2021 Ram 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 1500
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (276 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 276 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (197 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 197 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (98 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 98 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (73 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 73 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (68 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 68 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
48 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
15
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires Check
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.
Air Bags Red flag
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Check
A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Visibility Check
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 1500–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2021 1500. The most serious involve Back Over Prevention (21V438000) and Air Bags (21V925000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 1500?
The top complaint areas are Engine (276 complaints) and Electrical System (197 complaints), out of 678 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 1500?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 276 complaints for this model-year.