2021 Ram 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 98 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, 14% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 28,000. A related recall (23V265000) covers powertrain control module software on eTorque engines.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 98
- 14% of 678
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 28,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the truck stalling and shifting itself into park during slow-speed turns, often followed by a warning to place the vehicle in park before restarting.
- Several complaints describe engine stalls happening at low speed while making left or right turns, with the parking brake engaging automatically afterward.
- One owner reported the ZF transmission dropping unexpectedly into 1st gear after accelerating from a stop, with RPMs spiking before the driver manually upshifted.
- One owner reported repeated stalling episodes, eight times since purchase, each occurring as the truck slowed to a near stop with gentle acceleration.
- One complaint describes the vehicle stalling and losing power while backing out of a parking spot, accompanied by a check engine light around 1,920 miles.
When 2021 Ram 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 16, 2020, latest Aug 24, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Ram 1500
- NHTSA 23V265000Apr 13, 2023Transmission & Powertrain131,700 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 98 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500, which makes up 14% of all complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2021 Ram 1500?
- Yes. Recall 23V265000, reported April 13, 2023, covers eTorque 5.7L engine vehicles where powertrain control module software could cause an incorrect fuel mixture. The remedy is a free software update from dealers.
- At what mileage do 2021 Ram 1500 transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported Transmission & Powertrain complaints is 28,000 miles.
- Did the 2021 Ram 1500 powertrain issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2021 Ram 1500 lists 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2021 Ram 1500's powertrain complaint rate compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's 14% share is similar to 2019 (14%) and 2023 (14%), lower than 2022 (17%) and 2024 (19%), but higher than 2018 (9%) and 2020 (10%).