Skip to content
WrenchConnect
NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2021 Ram 1500 Classic
Common Problems

Ranked from 206 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

4
Safety
5
High severity
7
Medium
4 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

16 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

Sort by
  1. 1

    Engine Stall at Low Speed Due to Stop-Start System Failure

    120complaints
    Safety riskEngine

    The engine randomly stalls at low speeds, often during turns, requiring the driver to shift to park and restart the vehicle.

    $150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Transmission Issues Leading to Stalling and Unresponsive Gear Changes

    47complaints
    Safety riskTransmission

    The transmission malfunctions, causing the vehicle to stall and experience unresponsive gear changes.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Automatic Engagement of Parking Brake During Engine Stall

    39complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    When the engine stalls, the parking brake engages automatically, causing a sudden stop and potential loss of control.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Automatic Emergency Braking Engagement

    20complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The emergency braking system engages unexpectedly, often requiring the driver to restart the vehicle.

  5. 5

    Engine Stalling During Turns

    8complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine stalls during turns, often requiring the driver to restart the vehicle, posing a safety risk.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Engine Alternator Failure

    6complaints
    High severityEngine

    The alternator fails, leading to a complete loss of electrical power and inability to start the vehicle.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Electrical System Issues with MGU

    4complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The Motor Generator Unit (MGU) fails, causing intermittent electrical failures and loss of vehicle functions.

  8. 8

    Air Bag Deployment Failure

    2complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The air bags failed to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.

  9. 9

    Alternator Failure

    2complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The alternator stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to lose power and stall.

    $400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  10. 10

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The ESC system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to lose control and become unsafe to operate.

  11. 11

    Engine Overheating Due to Cooling System Failure

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Engine overheats due to cooling system failure, leading to vehicle shutdown and potential damage.

    $150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  12. 12

    Exhaust System Leak

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The exhaust system leaked, allowing harmful gases to enter the cabin and posing a health risk.

  13. 13

    Fuel Pump Failure

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The fuel pump failed, causing the vehicle to lose power and stall during operation.

    $500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  14. 14

    Service Brake Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The service brakes failed, causing the vehicle to lose braking power and become unsafe to operate.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  15. 15

    Structural Issues

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Water leaks from the rear window, causing mold growth and damage inside the vehicle.

  16. 16

    Water Intrusion Causing Electrical System Failures

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Water intrusion leads to electrical system failures, including dashboard malfunctions and electrical shorts.

Other years & sources

2019 Ram 1500 Classic2020 Ram 1500 ClassicAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.