2021 Ram 2500

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Ram 2500 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 60 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “Backup camera fails to activate when vehicle is put in reverse gear” (NHTSA Complaint #11664192)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Ram 2500 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 50 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Ram is refusing to repair and item on my truck egr cooler is cracked, leaking and burning coolant. They have recalled every year model but mine. All have same issue, all have same part and part number. Dealership suggested I contact NTSB to see if I could get it recalled. It is said to cause ifres in some trucks” (NHTSA Complaint #11725303)

Power Train,Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Ram 2500 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 45 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “I have attempted to get 2 recalls that require parts completed at my local Ram dealer who has called me both times saying that the parts were in, and they were ready to schedule the appointment to complete the recalls. The first appointment was on September 25th, 2023, and when the vehicle was checked in, I was informed they had no parts to complete 2 of the 3 recalls that existed at that time. They completed the recall that required no parts and said I was put back on the list for the ones that required parts with no answer of why the parts were not available (I had been put on the list for the parts in June). I received another call in the middle of November that the parts were in and scheduled an appointment for the 18th of December. I called the dealer today to confirm (11th of December) the parts were in fact available and was told they were not because I did not answer my phone, to of which I replied I already had an appointment scheduled for those parts. The only remedy the dealer offered was to be placed back on the parts list for the third time. I then called FCA’s recall center twice and was told both times my only remedy was to get back on the parts list again for parts they said was readily available or try another dealer. The grid heater relay has already had 2 previous recalls completed and I have been trying to not park near structures following the recall directions for a long time now until this gets resolved.” (NHTSA Complaint #11559593)

Body & Structure

The 2021 Ram 2500 has generated 35 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “My vehicle was repaired for a known recall related to the tailgate unlatching issue. NHTSA ID Number: 22V904000 This repair was completed, and then my tailgate continued to open unexpectedly. I have taken it back to the dealership after damage was caused to my tailgate when it fell while I was driving. They have denied my claim and continue to advise that it was repaired when, in fact, I have still been experiencing issues with it. I would like to have my tailgate damage repaired and realgind properly.” (NHTSA Complaint #11695035)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2021 Ram 2500 have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 30 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Been driving over 2 months and zero issues. On a Thursday headed to store and transmission would not get out of first gear.made it to a shop 1.5 miles away and they said transmission was gone.” (NHTSA Complaint #11668436)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Ram 2500

The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ram 2500 by the NHTSA or Ram. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Ram 2500:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Ram to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ram must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Ram 2500 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Ram may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Ram pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Ram willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Ram 2500 Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Ram a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Ram dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Ram pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Ram a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Ram 2500 Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Ram 2500 as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Ram pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ram is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Ram 2500?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.