Recall 21V163 covers 19,214 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks for heater relay fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 19,214 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks and cab chassis vehicles with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay creates a vehicle fire risk, increasing injury risk; Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The solid state intake heater grid relay on the 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 controls electrical power to the intake heater grid on trucks with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. That heater helps warm incoming air for diesel starting, and the relay is supposed to switch that high current on and off only when the system calls for it.
In recall 21V163, the relay can develop an electrical short. When that happens, current flows where it should not, which creates heat inside the engine compartment. Ram traced engine compartment fires to this relay, and the short can lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard light, smell, noise, or change in how the truck drives before the relay shorts.
Who's affected?
Covers four Ram truck classes for the 2021 model year, all tied to the solid state intake heater grid relay.
| 2021 Ram 5500 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ram 2500 | electrical system |
| 2021 Ram 3500 | electrical system |
| 2021 Ram 4500 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 19,214 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 21V163 says the defect raises the risk of a vehicle fire, which increases the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before failure. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon and avoid parking near buildings until the final repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free solid-state intake-heater-grid-relay inspection and repair that addresses the electrical short and fire risk.
- Tell the dealer this recall is listed as 21V163 and was superseded by recall 21V798, so the service desk can apply the correct final repair.
- Park outside, away from buildings, structures, and other vehicles until the final repair is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician inspects the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay. If the relay needs replacement, the technician replaces it. If FCA US recall Y08 is still open on the truck, the technician also applies insulating material to the relay after inspection. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Until the final repair is complete, keep the truck out of buildings, away from structures, and away from other vehicles. FCA US offers reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this issue. Send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 11, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 3, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V163?
Recall 21V163 covers 19,214 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay can lead to a vehicle fire. Ram dealers will inspect the relay and replace it if needed.
What should I do if my 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V163. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the relay inspection and repair. Reference recall 21V163 and FCA recall number Y08 or Y76 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost to owners. Ram dealers will inspect the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay and replace it if needed for free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is vehicle fire. The recall involves an electrical short in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, and NHTSA states that a vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. Until the final repair is complete, do not park the truck inside buildings, near structures, or near other vehicles.
When were owners notified about recall 21V163?
Ram mailed owner notification letters on November 10, 2021. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall number 21V163.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V163000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V163 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V163000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →