2021 Ram 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 11%of 683 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,063miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Ram 1500, 11% of the 683 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,063 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving down the road when the truck stalled and prompted me to put it into park to start. It then automatically went to park without me doing anything and applied the parking brake on its own.”
NHTSA complaint #11416647, filed 2021-05, 3,292 miles“Driving at 35 MPH the engine just died and the truck engage the auto shift parking creating a dangerous condition. Second time in about 3 days. This is driving me nuts.”
NHTSA complaint #11413419, filed 2021-04, 4,700 miles“The parking brake started displaying not available on the heads up display. It did this several times within 5 minutes. When I was coming to a stop at around 5 mph the vehicle shifted into Park and set the parking brake and stopped. The engine stopped as well. I had to restart the vehicle to get it going and the check engine light was on after that.”
NHTSA complaint #11463384, filed 2022-05“Multiple times now I have been stopped at lights/stop signs and when I start to drive again my truck automatically engages the parking brake on its own and I can’t move, the truck then shuts down. I have to pull the parking brake switch, while pushing the brake and turn the truck back on multiple times before I can get the truck to move again. I have almost been hit in traffic when this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #11573229, filed 2024-02“On October 18, 2023, my son was driving the RAM 1500 on the Southern State. While changing lanes to exit, he advised the the engine turned off; was not able to break and hit another vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and would like this to be investigated by Chrysler. This could have caused my son's death.”
NHTSA complaint #11558289, filed 2023-12Related recalls
- 21V037000Feb 1, 2021DO NOT DRIVEChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the…Covers: Ram 1500 2021
Related service bulletins
- 11034908Jun 29, 2026Spring kit - disc brake pad
- 11026634Dec 10, 2025Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C0050-00-Brake System Hydraulic Leak Set After Recent Repair.
- 11026632Dec 10, 2025Antilock Brake (ABS) Light On. Intermittent Or Implausible Wheel Speed Sensor Signal Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
- 11025508Nov 3, 2025ESC Light Illuminated. DTC C1252-92 VACUUM PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT And Or P258B ELECTRONIC VACUUM PUMP PERFORMANCE
- 11013631Jan 22, 2025Module - anti-lock brake system
- 11013630Jan 22, 2025Module - anti-lock brake system
- 11012984Jan 18, 2025"Squeak Noise From Brake Pedal When Pressed And Or Released."
- 11008251Sep 9, 2024Module - anti-lock brake system
- 11008249Sep 9, 2024Module - anti-lock brake system
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 9% |
| 2025 | 44 | 12% |
| 2024 | 14 | 18% |
| 2023 | 38 | 19% |
| 2022 | 74 | 12% |
| 2021 | 75 | 11% |
| 2020 | 42 | 7% |
| 2019 | 134 | 9% |
| 2018 | 48 | 7% |
| 2017 | 100 | 11% |
| 2016 | 282 | 18% |
| 2015 | 159 | 11% |
| 2014 | 183 | 10% |
| 2013 | 79 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ram 1500
276 complaintsElectrical system
198 complaintsOther or unknown
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsFuel system
96 complaintsForward collision avoidance
52 complaintsSteering
50 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ram 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology