2021 RAM 3500 power train problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 RAM 3500 — 18% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to…”
filed Aug 8, 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. 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…”
filed Feb 24, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission…Campaign 22V835000 · Nov 10, 2022
Related service bulletins
If customer concern diagnosis leads to suspect u-joint issue with the prop shaft, u-joint service kit should be utilized to fix concern. Prop shaft replacement would not be required.
9100841 Rev 1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 2026
Power Train problems in other 3500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 3 | 14% |
| 2025 3500 | 6 | 17% |
| 2024 3500 | 6 | 15% |
| 2022 3500 | 114 | 61% |
| 2020 3500 | 11 | 10% |
| 2019 3500 | 18 | 13% |
| 2018 3500 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 3500 | 27 | 9% |
| 2016 3500 | 19 | 14% |
| 2015 3500 | 32 | 24% |
| 2014 3500 | 39 | 19% |
| 2013 3500 | 11 | 10% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 RAM 3500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.