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Campaign 23V265 Posted April 13, 2023 131,700 units

2021 Ram 1500 Recall 23V265: Powertrain Software Stall

Recall 23V265 affects 131,700 2021 Ram 1500 trucks for engine-stall PCM software. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.

Ram is recalling 131,700 2021 Ram 1500 pickups equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines because powertrain control module software can create an incorrect fuel mixture and stall the engine. An engine stall can increase crash risk, and Ram dealers will update the software free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The powertrain control module on the 2021 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L eTorque engine is the computer that manages engine operation. It reads sensor information and controls fuel delivery so the engine gets the right fuel mixture while the truck starts, idles, accelerates, and cruises.

On affected trucks, the module's software can command an over rich fuel condition, which means the engine receives too much fuel for the air available. That incorrect mixture can make combustion unstable and shut the engine down while the truck is moving. The recall repair updates the powertrain control module calibration software so the engine controller uses the correct settings.

There is no warning sign before failure. The stall can happen without a light, sound, or drivability clue that gives the driver time to pull over first.

Who's affected?

2021 Ram 1500 automatic transmission
Units affected131,700
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?

An engine stall can leave the vehicle without power while moving and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the software repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free Powertrain Control Module software update that corrects the fuel mixture problem linked to engine stall.
  3. Bring the owner letter if you have it. Reference recall number 23V265 when you call.
  4. Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. If the engine stalls, steer to a safe place and stop.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ram technician updates the Powertrain Control Module calibration software. The software update is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. If you've already paid for a repair tied to this powertrain control module problem, FCA US has a reimbursement process for documented expenses. Send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation, using the instructions in the owner letter.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

April 13, 2023 NHTSA published the recall
April 27, 2023 Owner notification mailed
June 2, 2023 Dealer notification began
June 2, 2023 Dealer notification ended
June 2, 2023 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
June 2, 2023 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 23V265?

Recall 23V265 covers 131,700 2021 Ram 1500 trucks with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software can create an incorrect fuel mixture, stall the engine, and increase crash risk. Ram dealers will update the powertrain control module calibration software 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 23V265. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the powertrain control module software update. Reference recall number 23V265 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. For recall 23V265, Ram dealers will update the powertrain control module calibration software free of charge.

What is the safety risk with recall 23V265?

The safety risk is an engine stall. Under recall 23V265, incorrect powertrain control module software can create the wrong fuel mixture and stall the engine, increasing crash risk. Ram's remedy is a free calibration software update at a franchised Ram dealer.

When were owners notified about recall 23V265?

Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether recall 23V265 applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ram dealer with the recall number.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V265000
Ram customer service1-800-853-1403
NHTSA recall #23V265
NHTSA recall # (full)23V265000

Source documents

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 →