2021 Ram 1500 MPG
The 2021 Ram 1500 gets 10–23 mpg in the city and 14–33 on the highway (12–26 combined), across the 10 gasoline versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, at 26 mpg combined. At the other end, the 6.2-liter supercharged 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive manages 12 mpg combined, 14 mpg less. The EPA also rated a hybrid version, the best at 23 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2020 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 2WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Diesel · 390 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 HFE 2WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | Diesel · 384 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 4WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Diesel · 418 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 HFE 2WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | Regular · 394 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 2WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular · 407 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 4WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular · 417 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular · 450 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl hybrid | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Midgrade · 467 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl hybrid | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Midgrade · 472 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular · 474 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Midgrade · 514 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Midgrade · 523 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Midgrade · 513 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Midgrade · 526 g CO₂/mi |
| 1500 TRX 4WD | 6.2 L 8-cyl supercharged | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 10 | 14 | 12 | Premium · 748 g CO₂/mi |
2021 Ram 1500 fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on midgrade gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.96 a gallon, the 2021 Ram 1500 costs about $4,380 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (17 mpg combined), or roughly 29 cents a mile.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2021 Ram 1500 specs
The EPA lists 6 engine choices for the 2021 Ram 1500: 5.7 L 8-cyl, 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6 L 6-cyl hybrid, 3.6 L 6-cyl, 5.7 L 8-cyl hybrid and 6.2 L 8-cyl supercharged. It came with an automatic transmission, in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. For fuel-economy purposes it sits in the EPA's "Standard Pickup Trucks" class.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L | 8 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 4 |
| 3.0 L turbo | 6 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 3.6 L hybrid | 6 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 3.6 L | 6 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 5.7 L hybrid | 8 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 6.2 L supercharged | 8 | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2021 Ram 1500 problems
As of October 2026, NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) holds 683 owner complaints about the 2021 Ram 1500.
Engine is the most-reported area (24% of component mentions), followed by electrical system (17%) and power train (9%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 113 complaints a year: more than the 2020 (91 a year) and about as many as the 2022 (125 a year).
That ranks 6th of 17 Ram 1500 model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 683, 27 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 17 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 276 | 24% |
| Electrical system | 198 | 17% |
| Unknown or other | 103 | 9% |
| Power train | 100 | 9% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 69 | 6% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 57 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 54 | 5% |
| Steering | 50 | 4% |
| Structure | 34 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 30 | 3% |
| Air bags | 27 | 2% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 24 | 2% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 20 | 2% |
| Visibility/wiper | 20 | 2% |
| Back over prevention | 17 | 1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 16 | 1% |
| Exterior lighting | 13 | 1% |
| Suspension | 9 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 8 | <1% |
| Visibility | 7 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 4 | <1% |
| Diesel fuel system | 3 | <1% |
| Wheels | 3 | <1% |
| Parking brake | 2 | <1% |
| Tires | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment | 1 | <1% |
| Hybrid propulsion system | 1 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | <1% |
| Trailer hitches | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. …
Original incident occurred in March 2026. While traveling at highway speeds my 2021 Ram 1500 lost all power and engine shutoff. I was able to get the truck to the side of the interstate due to it's momentum. …
Rear Differential failure requiring rebuild including ring and pinion gear. The vehicle was not used to tow and was rarely used off road.
2021 Ram 1500 recalls
The 2021 Ram 1500 has been the subject of 15 recall campaigns.
The most recent, campaign 26V495000 from July 2026, concerns seat belts.
Back over prevention accounts for 4 of the 15 campaigns, more than any other area.
23V265000 · April 13, 2023 · Power train
Problem: The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge.
21V925000 · November 24, 2021 · Air bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
21V918000 · November 23, 2021 · Steering, Back over prevention
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
21V698000 · September 9, 2021 · Tires
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
21V438000 · June 10, 2021 · Back over prevention
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
21V037000 · February 1, 2021 · Hydraulic service brakes
Problem: 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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | 1500 years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26V495000 | July 30, 2026 | Seat belts | 2019–2024 |
| 25V765000 | November 6, 2025 | Steering, Air bags | 2021–2022 |
| 25V298000 | May 8, 2025 | Air bags, Electrical system | 2019–2024 |
| 24V754000 | October 10, 2024 | Visibility | 2020–2023 |
| 24V653000 | September 5, 2024 | Electronic stability control (esc), Hydraulic service brakes | 2019, 2021–2024 |
| 23V059000 | February 9, 2023 | Back over prevention | 2021–2023 |
| 22V904000 | December 8, 2022 | Structure | 2019–2022 |
| 22V767000 | October 13, 2022 | Engine, Gasoline fuel system | 2020–2022 |
| 22V638000 | August 25, 2022 | Back over prevention | 2020–2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 4 versions of the 2021 Ram 1500; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
Its Quad PU/EC 2WD and Quad PU/EC 4WD versions scored 4 stars overall.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Ram 1500s can be compared fairly. Among other 2021 models in the EPA's standard pickup trucks class, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 (27 mpg) and 2021 Ford F-150 (23 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 23 | 667 | 74 | 15 |
| 2019 | 23 | 1,494 | 185 | 30 |
| 2020 | 26 | 640 | 91 | 14 |
| 2021 | 26 | 683 | 113 | 15 |
| 2022 | 26 | 631 | 125 | 16 |
| 2023 | 24 | 203 | 50 | 11 |
| 2024 | 23 | 77 | 25 | 6 |
Every Ram 1500 model year compared →
Similar 2021 models
FAQ
Is the 2021 1500 a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2021 Ram 1500 has 113 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (6th most of 17 model years), 15 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 26 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2021 1500 problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are engine (276), electrical system (198) and power train (100). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 1500 get?
The EPA rates the gasoline versions at 12–26 mpg combined (10–23 city, 14–33 highway). The hybrid versions reach up to 23 mpg combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 1500 per year?
About $4,380 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average midgrade gasoline price of $4.96 a gallon (EIA).