RoadVitals

2016 RAM 1500 Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
47
Latest Jun 25, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 1,517 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
30
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
47

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 RAM 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 47 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

The 25 most recent of 47, in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Jun 25, 2026
Crash reported

Vehicle was in a front end collision and the air bags never deployed. Approximate speed 40-45 mph

NHTSA ID
11746444
Incident
Jun 24, 2026
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V632000 (AIR BAGS), but the failure occurred. The inflator end cap failed in September 2024 and failed again in February 2025. Most recently, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the code was cleared; however, the failure persisted. The dealer retrieved a fault code for "Failure to Communicate with ABS Module". The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11702223
Incident
Nov 10, 2025
Airbags
Filed Nov 21, 2025

The service airbag system keeps alerting me. Some vehicles have been recalled but my vehicle has not been recalled and I would like that to be taken care of.

NHTSA ID
11700715
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 17, 2025
Crash reported2 injuries reported

The contact owned a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn onto a main road, a passing vehicle crashed into the front driver's side quarter panel of the contact's vehicle. No property damage was reported, the vehicles came to a stop upon impact, and the air bags did not deploy. The speed of the other vehicle at the time of the crash was unknown. The contact's vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact, seated in the driver's seat, and a passenger seated in the front passenger seat were both injured. No one outside the vehicle was reported to be injured. The contact sustained injuries to her face, a broken nose, a hematoma to the left eye and left cheek, and severe headaches accompanied by various bruises across the left arm, and the passenger sustained bruises across their arms. Medical treatment was needed for the injuries. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11687869
Incident
Jul 27, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
AirbagsSuspension
Filed Sep 6, 2025

Front suspension has completely bottomed out while the back is all the way raised making the truck sit awkwardly and drive extremely unstable and very roughly. You feel every bump on the road and hitting any kind of hole/bump will cause the truck to jerk. I definitely feel less safe driving this truck. Problem was identified by dealership and been an issue since I have owned it for 2+ years. Warning light has been on for most of the time I've had the vehicle included when I bought it and the dealership attempted to fix it.

NHTSA ID
11685501
Incident
Sep 4, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 5, 2025
Crash reported

Driver hit a tree at 55mph, air bags did not deploy, insurance company determined vehicle was total loss, and body shop (Caliber Collision at 3061 US-42 Delaware OH 43015, phone # 740-430-2869) questioned why the air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID
11685356
Incident
Aug 27, 2025
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 20, 2025

Transmission won't shift out of second gear,and a code showed up U0402 in order for it to shift gear you have to disconnected the battery cable wait a few minutes then connect the battery back this will reset the computer then it will shift gear, while driving at 45 the truck suddenly stop making it feel like the transmission was about to fall out Now the EPS system while driving the steering wheel lock up, when I took it to dealership it sat in the shop about 45 minutes to and hour and they said ok you ready to go don't give me a copy of what was supposed to be done

NHTSA ID
11682025
Incident
Aug 20, 2025
Airbags
Filed Aug 18, 2025

Dealer wants $7259.20 to repair 2 air bags Is this a recall item? Truck start leaning to one side and is lope sided. We noticed that there are recalls on other 2016 Rams 1500 trucks and now we are having this problem. We would appreciate your help. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11681472
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
AirbagsEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 3, 2025

The Dealer did not complete this Safety Recall, They refused to follow up with the repair description of 73A which is part of this 66A they both have the same NHSTA Number. The vehicle seems to be more difficult to drive after getting it back from the dealer. I also noticed new cosmetic damages, and a missing cover under the fender-well. The vehicle was returned to me with an incomplete recall. "Jun 08,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number66A NHTSA Recall Number23V-411 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary The magnetic material attached to the reluctor wheel provides a signal to the crankshaft position sensor. If this signal material is lost, the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing. This loss of crankshaft position can result in an engine stall, as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. Safety Risk A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Remedy FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to update the powertrain control module software (FCA US Recall ID 66A) or, in some cases, replace the tone wheel (FCA US Recall ID 73A). In cases wherein the Approved Emissions Modification was not installed in Subject Vehicles owned or leased by an Eligible Owner or Eligible Lessee who did not request such installation pursuant to paragraph 23 or did not accept Defendants' offer to install pursuant to paragraphs 37 and 38, wherein such capitalized terms and paragraph references are part of that certain Consent Decree ordered effective May 3, 2019 by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, in the matter of IN RE: CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP ECODIESEL MARKETING, SALES PRACTICES, AND PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION, No. 3:17-md-02777-EMC, FCA US will replace the tone wheel (FCA US Recall ID 73A)."

NHTSA ID
11652575
Incident
Apr 3, 2025
Airbags
Filed Aug 15, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owned a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, her vehicle was crashed into on the passenger side front by a vehicle that had run a red light. The contact stated that the impact threw her into the driver's side door. The contact stated that she was knocked unconscious. The contact stated that she was transported by ambulance to a hospital and was treated for lacerations on her left ear and left side of her face. The contact stated that she had suffered a concussion and damage to her neck vertebra. The contact stated that the police were on scene and had written a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that she when she saw the vehicle none of the air bags had deployed. The contact stated that her insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 116,118.

NHTSA ID
11608797
Incident
Jul 14, 2024
Mileage
116,118 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 28, 2023

No

NHTSA ID
11547029
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
AirbagsBrakesSeat belts
Filed Jan 13, 2023

Air bag light stays led ,brake light on seat belt light is on,Sway light is on .was told D.P.S.was told to pass vehicle inspection anyway.

NHTSA ID
11501602
Incident
Jan 18, 2022
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 5, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was driving down the highway when my truck suddenly throws its self into park while traveling at 55 mph. My stuck started spinning causing me to bounce off the safety rails on both sides of the highway. My truck took a front end hit to a concrete wall and my airbags did not deploy. Once my truck came to a stop sideways in the middle of the highway it wouldn’t come out of park because it was shut off. I started the truck and placed it in drive and was able to move a few feet from the center of the highway. The truck was towed. No warning lights had went off nothing. I’m having bad neck pain from the residual effects of the accident.

NHTSA ID
11482883
Incident
Sep 4, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jul 14, 2022
Crash reported2 injuries reported

I was in two separate major accidents and the airbags did not deploy. I got injuries due to this. They have been looked at by shops when repairs were made. No indication before or after of any kind regarding air bags.

NHTSA ID
11473933
Incident
Jul 13, 2022
Airbags
Filed Mar 25, 2022

I received a recall letter from FCA for SAFETY RECALL Y63/NHTSA 21V-632 approximately SEVEN months ago. As of today 3/25/2022 a fix is not available according to FCA!!! How can FCA have a recall when they don't have a fix? And how can NHTSA allow FCA to drag their feet on a SAFETY RECALL? I am very disappointed in FCA and MOST of all with NHTSA, to allow a SAFETY problem to exist with out a fix for such a LONG period of time.

NHTSA ID
11458291
Incident
Mar 25, 2022
Airbags
Filed Mar 6, 2022
Crash reported

Was involved in a crash where an SUV ran a red light and out in front of me, I was driving 40mph she was going faster and when we hit her SUV flipped and all her airbags deployed but none of mine did and the whole front was pushed back about a foot also both frame rails were bent and cracked from the impact but none of my airbags deployed and I just bought this truck one month ago and the dealership said everything checked out good and there were no service lights on at the time prior to or after the wreck.

NHTSA ID
11455376
Incident
Mar 4, 2022
Airbags
Filed Feb 2, 2022

I received a pre-notice regarding the side airbag recall associated with my vehicle just after it was issued (Aug. 2021). I have been in touch with my local dealership many times, with a response to check back later. Since the initial notice, I have received nothing on the status or remedy concerning this recall. Being that airbags are a vital safety system, it is my assessment that the manufacturer should stop dragging their feet on this recall and provide a solution.

NHTSA ID
11449852
Incident
Feb 2, 2022
Airbags
Filed Dec 29, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. During the incident, the front end sustained severe damage but the airbag did not deploy. The driver sustained an injured neck and back which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ID
11445401
Incident
Dec 8, 2021
Mileage
96,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V632000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11441609
Incident
Oct 15, 2021
Airbags
Filed Oct 13, 2021

Safety recall not fixed, no part available

NHTSA ID
11436654
Incident
Oct 13, 2021
Airbags
Filed Sep 8, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that when driving at 55 mph in the right lane, a vehicle leaving a gas service station entered the traffic and failed to yield to the right of way, the vehicle entered the contact's lane and the contact was unable to stop and crashed into the vehicle's rear end. The driver's air bag failed to deploy upon impact. The contact's face hit the steering wheel causing the contact injury to the mouth and caused the contact to lose a top and button tooth, the contact's nose was fractured, his face was swollen, and he also suffered injuries to the neck. The contact was taken by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was advised by the insurance company that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ID
11432174
Incident
Aug 30, 2021
Mileage
57,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 14, 2021

SIDE CURTAIN AND DRIVER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH AFTER PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION. THERE WAS NO COLLISION. I REPORTED THE SITUATION TO RAM AND THEY TOLD ME SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK, WERE NOT TAKING CARE OF IT.

NHTSA ID
11396137
Incident
Sep 3, 2020
Mileage
93,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 26, 2020
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL* THE CONTACT WORKS FOR A COMPANY THAT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AN EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING THE WORK VEHICLE AT 50 MPH, THE EMPLOYEE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD RAN A STOP LIGHT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMPLOYEE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION THE DAY AFTER THE ACCIDENT FOR STIFFNESS TO AN UNKNOWN BODY PART. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TAKEN AWAY BY AMBULANCE AND WAS TREATED FOR UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE BACK TO THE EMPLOYEE'S PLACE OF BUSINESS. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *DT*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE IS OWNED BY THE USPS AND WAS ONLY REPORTING IT.*JB

NHTSA ID
11351371
Incident
Aug 18, 2020
Airbags
Filed Jul 27, 2020
Crash reported3 injuries reported

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON CITY STREETS HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON THAT WAS TRAVELING TOWARDS ME AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME SPEED. THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ID
11341673
Incident
Jul 21, 2020
Mileage
38,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 23, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,980. *DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11257448
Incident
Sep 19, 2019
Mileage
33,980 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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