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Electrical systemPart report

2021 Ram 3500 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
27%of 62 total for the year
Median mileage
25,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Ram 3500, 27% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I took the vehicle to the dealer for recall Manufacturer Recall Number13A NHTSA Recall Number23V-060 The dealer told me that they can only order one per week. I will have to wait over a year for the part to come in. This is a fire hazard and I have been advised to not park the vehicle in the garage or near other vehicles. Waiting over a year for a fire hazard repair is not acceptable.”

NHTSA complaint #11533101, filed 2023-07

“The Auto lights sensor turns lights on/off at random during dark/night driving. The high beam auto sensor keeps the high beams on, so you do not notice losing driving lights. I found this out by accident, when I started losing my trailer lights at night. Quick fix, turn the light switch to on, instead of auto. NOTE - Cost me over 1000.00 to find that out. Re-wire the trailer, replace the 7-way plug.”

NHTSA complaint #11482571, filed 2022-09

“While driving my truck I noticed my mpg gauge was showing 0 mpg. Then I realized my miles to go gauge was reading low even though I had plenty of fuel in the tank and my fuel gauge was showing 3/4 full. Even though I use my truck as a commercial vehicle, and drive coast to coast, I was luckily only a couple hours from home, so I kept driving to try to make it home. I did make it home, but during that time, my check engine light came on along with my low fuel warning light. I also realized during that time that my odometer had stopped working. It wasn't showing any numbers at all. …”

NHTSA complaint #11700252, filed 2025-11

“Our vehicle was involved in a total loss fire from the engine compartment while driving. We were driving the unit and noticed smoke, when we were merging to pull of the road flames started coming up and we immediately exited the vehicle and had to run, because it started popping. We were lucky to escape unharmed physically, but the situation could have been much worse. There were no indications or lights warning of engine failure or fire. This occurred on September 2, 2021. At this point in time there were no recalls on the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11462482, filed 2022-04

“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”

NHTSA complaint #11564857, filed 2024-01, 25,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20261864%
20252865%
20241227%
2023318%
20222312%
20211727%
202098%
20192115%
201813717%
20173310%
2016107%
20151914%
20142512%
20131715%
2007350%

Other parts of the 2021 Ram 3500

Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaints
Engine
10 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Wheels
7 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Ram 3500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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