2021 RAM 1500

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
5.7L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (7 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Wheel Torque
130
ft-lbs

The 2021 RAM 1500 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your RAM 1500.

For oil changes, the 2021 RAM 1500 takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 7 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the RAM 1500, torque the lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2021 RAM 1500 have reported 5 common issues including "eTorque System Stalling and 48V Battery Failure", "Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage" and "Uconnect 12-Inch Touchscreen Unresponsive". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 14 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 RAM 1500. At least one is flagged as "Park It," meaning you should not drive the vehicle until the recall repair is completed. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2021 RAM 1500 uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 130 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2021 RAM 1500 Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity7 qt
Lug Nut Torque130 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 RAM 1500. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
8,000 mi / 12 mo
0W-20 full synthetic (3.6L/5.7L HEMI) or 5W-20 (3.6L), 7 qt (5.7L HEMI)
Tire Rotation
8,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
40,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
ZF 8-speed TorqueFlite; ATF+4 or ZF-approved fluid
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
4WD models; Mopar BW 44-40 transfer case fluid
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT coolant; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
30,000 mi
Mopar Champion copper core (HEMI) at 30,000 mi or iridium at 100,000
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 RAM 1500.

Common problems reported by 2021 RAM 1500 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

eTorque System Stalling and 48V Battery Failure

The 5.7L and 3.6L eTorque mild hybrid system causes unexpected engine stalls while driving, often triggering automatic parking brake engagement. The 48V lithium-ion battery pack fails prematurely, leading to no-start conditions and ESS (Engine Stop-Start) malfunction. NHTSA opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24018 covering approximately 150,000 vehicles. Cold weather significantly worsens battery performance.

Solution

Replace the 48V battery pack assembly. Update the eTorque system and PCM software. TSB 14-010-22 addresses MGU communication faults. Replace the Motor Generator Unit if a whining noise is present. Note: the truck has no traditional alternator; the eTorque MGU charges both the 48V and 12V systems.

Est. Cost: $500 - $3,500
2

Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage

The 5.7L HEMI exhaust manifold bolts fracture due to repeated thermal expansion and contraction cycles, causing an exhaust leak. Symptoms include a ticking noise on cold start that may quiet as the engine warms, reduced fuel economy, and an exhaust smell in the cabin. The broken bolts can damage the manifold and cylinder head threads.

Solution

Replace the broken exhaust manifold bolts with updated Mopar bolts (improved metallurgy). If the manifold is warped or cracked, replace the manifold assembly. TSB 09-011-22 covers cold-engine ticking noise from the exhaust manifold area. Typically covered under powertrain warranty.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,500
3

Uconnect 12-Inch Touchscreen Unresponsive

The 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen freezes, goes completely black, or becomes unresponsive to all inputs including hard buttons. The backup camera may still function even when the screen is black. Owners report needing to shut off the truck and wait several minutes before the system recovers. Radio presets and settings are occasionally lost.

Solution

Perform a Uconnect software update. TSB 08-058-22 covers infotainment system diagnostics. Perform a system master reset if a software update does not resolve the issue. Replace the head unit if the screen shows hardware failure symptoms.

Est. Cost: $0 - $1,500
4

Rearview Camera Wiring Harness Short

The rearview camera wiring harness may short circuit, preventing the backup camera image from displaying when the vehicle is in reverse. This is a federal safety standard violation (FMVSS 111 - Rear Visibility). The short can also affect trailer camera and surround-view functionality.

Solution

NHTSA Recall 22V-693 requires inspection and replacement of the rearview camera wiring harness. Dealers will repair or replace the affected harness at no cost. Check for any signs of melted insulation near the tailgate hinge area.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
5

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Software Malfunction

A software bug in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control module can disable the Electronic Stability Control system without warning. The ESC warning light may or may not illuminate when the system is inactive, leaving the driver unaware that a critical safety system is not functioning, especially dangerous when towing.

Solution

NHTSA Recall 22V-820 requires dealers to update the ABS control module software. The reprogramming is free of charge and takes approximately one hour. Verify that the ESC light operates correctly after the update.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall

14 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 RAM 1500. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1 recall flagged as “Park It” — do not drive until repaired
1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Park It
Campaign: 21V037000 Date: 01/02/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.

Consequence

A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.

2

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign: 25V765000 Date: 06/11/2025

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

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.

3

AIR BAGS

Campaign: 25V298000 Date: 08/05/2025

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

4

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

Campaign: 24V754000 Date: 10/10/2024

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.

5

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign: 24V653000 Date: 05/09/2024

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.

6

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign: 23V265000 Date: 13/04/2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.

7

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 23V059000 Date: 09/02/2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).

8

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign: 22V904000 Date: 08/12/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.

Consequence

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.

9

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign: 22V767000 Date: 13/10/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

10

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 22V638000 Date: 25/08/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

11

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign: 21V925000 Date: 24/11/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.

Consequence

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.

12

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 21V918000 Date: 23/11/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.

13

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Campaign: 21V698000 Date: 09/09/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection And Rims."

Consequence

A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the spare tire assembly, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.

14

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 21V438000 Date: 10/06/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.

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1500 — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220202019201820172016
See Also
2021 RAM 1500 Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 RAM 1500All Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 RAM 1500Wiper Replacement: 2021 RAM 1500