Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Ram 2500
The 2021 Ram 2500 is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Technology at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.7/10. The 2500 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.8/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.2/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $37,937–$49,031, 12 MPG, seating 5, the Ram 2500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Ram 2500 sits in the middle of the field. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2021 Ram 2500 ranks #425 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,937 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $35,138.
$0 — 8 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 2500 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ram 2500 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.0 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 12 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Ram 2500 (8 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electrical system / Wiring / Relays/solenoids 14/10/2021 · 21V798000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain 24/11/2021 · 21V925000
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…
Electrical system 11/03/2021 · 21V163000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 10/03/2022 · 22V140000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC)…
Power train / Automatic transmission 10/11/2022 · 22V835000
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 Ram 2500 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Ram 2500
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Ram 2500's reliability 8.7/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Ram 2500 worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #425 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Ram 2500 cost?
The 2021 Ram 2500 starts at $37,937 and ranges up to $49,031 across trims (MSRP when new). At 12 MPG, expect roughly $4,375/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 2500 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 2500 years we've rated are 2016 (6.8/10), 2015 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Ram 2500 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ram 2500
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More Ram Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Ram models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year