Recall 21V037 affects 683 2021 Ram 1500 trucks for a missing brake-pedal push-rod clip. Do not drive. Free repair at a franchised Ram dealer.
A separated brake pedal can leave the driver unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. Do not drive the truck, even for short trips. If it must move, ask the dealer about towing. A buzz, squeak, or rattle near the brake pedal is a warning sign. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 683 2021 1500 Classic SLT trucks under recall 21V037 because some were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal. If the brake pedal separates, the driver can be unable to apply the service brakes. Do not drive the truck until a Ram dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The master cylinder push rod on the 2021 Ram 1500 is the link between the brake pedal and the brake master cylinder. When you press the pedal, the rod moves the master cylinder so hydraulic pressure reaches the brakes. A small retaining clip holds that rod in place at the pedal.
On affected trucks, that clip was left out during assembly. The clip itself is not the defective part; the problem is that the truck was built without it. Without the clip, the push rod can separate from the brake pedal, which can disconnect the pedal from the brake system.
Before that happens, the driver can hear a buzz, squeak, or rattle from the brake pedal area. That noise is the warning sign tied to the missing clip.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Ram 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 683 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Ram 1500 pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated brake pedal can leave the driver unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. Do not drive the truck, even for short trips. If it must move, ask the dealer about towing. A buzz, squeak, or rattle near the brake pedal is a warning sign. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the truck until a franchised Ram dealer installs the brake-pedal push-rod clip that secures the pedal to the brake system.
- Arrange a tow if the truck has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free inspection and push-rod clip installation.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V037 and Ram recall Y04 when you call.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about scheduling or towing.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive the truck until a Ram dealer gives inspection and repair instructions. At the dealer, a Ram technician inspects the brake pedal push rod area and installs the missing push rod clip, free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ram has a reimbursement process for owners who already paid to repair the same problem before the recall. Send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company as directed in the owner letter so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 15, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 15, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V037?
Recall 21V037 covers 683 2021 Ram 1500 trucks built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal. The brake pedal can separate from the brake system, leaving the driver unable to apply the service brakes. Ram dealers inspect and install the clip for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V037. If it is, do not drive it. Call a franchised Ram dealer, reference recall 21V037 or FCA recall Y04, and ask how to arrange inspection, repair, and towing if the truck must be moved.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For this recall, a franchised Ram dealer will inspect the brake pedal push rod connection and install the missing retaining clip free of charge.
What does 'do not drive' mean for this Ram recall?
Do not drive the truck until a dealer completes the inspection and repair. The missing retaining clip can let the brake pedal separate from the brake system, which leaves the driver unable to apply the service brakes. Ask the Ram dealer about towing if the vehicle must move.
What if I bought my Ram 1500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ram 1500 is included, then contact a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 21V037 or FCA recall Y04 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V037000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V037 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V037000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →