NHTSA Service Bulletin 10221470: 2021 Ram 3500
Official manufacturer communication context for 2021 Ram 3500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may comment on one or more of the following: Harsh shifts. When decelerating from a 1 to 2 gear shift, the vehicle may have a harshshift. From a 1 to 2 gear change there may be a perceived bump feeling, whilehaving a light pedal(Sales Codes ETL and ETN Only). A harsh shift from a 2 to 3 gear shift while at almost or wide openthrottle. A harsh shift from a 3 to 4 shift and heavy on the pedal, lifting offthe pedal, then back on the pedal again. While coasting down a grade, an abrupt deceleration may be felt. A clunk heard when shifting from park to reverse or drive. Cold engine flare during a shift. A delay when coasting down, vehicle is in a downshift at low speedsand then trying to accelerate. (The vehicle will have a hesitation as the vehicle tries to change gears to accommodate the new pedaldemand). Excessive shifting(DD and DP Only). Engine flare caused by the transmission releasing the clutch too early duringa 1 to 2 shift.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10221470?
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may comment on one or more of the following: Harsh shifts. When decelerating from a 1 to 2 gear shift, the vehicle may have a harshshift. From a 1 to 2 gear change there may be a perceived bump feeling, whilehaving a light pedal(Sales Codes ETL and ETN Only). A harsh shift from.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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