NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ram 1500 scores 67 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 15 recalls, and 653 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A "park outside" directive issued for one of its 14 active recall campaigns defines the 2021 Ram 1500's safety profile. This defect record contributes zero of a possible 20 points to its NHTSA Safety Index, despite otherwise strong NHTSA crash-test scores. The 2021 Ram 1500 earns a Below Average Safety Index of 67/100.
The 2021 Ram 1500 receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ram 1500 ranks 91 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 67 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 15 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 653 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 91 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ram 1500?
The 2021 Ram 1500 scores 67 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a two-point drop from the 2020 model year's 69. Both years sit in the Below Average band, but the downward movement is notable and is explained almost entirely by the defect record component, which scores zero out of a possible 20 points for this model year. That zero reflects the weight of 14 recall campaigns, including one park-outside or do-not-drive directive tied to a frontal air bag concern involving the steering column. A second air bag recall covers a potentially disconnected driver-side air bag across a broad 2019-2024 production window. The ABS control module and the powertrain control module on eTorque variants add further scope to the defect picture. Crash protection remains the year's relative strength at 61 out of 70 points, anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating. Avoidance technology scores 6 out of 10, held back because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this model year. The combination of excellent crash-test results and a compromised defect record is the defining tension of the 2021 model year specifically.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ram 1500 perform in crash tests?
A 20 percent rollover risk is a notable figure for the 2021 Ram 1500, despite the vehicle's "No Tip" dynamic test result. The NHTSA awarded the truck an overall 5 out of 5 stars, bolstered by a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection also rated well at 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15507
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 have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Ram 1500 carries 14 recall campaigns. Components affected include frontal air bags, the driver-side air bag connection, heated trailer-tow rearview mirrors, the anti-lock brake system control module, and the powertrain control module on 5.7L eTorque-equipped trucks. One campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, indicating a serious safety concern requiring immediate attention.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE26V495000
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Reported 2026-07-30
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL25V765000
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-06
AIR BAGS25V298000
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Reported 2025-05-08
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES24V754000
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Reported 2024-10-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE24V653000
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-09-05
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)23V265000
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.
Reported 2023-04-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V059000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23
Reported 2023-02-09
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS22V904000
Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Reported 2022-12-08
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP22V767000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Reported 2022-10-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V638000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Reported 2022-08-25
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN21V925000
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
Reported 2021-11-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION21V918000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
Reported 2021-11-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has logged 653 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500. Alleged problem areas, in descending volume, include the Engine, Electrical System, Unknown or Other, Power Train, Service Brakes, and Fuel/Propulsion System. These are unverified 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?
Confirming completed recall remedies at a dealership is a critical pre-purchase step for any 2021 Ram 1500, given its 14 open campaigns, including a park-outside directive.
- The 2021 Ram 1500 carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to a frontal air bag and steering column concern, one of 14 total campaigns active for this model year.
- The defect record component scores zero out of 20 possible index points for this model year, directly causing the two-point Safety Index drop from the 2020 model year's score of 69.
- A separate air bag recall covering 2019-2024 Ram 1500 trucks specifically flags a potentially disconnected driver-side air bag, meaning this 2021 unit falls within the affected production range.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both optional, not standard, on the 2021 Ram 1500, limiting the avoidance technology score to 6 out of 10 index points.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ram 1500 places
The 2021 Ram 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ram 1500 safety questions
Was the 2021 Ram 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ram 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ram 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ram 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 15 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ram 1500, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ram 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 653 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ram 1500. 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 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 15507), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 1500 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 91 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.