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DS · Truck

2021 Ram 2500

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2021 Ram 2500.

Common problems

What to watch for on the 2021 Ram 2500

critical·6.4L HEMI V8 (392)

Lifter and Camshaft Failure (HEMI Tick)

Lifter rollers can wear or seize and damage the camshaft.

Typical repair cost
$3,000 – $7,000
critical·6.7L Cummins diesel

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, most often after water or poor fuel gets in, and spread metal through the injectors and lines.

Typical repair cost
$6,000 – $12,000

1 more known problem on the 2021 2500

Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2021 Ram 2500

Recall·21V798000

Electrical system: relays/solenoids

7L Turbo Diesel engines.

Recall·21V925000

Air bags: curtain

The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can…

Recall·21V163000

Electrical system

7L Turbo Diesel engine.

5 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 108 owners reported

Power train23
Electrical system20
Engine12
Service brakes9

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2021 Ram 2500 at a glance

Trims
Big HornLaramieLimitedLimited LonghornLone StarPower WagonTradesman
Engine
5.7L 8-Cylinder, 6.4L 8-Cylinder, 6.7L 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd, Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD
Fuel
Gasoline, Diesel
Body style
Truck
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2021 Ram 2500?

Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 2021 Ram 2500 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. There are 8 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include lifter and camshaft failure, high-pressure fuel pump failure and diesel emissions system faults. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2021 Ram 2500 reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 8 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2021 Ram 2500?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2021 Ram 2500 listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.