NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ram 2500
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck aimed at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability beyond what a half-ton can offer. Competing in one of the most demanding segments on the market, it attracts contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who prioritize work capacity. Understanding its safety record is essential before committing to a vehicle this size and cost.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 Ram 2500 carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Ram 2500 as one of the more refined and comfortable entries in the heavy-duty truck segment, praising its ride quality and interior execution relative to its class. Most acknowledge that it competes strongly on capability and driver experience, though professional assessments tend to note that heavy-duty trucks as a category involve tradeoffs in agility and crash-test performance compared to lighter vehicles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15509
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS23V060000
Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 mo
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V835000
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Reported 2022-11-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE22V140000
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Reported 2022-03-10
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS21V798000
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters w
Reported 2021-10-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21V163000
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notificat
Reported 2021-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
102 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.