2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6 eTorque
All photo credits
- Photo: 2025 RAM 1500 eTorque Crew Cab Short Box Off-Roader Value Package in Forged Blue Metallic, front left, 2025-08-24 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2025 RAM 1500 Limited, front 5.23.25 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2022 Ram 1500 Limited by Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Short Box Sport 4x4 in Bright White, rear left, 2026-04-05 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2022 Ram 1500 interior by deathpallie325, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6 eTorque is a 305-hp 3.6-liter with an 8-speed automatic torqueflite 850re and four-wheel drive. It starts at $35,645 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.
It makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, spinning to a 6,400 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).
The 1500 measures 232.9 inches long on a 144.6-inch wheelbase.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Pickup |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $35,645 |
| MSRP with Destination | $37,340 |
| Destination Charge | $1,695 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with eTorque (48V BSG 9 kW / 90 lb-ft launch) |
| Displacement | 3.6 L |
| Horsepower | 305 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft |
| Redline | 6,400 rpm |
| Valvetrain | Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers |
| Bore and Stroke | 96.0 x 83.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Injection Type | Sequential multiport electronic fuel injection, returnless |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | 4x2 standard / 4x4 optional |
| Differential Type | Rear 235 mm (std) open / limited-slip / electronic locker; 256 mm Dana Super 60 optional (max tow) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic TorqueFlite 850RE (standard with 3.6-liter Pentastar) |
| 1st Gear | 4.71 |
| 2nd Gear | 3.14 |
| 3rd Gear | 2.1 |
| 4th Gear | 1.67 |
| 5th Gear | 1.29 |
| 6th Gear | 1 |
| 7th Gear | 0.84 |
| 8th Gear | 0.67 |
| Reverse | 3.3 |
| Final Drive | 3.21 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 20 MPG |
| Highway | 25 MPG |
| Combined | 22 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Unleaded regular, 87 octane |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, twin-tube shocks, stabilizer bar; optional air suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Five-link with track bar, progressive-rate coils, stabilizer bar, twin-tube shocks, solid axle; optional air suspension |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | Standard |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | Standard |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Calipers | 2.2 in (57 mm) two-piston pin-slider, ABS |
| Front Brake Disc | 14.9 x 1.2 in (378 x 30 mm) vented disc |
| Rear Brake Disc | 14.8 x 0.87 in (375 x 22 mm) disc |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 232.9 in |
| Width | 82.1 in |
| Height | 77.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 144.6 in |
| Front Track | 68.5 in |
| Rear Track | 68.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in |
| Approach Angle | 18° |
| Departure Angle | 25.1° |
| Cargo Volume | 53.9 ft³ |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 40.9 in |
| Headroom Rear | 39.8 in |
| Legroom Front | 40.9 in |
| Legroom Rear | 45.2 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 66 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 65.7 in |
| Hip Room Front | 63.4 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 63.4 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6 eTorque with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (19.8 % risk) |
Other tested variants (3)
- 2021 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD: 4 ★ overall
- 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD: 5 ★ overall
- 2021 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD: 4 ★ overall
Recalls
15 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 1500. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 30, 2026 · SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V495000
Nov 6, 2025 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V765000
May 8, 2025 · AIR BAGS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
NHTSA campaign 25V298000
Oct 10, 2024 · VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
NHTSA campaign 24V754000
Sep 5, 2024 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
NHTSA campaign 24V653000
Apr 13, 2023 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
NHTSA campaign 23V265000
Feb 9, 2023 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
NHTSA campaign 23V059000
Dec 8, 2022 · STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
NHTSA campaign 22V904000
Oct 13, 2022 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
NHTSA campaign 22V767000
Aug 25, 2022 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error 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."
Consequence: 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 radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
NHTSA campaign 22V638000
Nov 24, 2021 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. 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.
Consequence: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
NHTSA campaign 21V925000
Nov 23, 2021 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: 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. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.
NHTSA campaign 21V918000
Sep 9, 2021 · TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. 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."
Consequence: 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. The owner notification letter was mailed on September 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y62.
NHTSA campaign 21V698000
Jun 10, 2021 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.
NHTSA campaign 21V438000
Feb 1, 2021 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Park it
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. 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.
Consequence: 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. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
NHTSA campaign 21V037000
683 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 1500
Owner Complaints
683 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ram 1500 (27 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 17 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine | 276 |
| Electrical System | 198 |
| Unknown Or Other | 103 |
| Power Train | 99 |
| Service Brakes | 73 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 69 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2021 RAM 1500. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.