2021 Ram 1500: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 280 owner complaints for the 2021 Ram 1500 that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11762650 (filed 09/08/2026): “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. i have already taken the vehicle to a ram dealership for this same issue. the deal…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11761142 (filed 08/31/2026): “This vehicle was subject to nhtsa recall 22v-767 / stellantis recall z96 for a defective bosch cp4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (hpfp) known to fail and release metal debris into the fuel system. the recall remedy (hpfp replacement) was performed at an authorized stellantis/ram dealership on 3/29/2024.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11760173 (filed 08/27/2026): “Air bag light on. needed temp start…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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