Recall 21V871 affects 22 2022 Ram 1500 trucks with inoperable windshield defrosting and defogging systems. Ram will repurchase affected vehicles free of charge.
Ram is recalling 22 2022 1500 trucks because incompatible HVAC systems left the windshield defrosting and defogging system inoperable for drivers. Reduced visibility in certain conditions can increase crash risk, and Ram dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The defrost and defog system on a 2022 Ram 1500 is part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Its normal job is to send conditioned air through the dash vents at the base of the windshield. That airflow clears fog, frost, and moisture so the driver can see through the glass.
In the recalled trucks, the issue is not a broken heater core or a worn-out vent door. Ram says these trucks were built with an incompatible HVAC system and radio combination. That pairing prevents occupants from activating the windshield defrost function, so the system cannot direct air where it is needed. The filing describes this as an engineering release error, not a defective part that failed after use.
The driver has no separate warning sign before the defrost function is unavailable. What you notice is the problem itself: little or no airflow from the defrost vents, along with reduced visibility when the windshield does not defrost or defog.
Who's affected?
| 2022 Ram 1500 | visibility component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 22 |
| 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 pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unavailable defrosting and defogging system can leave the windshield fogged or frosted, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. There is no advance warning that the defrost function is unavailable; lack of airflow from the defrost vents is the sign to take seriously. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to start the free repurchase for the inoperable defrosting and defogging system.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about the repurchase process.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V871 when you call.
- Avoid driving in conditions that require windshield defrosting or defogging until Ram gives you repurchase instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the Ram dealer, the fix is not a part replacement. Ram will repurchase affected 2022 1500 vehicles at no charge under this recall. The service desk can explain the repurchase steps and connect you with customer service for the paperwork. If you already paid to repair the defrosting or defogging problem before the recall letter, FCA US's reimbursement policy asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 22, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V871?
Recall 21V871 covers 22 2022 Ram 1500 trucks built with incompatible HVAC systems that can make the windshield defrosting and defogging system inoperable. That visibility defect violates federal windshield defrosting and defogging rules. FCA US will repurchase the affected vehicles free of charge.
What should I do if my 2022 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V871. If it is, contact Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall Y88. FCA US will handle the repurchase free of charge.
Does the recall remedy cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 21V871, FCA US will repurchase the affected 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles free of charge instead of performing a standard parts replacement.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V871?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility in certain conditions. If the windshield defrosting and defogging system is inoperable, the driver has less ability to clear the windshield, increasing crash risk. The remedy is FCA US repurchase of the affected vehicle free of charge.
When were owners notified about recall 21V871?
FCA US mailed owner notification letters on November 22, 2021. If you bought the truck used or never received the letter, check your VIN and contact Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with recall Y88.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V871000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V871 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V871000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →