NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ram 1500 Classic Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 653 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100, placing it in the Average band. While its side-crash protection proved strong, and its recall record remains clean, the vehicle received a 3-star rollover rating. Additionally, its avoidance technology score was weak. These factors collectively temper the overall safety assessment.
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic received a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic ranks 88 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 653 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 88 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic enters the used market with no recalls on file, a distinction that directly underpins its 14/20 defect-record sub-score. This absence of recall campaigns matches the 2020 model year, resulting in an unchanged Safety Index of 73/100. Crash protection contributes 57 of a possible 70 points to this score. Side-impact performance earned a full 5 stars, while frontal crash tests returned a 4-star rating. The most significant weakness in crashworthiness is the 3-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 22 percent rollover risk. This result warrants consideration for those who frequently transport passengers or heavy loads. The vehicle's avoidance-technology sub-score is 2 out of 10. This reflects the lack of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning; only electronic stability control is universally present. The high volume of 653 unverified owner complaints, predominantly citing Engine and Electrical System issues, is a factor to monitor as the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic ages.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD achieved a strong 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact crash testing, according to NHTSA's published data. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also earned 4 stars. The vehicle's rollover assessment, however, yielded 3 out of 5 stars, with NHTSA determining a 22 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15505
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic have any recalls?
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies to this model year. That clean recall record is a meaningful contributor to the vehicle's defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
NHTSA has received 653 total unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged issues center on the Engine (270 reports), Electrical System (189), and Power Train (94). Additional unverified allegations involve Service Brakes (71) and the Fuel/Propulsion System (66). All figures represent consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
653 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
Because this is a 5-year-old vehicle, buyers should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. While no recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic, new campaigns can be opened at any time, and confirming remedy completion on any future notice is the single most actionable safety step available.
- The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is the only model year in the 2020-to-2021 comparison to carry zero active NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that directly supports its 14/20 defect-record sub-score.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars, paired with a 22 percent rollover risk, is the weakest crash-test result for this specific model year and is especially relevant for buyers intending to carry rear-seat passengers or operate on uneven terrain.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both absent as standard features on this 2021 configuration, a gap not corrected from the prior model year.
- NHTSA has logged 653 unverified consumer complaints for this model year, with alleged Engine issues (270 reports) and Electrical System concerns (189 reports) representing the two largest categories, a complaint volume worth factoring into any pre-purchase inspection plan.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic places
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ram 1500 Classic safety questions
Was the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 653 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 1500 Classic years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15505), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 1500 Classic 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 88 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.