2021 RAM 1500 Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the 2021 RAM 1500, 8% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 17,850 miles. The words owners use most often: “parking brake” (26% of reports).
- 54service brakes complaints
- 17,850median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 11%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Parking brake: mentioned in 14 of 54 complaints (26%)
- Stop sign: mentioned in 5 of 54 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 4 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 54 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 1 an injury.
RAM 1500 service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 1500 | 9 | 9% | — |
| 2025 1500 | 41 | 11% | 2,736 |
| 2024 1500 | 11 | 14% | 800 |
| 2023 1500 | 33 | 16% | — |
| 2022 1500 | 56 | 9% | 3,050 |
| 2021 1500 | 54 | 8% | 17,850 |
| 2020 1500 | 40 | 6% | 2,800 |
| 2019 1500 | 114 | 8% | 4,944 |
| 2018 1500 | 42 | 6% | 10,922 |
| 2017 1500 | 91 | 10% | 26,000 |
| 2016 1500 | 245 | 16% | 30,300 |
| 2015 1500 | 140 | 10% | 31,170 |
| 2014 1500 | 145 | 8% | 46,123 |
| 2013 1500 | 69 | 5% | 56,000 |
| 2009 1500 | 2 | 5% | 58,505 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electronic stability control (esc):control module; service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Problem: 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."
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinderDo not drive
Problem: 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.
Risk: A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I received recall notification number 24V653000, Stellantis recall 75B. This recall is detailed as a software malfunction in the ABS control module to disable the electronic stability control system. This will cause the vehicle to fail. It was serviced at Don Davis Ram dealership in Arlington…
I was only allowed 3 components to choose from, but I want to make certain that Im including the these additional components that has been failing:Forward Collision Warning, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System,Engine,Lane assistance/ Departure, and Lighting. There could be more to include but heres the…
While driving, a deer entered the roadway. I applied the brakes to avoid hitting the deer and lost traction due to icy road conditions. The vehicle spun out and struck a utility pole. I later became aware of an open recall involving the ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) system for this…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2021 RAM 1500s have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 54 owner complaints about service brakes for the 2021 RAM 1500 (8% of the 682 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2021 RAM 1500 service brakes?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes problems start?
The median reported mileage is 17,850 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the 2021 RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “parking brake”, in 14 of 54 complaints, followed by “stop sign” (5).
Other 2021 RAM 1500 problems
See all 2021 RAM 1500 problems or service brakes problems across all 1500 years.