YearToAvoid

2021 Ram 1500 Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, about 5% of its 678 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 5,600. A related tailgate striker recall (22V904000) covers 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.

Structure & Body complaints
33
5% of 678
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
5,600 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Automatic side steps deploy or stow at the wrong times, sometimes only retracting once the truck reaches about 5 mph.
  • Sunroof glass has shattered or blown outward while driving at highway speed, scattering pieces without warning.
  • Water leaks into the cab through the rear taillight area, staining the headliner blue and corroding the rear interior.
  • Rear window glass shows visible deformation, with one owner reporting a minor cut from the affected window.
  • Tailgate opens on its own while driving even after the tailgate striker recall repair, in some cases dropping cargo out.
  • Truck bed shows gaps from improper welds, allowing outside air and heat from the exhaust to reach the bed area.

When 2021 Ram 1500 body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 14, 2021, latest Aug 6, 2026.

2021 Ram 1500 structure & body complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2021Aug 2022Nov 2023Apr 2024Nov 2024May 2025Mar 2026
33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Jan 2022 (2).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500

  1. NHTSA 22V904000Dec 8, 2022Structure & Body1,224,078 vehicles

    Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

Structure & Body complaints by 1500 model year

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

  1. 201352 (4%)
  2. 201452 (3%)
  3. 201559 (4%)
  4. 201644 (3%)
  5. 201746 (5%)
  6. 201826 (4%)
  7. 201995 (6%)
  8. 202047 (7%)
  9. 202133 (5%)
  10. 202222 (4%)
  11. 202312 (6%)
  12. 20243 (4%)
  13. 20254 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, which is about 5% of its 678 total complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2021 Ram 1500?
Yes. Recall 22V904000, reported December 8, 2022, covers 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks for tailgates that may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2021 Ram 1500 is 5,600 miles.
Did the tailgate recall fix the tailgate opening issue?
Some owners report the tailgate still pops open on its own even after the recall repair for the tailgate striker alignment was completed.
Are the sunroof and structure issues linked to any crashes or fires?
NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires among these 2021 Ram 1500 Structure & Body complaints, though 3 injuries were reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.