The 2021 RAM 4500 exhibits a concerning reliability profile due to multiple recalls primarily affecting electrical systems and wheels. Although there are no complaints, the potential for vehicle fires and wheel failures necessitates close attention.
Key Factor:Multiple recalls issued
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (5) than the average RAM vehicle (0.4). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
5 recalls for this vehicle0.4 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
For a vehicle like the RAM 4500, which is designed for heavy-duty work and reliability, the presence of five recalls related to critical components such as electrical systems and wheels raises significant concerns. While having no complaints is a positive factor, the nature of the recalls suggests vulnerabilities that could impact safety and functionality. The potential for electrical shorts leading to fires or wheel separations could compromise both driver safety and vehicle performance, making it essential for owners to be vigilant about these issues.
In an era where manufacturers strive for excellence, a model with this level of recall activity might fall short of expectations in terms of engineering quality and reliability. For those considering this vehicle within its class, understanding these defects can guide informed decisions regarding ownership and maintenance.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.4)
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Summary: Overall, the reliability trend for the 2021 RAM 4500 appears worse than expected given its intended use as a heavy-duty work truck. The recalls indicate systemic issues that could lead to significant operational risk if not addressed properly.
Safety & Reliability Score
50/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-4.75
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 RAM 4500
Model Year2021
MakeRAM
Model4500
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Aug20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun25
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 RAM 4500. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
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Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMWHEELSAIR BAGS
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Electrical System
Issue: Potential risk of electrical shorts leading to vehicle fire.
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Schedule an inspection to check relay wiring integrity immediately.
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Ensure recall compliance before purchase by verifying if repairs have been made.
Campaigns:21V28600021V28700021V288000
2
Wheels
Issue: Incorrect manual instructions could lead to over-tightened lug nuts causing wheel separation.
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Have wheel lug nut torque checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
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Confirm previous owners adhered to proper service recommendations regarding lug nut torque.
Campaign:21V285000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (5)
Campaign: 21V798000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
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Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Consequence
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V398000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
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Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Consequence
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V163000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
Consequence
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 23V060000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
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Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
Consequence
An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V765000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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Summary
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. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 11, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. 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.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 4500.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 4500 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 20,605
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the safety features in my 2021 RAM 4500?
'The RAM 4500 comes equipped with advanced safety systems; however, it is crucial to stay updated on any recalls that may affect these features. Given recent recalls concerning electrical systems that could increase fire risk, regular inspections are recommended.'
'How does the recall history of the RAM 4500 compare with other heavy-duty trucks?'
'In comparison to its competitors in the heavy-duty segment, the RAM 4500 has more recall activity which raises concerns about its long-term reliability. Prospective buyers should weigh this information heavily against models known for fewer or less severe defects.'
πYear-over-Year Context
πImproving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified RAM service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in RAM's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every RAM recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later 4500 iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a RAM specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.