2021 Ram 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Ram 3500, 10% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithia Dodge of Grants Pass, OR stated they could not make an appt for the vehicle to get looked at for 2 weeks out, scheduled 8/22/25. …”
NHTSA complaint #11679340, filed 2025-08“I powered on the truck. Upon ignition check engine light, along with ABS, 4WD, traction control came on. Lights for the forward collision and adaptive cruise control illuminated. ABS system in the truck is no longer functioning causing the brake pedal to pulsate and lose pressure. Dealer diagnosed the troubleshooting codes and determined the ABS and the HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit) need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11662300, filed 2025-05“Brake system is not functioning as designed. Rear axle braking is not being fully applied and is most noticeable and concerning during heavy haul usage. Vehicle has to be operated carefully and with an alternate braking method utilized to obtain adequate braking. The problem can be and has been reproduced and verified by dealer but not in writing. Dealer is not wanting to fully diagnose and/or commit to finding/acknowledging a fault. Manufacturer has been notified in writing and unresponsive. There are no messages displayed/stored. …”
NHTSA complaint #11713842, filed 2026-01“Brakes started grinding at 13,000 miles. Determined they were metal to metal, caliper, overheated, excessively, and rotor needed replaced. Problem happened again now, at 22,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11527968, filed 2023-06Related service bulletins
- 11026634Dec 10, 2025Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C0050-00-Brake System Hydraulic Leak Set After Recent Repair.
- 11014918Feb 26, 2025Module - anti-lock brake system
- 11014914Feb 26, 2025Module - anti-lock brake system
- 11011716Dec 4, 2024"Brake Warning Lamp Illumination Over Rumble Strips Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find…
- 11008917Oct 11, 2024"Flash: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module Updates **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11005361Jul 17, 2024Module - anti-lock brake system
- 11005359Jul 17, 2024Module - anti-lock brake system
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 39% |
| 2025 | 19 | 44% |
| 2024 | 12 | 27% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 6 | 10% |
| 2020 | 8 | 7% |
| 2019 | 9 | 7% |
| 2018 | 668 | 83% |
| 2017 | 194 | 62% |
| 2016 | 12 | 9% |
| 2015 | 24 | 18% |
| 2014 | 15 | 7% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ram 3500
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ram 3500
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