050

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission malfunction and fluid leak

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2025-02

“Well traveling up a hill the transmission locked up shut the truck down had to hold the brakes to keep for rolling Backwards got the truck in park was able to restart it put it back in gear The transmission started making A loud grinding noise slammed in to gear really hard when…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607655
“The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to drive forward or to reverse. The RPM was raised high, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644514

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Nexen factory-installed tire tread separation and blowout

TIRES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2025-06

“Nexen LT235/80R17 2 blow out's and one tire failure. factory installed tires. I have had 2 blowouts on the right front of my Ram 3500. I had discount tire unmount and re mount my spare on the blown-out tire wheel (for appearance purpose) so my spare is now another brand, the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661886
“I have had two tires separate in the past couple of months with less than 24000 miles and 5 years old. I filed a complaint with Nexen and they sent a partial payment for the first one but rejected the second claim that happened less than 500 miles of the first claim”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705984

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel system failure causing engine stall or shutdown

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2024-06

“The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal shavings were…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735999
“Brand new truck (226 miles) STOPPED RUNNING on Interstate 90 in Montana. Very dangerous situation, although was able to pull to side of interstate and was able to tow truck to Butte Montana and no one was injured. Nonetheless, had this occurred in rural area, snowy mountain…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437405

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Ram 1500 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

79 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Ram 3500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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