Ram›1500›2021›Overview/ram/1500/2021/base/

2021 Ram 1500

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 1500.

The 2021 Ram 1500, built on the latest iteration of the brand’s full‑size pickup platform and powered by the series‑wide engine family, carries an 8.5‑quart oil capacity and is specified for 5W‑40 lubricant, underscoring its robust mechanical design. Across the model’s complaint record from 2009 through 2021, the 2021 year registers 655 owner complaints—well below the 2014 peak of 1,734 but above the 2009 low of 37—and engine issues remain the most frequently cited problem area, with 14 recalls logged to date. Positioned toward the lower‑end of the historical complaint spectrum, the 2021 iteration suggests a comparatively stable reliability standing within the line’s evolution.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity8.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-40OEM · verified

Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

High beam bulbAOEM · verified

Tire size275/65R18 116TOEM · verified

Wheel / rim8.0, Optional: 9.0, 8.0 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04892339BE alt 04884899AC
Engine air filter	68386779AA alt 68441763AA
Fuel filter	68436631AA
Spark plug	SP225755AB alt SP143877AB
Battery	56029635AC
Front wiper blades	68339036AC
Serpentine belt	05281957AA alt 68207171AD
Thermostat	52028898AJ alt 68490088AA
Cabin air filter	68535623AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	233.1 in
Overall width	79.5 in
Overall height	77.6 in
Wheelbase	144.5 in
Curb weight	4971 lb
Track (front / rear)	68.5 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the 1500 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

3.7–6.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 3.70 sec — 2021 TRX Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2021	TRX Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 6.2L Supercharger V8	3.70 sec	12.30 sec	702 hp	4x4
2021	TRX Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 6.2L Supercharger V8	3.80 sec	12.30 sec	702 hp	4x4
2021	TRX Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 6.2L Supercharger V8	3.90 sec	12.70 sec	702 hp	4x4
2021	TRX Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 6.2L Supercharger V8	4.10 sec	12.70 sec	702 hp	4x4
2021	TRX Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 6.2L Supercharger V8	4.20 sec	12.70 sec	702 hp	4x4
2021	Laramie Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 5.7L V8	6.60 sec	15.00 sec	395 hp	4x4
2020	Limited EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	7.70 sec	15.90 sec	260 hp	4x4
2020	Rebel EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5'7.4" Bed) 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	8.10 sec	16.10 sec	260 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 8.5 qt of 5W-40 engine oil, Rear: 3.21; Rear: 3.92 Max in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	9.5 qt
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	8.98 qt
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	Rear: 3.21; Rear: 3.92 Max
Differential Gear Oil	Rear: 3.21; Rear: 3.92 Max
Engine Coolant Capacity	11.6 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	4.41 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	5.91 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	9.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	9.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential drain Plug	Rear: C-235: 52.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	Rear: C-235: 52.0 ft-lbs, M250: 20.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	130 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	4811 & 4813: 18.0 ft-lbs; 48-12: 15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	4811 & 4813: 18.0 ft-lbs; 48-12: 15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug	Drain: 6.67 ft-lbs, Fill: 26.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-4
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Mopar
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	15.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity	1.12 lbs
Oil Type	FD46XG
Oil Capacity	4.0 oz
Refrigerant	R1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity	1.12 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	ND-12

Service checks

Pressure Test	15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	195 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	56.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	60.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	56.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	60.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure	15.9 psi @ Idle psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	Front: 55.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Rear: 74.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque	6.9
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: 1.118; Rear: .803
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation	.0006"
Maximum Rotor Runout	.0008"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Inspection Procedure (Upper) — tightening sequence 1 stages

Place jack stands as far out as possible under both lower control arms. Step 3: The vehicle can now be lowered onto the jack stands supporting as much weight as possible. Step 4: Remove front tires. Step 5: Place plunger on upper side of upper ball joint making sure that it is perpendicular to boss machined surface. Step 6: Use a pry bar between upper control arm and knuckle to pry upward. Step 7: Document movement from the dial indicator. Step 8: Replace upper control arm and ball joint if travel exceeds specifications.

Inspection Procedure (Lower) — tightening sequence 1 stages

Use a vehicle lift to raise and safely support the vehicle. Step 2

0.02 in

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

15.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°.

15 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° do not use a torque wrench for this step., Step 5: Loosen all fasteners in reverse order., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 130° do not use a torque wrench for this step. **Step 4 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 35°, Step 2: 90° ** Step 9 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 40°, Step 2: 90°

22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 75°, Step 3: 75°, Step 4: 75°

22 ft. lbs

Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

37.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 92.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 30°.

37 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 16,000 mi	Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 24,000 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 90,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Ram 1500 sits within a generation that launched in 2019 with a sharp spike in complaints (1,449) and recalls (29), then saw a dramatic improvement in 2020 (610 complaints, 13 recalls) that largely holds into 2021 (655 complaints, 14 recalls). This places the 2021 model year near the bottom of the complaint and recall arc for the current generation, suggesting that many early redesign issues were resolved after the 2019 model year. While engine (83), electrical system (44), and power train (42) complaints remain the most frequently reported areas, the overall volume is far below the 2019 peak and comparable to the more stable 2020 model. The data does not specify root causes for these complaints, but the trend implies a maturing platform with fewer systemic problems. For a used buyer, the 2021 Ram 1500 represents a relatively low-risk choice within this generation, avoiding the elevated problem rates of the 2019 launch year.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

1118

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

655

Owner complaints

26 involved a crash · 4 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’09 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20’21

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 655 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine83

Unknown Or Other47

Electrical System44

Power Train42

Electrical System,Engine36

Fuel/Propulsion System30

Steering24

Fuel System, Gasoline,Engine22

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V438000Back Over Prevention:Display FunctionReported 10/06/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the… Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403…

21V918000Back Over Prevention:Display FunctionReported 23/11/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with… Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1118 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
113123	2026-06-29	Service Brakes	SPRING KIT - DISC BRAKE PAD
113070	2026-06-29	Electrical System	SWITCH – HEADLAMP
113069	2026-06-29	Electrical System	SWITCH – HEADLAMP
S2208000045 REV.D	2026-06-26	Structure	Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
113065	2026-06-25	Unknown Or Other	OUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 1500. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R battery Vehicles taking 8.5 qt Engine oil filter 04892339BE Engine air filter 68386779AA Fuel filter 68436631AA Spark plug SP225755AB

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 1500 take?

8.5 qt of Mopar 5W-40 Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 1500 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.