NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ram 2500 scores 62 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 102 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ram 2500's Safety Index score of 62/100 places it in the Below Average category. This outcome is largely attributable to its recall record. Eight recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 model year, including one urgent park-outside advisory. This volume of defect notifications reduces the recall component of the Safety Index to zero out of a possible 20 points, preventing the vehicle from achieving an average safety standing.
The 2021 Ram 2500 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 62/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ram 2500 ranks 92 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 62 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 8 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 102 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 92 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ram 2500?
The 2021 Ram 2500 represents a measurable step backward in safety standing compared to the prior model year. The Safety Index fell from 66/100 in 2020 to 62/100 in 2021, a four-point drop that keeps the truck in the Below Average band for a second consecutive year. The primary driver of that decline is the defect record component, which scored zero out of a possible 20 points, reflecting the weight of 8 recall campaigns against this specific model year. Two of those campaigns carry elevated urgency: one park-outside advisory tied to an electrical wiring relay issue and a frontal air bag recall involving the steering column. The crash-protection component at 57 out of 70 is the index's relative strength, supported by a 5-star side score and a 4-star overall NHTSA result. However, the 3-star rollover rating and a 29 percent rollover risk figure are meaningful considerations for a tall, heavy-duty pickup. The avoidance-tech score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning is absent entirely and forward collision warning is only optional, leaving this truck below the standard set by vehicles where such systems come fitted as standard equipment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ram 2500 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ram 2500 achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact protection proved robust, earning a full 5-star rating, while frontal crash tests resulted in a solid 4-star performance. The vehicle's rollover assessment, however, presents a notable area for consideration; it received 3 out of 5 stars, with a calculated rollover risk of 29 percent, despite the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Ram 2500 carries 8 recall campaigns. One park-outside advisory covers certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500 vehicles due to an electrical wiring relay concern. Additional campaigns address frontal air bag steering column issues, automatic transmission pressure and heat buildup, a tailgate latch defect, and an antilock brake control module concern. Shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has received 102 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Ram 2500. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 35 reports, the Engine with 25, and the Power Train with 23. Consumers have also alleged 6 crashes and 8 fire-related incidents. All figures are unverified allegations, not established facts.
102 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ram 2500?
Shoppers of the 2021 Ram 2500 must verify completion of all recall remedies, especially those addressing electrical wiring and the frontal air bag. This model year carries 8 open or past recall campaigns, one of which advises owners to park the vehicle outside.
- The 2021 Ram 2500 Safety Index dropped four points from the 2020 model year, moving from 66 to 62 out of 100, driven entirely by a zero-out-of-20 defect record score tied to 8 recall campaigns.
- One of the 2021 Ram 2500's recall campaigns is a park-outside advisory affecting certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500 trucks due to an electrical wiring relay and solenoid concern, representing an elevated safety classification from the manufacturer.
- The rollover rating for this model year is 3 out of 5 stars with a 29 percent rollover risk measurement, the weakest single crash-test result in the NHTSA evaluation for this truck.
- Lane departure warning is entirely absent on the 2021 Ram 2500 and forward collision warning is only optional, contributing to an avoidance-tech score of just 4.5 out of 10 in the Safety Index breakdown.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ram 2500 places
The 2021 Ram 2500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ram 2500 safety questions
Was the 2021 Ram 2500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ram 2500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 62 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 2500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ram 2500 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 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ram 2500, 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 2500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 102 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ram 2500. 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 2500 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 15509), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 2500 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 92 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.