The 2021 Ram 1500 is a strong truck but plagued by eTorque mild-hybrid 12V battery failures, occasional uconnect lockups, exhaust manifold cracking on the 5.7L Hemi, and lifter tick complaints. Most fall under warranty if caught early.
Ram 1500 trucks with the eTorque mild-hybrid system are known for premature failure of the 48V/12V batteries, causing no-start, hesitation, and warning messages. FCA/Stellantis covers replacement under powertrain warranty.
eTorque 48V or 12V auxiliary battery fails early, triggering warning messages, hesitation, and no-start conditions. Often replaced under warranty.
Battery Drain Diagnosis →Hemi lifters can collapse (especially MDS lifters), causing tick, misfire, and potential cam damage. Ram extended warranty programs cover some VINs.
View P0300 Diagnosis →New Uconnect 5 head unit on 2021 Ram occasionally freezes, drops CarPlay, or fails to wake. OTA updates and dealer flashes have improved stability.
Run an AI diagnosis →Hemi exhaust manifold bolts can snap, causing exhaust leak and tick. Common across 2019-2022 Ram 1500. Replacement bolts are stronger.
Run an AI diagnosis →Optional air suspension compressor or sensor failures. Ride height errors are common after 50K mi. Replacement compressors and bags available.
Run an AI diagnosis →The 1500 DT chassis is less prone than HD trucks, but a small percentage report front-end shimmy at highway speed. Steering damper and alignment usually resolve.
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2019-2021 Ram 1500s with power tailgate could open unexpectedly. Dealers reprogram BCM for free.
Software update for Uconnect 5 to address freezes, CarPlay drops, and reboots on 2021 Ram 1500.
Some 2021 Ram 1500s had improperly torqued steering column couplers that could fail. Dealer inspection and repair.
If your 1500 is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most commonly tied to the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
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Above average for a half-ton, below average for Japanese rivals. eTorque battery issues and Hemi lifter tick are the main concerns.
The 48V mild-hybrid system battery and 12V auxiliary can fail prematurely, throwing warning messages and disabling start. Replacement typically under powertrain warranty.
Most likely exhaust manifold bolt or MDS lifter. A scan tool and stethoscope can quickly differentiate. MDS lifter failure is the more expensive of the two.
If buying used, having the standard non-eTorque 5.7L is slightly less complex. eTorque adds mild electrification and stop-start but adds failure points.
With lifter tick addressed and exhaust manifold bolts redone, 200K+ miles is realistic. Body and frame are robust.
For 2025 the new Hurricane I6 replaces the Hemi in 1500 trims. 2021-2024 are the last classic Hemi years.