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2021 Ram 1500 Brakes Problems

39 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

39
Complaints
2
Recalls
Jan 2025Dec 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Brakes Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #21V037000

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.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #24V653000

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

Fix: 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.

Owner Complaints (39)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jan 2025

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in 35 degree weather I finished refueling My 2021 Dodge Ram limited Hemi Etorque at conserve fuel in buellton Ca . Another car was at the pump in front of me so I put the truck into reverse to back up from pump and exit .

NHTSA #: 11637844
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2023

While driving at any rate of speed the brakes have suddenly just locked resulting in the inability to move. When it locks up it takes a harsh fast jerk on everyone in the vehicle. Not only does this put my entire family at risk of potentially getting hit by other vehicles that could possibly lead to a fatality.

NHTSA #: 11535468
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2022

I bought my truck brand new with 500 miles on it Oct. I made it to around 70k when the truck would stutter and hesitate to drive. Took it to dealership and said No codes, nothing wrong after 2 days of "checking it".

NHTSA #: 11489441
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2021

Today 11/19 around 12:50pm Pacific Time I was picking up my kids from school and as I was going about 20mph and my truck braked out of nowhere then shut off. Nothing was with 50ft in front and luckily no one was behind me. This isn't the first time this has happened the first time was on the freeway as I was going 75mph and fortunate no on hit me then.

NHTSA #: 11441076
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2021

I purchased this vehicle on August 2021 with a towing package thinking I could tow an RV Trailer. The Vehicle did not have a brake controller. Went to the dealer who advise me that this item, Electronic Trailer Brake Controller - Mopar (82215278AE) is on back order (450 orders) and cannot per manufacturer advise me when this item will be in stock.

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NHTSA #: 11436898
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at low speeds over a speed bump, the vehicle stalled. While driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the brakes engaged independently.

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NHTSA #: 11537117
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2023

This morning, I was slowing down, foot on the brake because traffic was stopped in front of me. When I got to about 4 MPH the truck wouldn’t stop, it kept going, although my foot was on the brake. I was getting close to the car in front of me so I pushed harder on the brake.

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NHTSA #: 11521441
highSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2023

We lease a 2021 Ram. For the past year our truck will randomly stall when making a turn and pushing the gas. It shuts off, puts the vehicle in park, and engages the emergency brake when pulling out into traffic.

NHTSA #: 11510130
highSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2022

Engine stalls and applies emergency brake has happened two times first on 2/16/22 other on 3/2/22

NHTSA #: 11455244
highSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2021

engine stalls coming up to stop sign, no warning light, truck will not start until it comes to a comple stops, no power brakes, truck computer apples parking brake and you have to put in park and release brake before you can restart. This happen in the middle of a intersection with traffic on both sides of vehicle. no warning light.

NHTSA #: 11437750
highSERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2021

Driving on a residential street (less than 25mph) I approached a stop sign, stopped and then accelerated through the intersection, as I applied the gas, the truck stalled, shut down the engine, engaged the parking break and displayed numerous warnings about autobraking / parking systems. I don't have the exact details as it caught me off guard. This was on an active road, during work rush hour.

NHTSA #: 11429388
highPARKING BRAKE,ENGINE
Filed: May 2021

Was driving down the road when the truck stalled and prompted me to put it into park to start. It then automatically went to park without me doing anything and applied the parking brake on its own.

NHTSA #: 11416647
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

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NHTSA #: 11703235
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available.

NHTSA #: 11701509
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2025

ABS warning lights and electronic brake lights continually come on and having to be repaired

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NHTSA #: 11689216
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and ECS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer.

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NHTSA #: 11688348
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

When making a turn from a stop, the truck will kill the engine then engage the parking brake. I thought this may have been tied to Ram Safety Recall 37A, which I had fixed at the dealership, but the truck continues to have this issue even after the recall was fixed.

NHTSA #: 11677159
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the electronic stability control system warning light illuminated. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the contact noticed a mushy sensation and a significant reduction in braking power.

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NHTSA #: 11665820
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that message that the brakes needed to be serviced was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where several unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred.

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NHTSA #: 11663960
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jan 2025

Steele North Star texted me about a Recall for ABS module on my RAM truck. “Steele North Start CJDR - Service Hi [XXX] , this is Steele North Star Dodge. We are contacting you to let you know that there is a recall on your 2021 Ram 1500.

NHTSA #: 11634017
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control - ESC) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11632707
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); 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 recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11627602
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongey as if the brake fluid level was low. The contact continued to drive the vehicle normally.

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NHTSA #: 11627366
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control - (ESC); 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 recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11626509
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available.

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NHTSA #: 11625954
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control(ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11625519
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11624173
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); 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 recall repair.

NHTSA #: 11622408
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11621988
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11620388
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11614922
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly began to roll. After which, the contact became aware that the brakes were not functioning properly.

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NHTSA #: 11579509
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2021

Trailer brake controller failed while towing a new camper. I was getting a "trailer brake disconnected" and "Check Trailer Brake Wiring" message while towing. The issue was intermittent and unpredictable as to when the failure would occur.

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NHTSA #: 11421421
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2021

Tl* the contact owns a 2021 ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was driving down an incline, the brakes engaged without warning and an abnormal sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to stoneridge chrysler jeep dodge (2700 stoneridge dr, pleasanton, ca 94588, (925) 587-9161) where it was test driven however, the technician was unable to duplicate the issue.

NHTSA #: 11394690
lowSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2025

I am receiving a check electronic brake system alert. I can no longer use cruise control, traction control or four wheel drive.

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NHTSA #: 11691392
lowSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Sep 2024

Several times I’ve been backing up and for no reason the truck jerks to a stop and some kind of alarm or buzzer goes off and it jerks to a complete stop even when I’m not close to anything.

NHTSA #: 11615138
lowSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2024

Multiple times now I have been stopped at lights/stop signs and when I start to drive again my truck automatically engages the parking brake on its own and I can’t move, the truck then shuts down. I have to pull the parking brake switch, while pushing the brake and turn the truck back on multiple times before I can get the truck to move again. I have almost been hit in traffic when this happens.

NHTSA #: 11573229
lowSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2023

When I turn left or right, I slow down to turn and when I accelerate after turning, the engine shuts down and the parking brake auto-engages. This has occurred twice in heavy traffic scenarios, endangering myself, my passengers, and the drivers behind me.

NHTSA #: 11517302
lowSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2023

Incident occurred two times. Driving in normal conditions at 30mph or less. The vehicle disabled the gas pedal/power, engaged the emergency brake, and turned on the emergency lights.

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NHTSA #: 11507170

Other 2021 Ram 1500 Issues