How many brake complaints does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA lists 76 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, making up 11% of the 678 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Ram 1500?

Yes. NHTSA lists two brake recalls tied to the 2021 Ram 1500: campaign 24V653000 for an ABS software malfunction that can disable electronic stability control, and campaign 21V037000, a do-not-drive recall for trucks missing a retaining clip on the master cylinder push rod.

At what mileage do 2021 Ram 1500 brake problems usually show up?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 36,000 at the time of brake failure.

Have the brake issues caused crashes?

NHTSA data tied to the brake complaint area for the 2021 Ram 1500 shows 5 crashes and 2 injuries reported.

Is the 21V037000 recall serious?

Yes, it is a do-not-drive recall. Owners were told not to drive the affected 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks until the missing master cylinder retaining clip was inspected and repaired.

2021 Ram 1500 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 76 brake complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, 11% of that year's 678 total complaints, with 5 crashes and 2 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 36,000. Two brake-related recalls exist, including a do-not-drive campaign for a missing master cylinder retaining clip.

Brakes complaints: 76; 11% of 678
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 36,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with no stopping power, in one case leading to a rear-end collision.
Several report the truck unexpectedly downshifting, stalling, shifting into park, and automatically engaging the parking brake while still moving at low speeds.
Some describe losing both steering and braking function at once, with warning lights for traction control appearing beforehand.
Trailer brake controller failures were reported while towing, including intermittent 'trailer brake disconnected' warnings.
Owners note an open recall involving the ABS/electronic stability control system that could disable stability control without warning.

When 2021 Ram 1500 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 4, 2021, latest Aug 2, 2026.

76 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Nov 2024 (7).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500

NHTSA 24V653000Sep 5, 2024Brakes1,025,432 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc):control module
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA 21V037000Feb 1, 2021Brakes683 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
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.
Remedy: 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.

Brakes complaints by 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201393 (7%)
2014193 (11%)
2015156 (11%)
2016283 (18%)
2017100 (11%)
201850 (8%)
2019135 (9%)
202042 (7%)
202176 (11%)
202273 (12%)
202338 (19%)
202414 (19%)
202542 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?: NHTSA lists 76 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, making up 11% of the 678 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Ram 1500?: Yes. NHTSA lists two brake recalls tied to the 2021 Ram 1500: campaign 24V653000 for an ABS software malfunction that can disable electronic stability control, and campaign 21V037000, a do-not-drive recall for trucks missing a retaining clip on the master cylinder push rod.
At what mileage do 2021 Ram 1500 brake problems usually show up?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 36,000 at the time of brake failure.
Have the brake issues caused crashes?: NHTSA data tied to the brake complaint area for the 2021 Ram 1500 shows 5 crashes and 2 injuries reported.
Is the 21V037000 recall serious?: Yes, it is a do-not-drive recall. Owners were told not to drive the affected 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks until the missing master cylinder retaining clip was inspected and repaired.