Beware Of This Common Mistake When It Comes To Your Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Customer Reviews

Beware Of This Common Mistake When It Comes To Your Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Customer Reviews

Safety on the Road: An In-Depth Look at Dodge Ram 1500 Airbag Customer Reviews and Performance

The Dodge Ram 1500 has actually long been a titan in the full-size pickup section. Known for its effective Hemi engines, luxurious interiors, and impressive pulling capabilities, it is a staple for both work and daily travelling. However, for any vehicle owner, performance is secondary to security. Among the most vital safety components in the Ram 1500 is the Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), specifically the airbags.

In this detailed guide, we evaluate customer reviews, security ratings, and common issues relating to Dodge Ram 1500 airbags. By taking a look at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and numerous automobile online forums, we offer a useful introduction of how these safety systems perform in the real world.

The Engineering Behind Ram 1500 Airbags

Modern Dodge Ram 1500 designs are geared up with a multi-stage airbag system created to offer targeted security throughout numerous types of crashes. This generally consists of:

  • Front Airbags: Advanced multistage front airbags that adjust their release force based upon the intensity of the effect.
  • Side-Curtain Airbags: These extend across all rows to safeguard the heads of outboard occupants in side-impact or rollover situations.
  • Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags: Designed to protect the torso of the driver and front passenger throughout a side-impact accident.

The combination of these systems is managed by a range of sensors located at the front and sides of the vehicle, which interact with the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).

Examining Customer Reviews: The Positive Consensus

According to various customer feedback platforms and long-term ownership reviews, a significant portion of Ram 1500 owners feel secure in the vehicle's structural integrity and its safety features. When looking at crash-test survivor stories on online forums like RAMForum and Allpar, a number of themes emerge relating to the airbag system's performance.

Key Positive Takeaways from Owners:

  • Reliable Deployment in High-Impact Crashes: Numerous reviews from owners who were included in substantial front-end crashes note that the airbags released precisely as anticipated, preventing severe head and chest injuries.
  • Side-Curtain Coverage: Owners with households frequently highlight the peace of mind supplied by the full-length side-curtain airbags, which cover both the front and rear seating locations in Crew Cab models.
  • Sensor Sensitivity: Most owners report that the airbags do not "nuisance deploy" during off-road use or minor bumps, suggesting well-calibrated sensing units.

Common Concerns and Negative Feedback

Regardless of the general satisfaction, the Dodge Ram 1500 has faced its share of examination. Customer reviews and federal grievances frequently focus on 3 particular locations: the "Airbag Warning Light," recall delays, and the infamous Takata airbag issue that impacted millions of cars internationally.

1. The Airbag Warning Light

A typical problem among owners of older Ram 1500 models (specifically the 2009-- 2018 DS Generation) is the periodic illumination of the air bag warning light. While not a failure of the airbag itself, a lit warning light indicates that the system is disabled and will not release in a crash. Owners frequently point out malfunctioning clock springs or wiring harnesses under the seats as the main culprits.

2. The Takata Recall Legacy

Like lots of producers, Chrysler (FCA/Stellantis) was greatly affected by the Takata air bag recall. Some customers expressed aggravation in reviews regarding the time it took to get replacement parts, leading to a period where they felt hazardous driving their lorries.

3. Non-Deployment Complaints

In the NHTSA database, there are erratic reports of airbags stopping working to release in accidents where the owner felt they must have. It is essential to note, nevertheless, that air bag release depends on particular decelerative forces and impact angles, and non-deployment does not always symbolize a system failure.


Safety Ratings Data

To provide an accurate foundation to customer reviews, it is important to look at professional screening results. The table below summarizes the safety ratings for current Ram 1500 generations.

Table 1: NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings (Recent Models)

Model Year RangeNHTSA Overall RatingIIHS Side ImpactIIHS Roof Strength
2014 - 2018 (DS)4 StarsGoodSlight/Marginal
2019 - 2022 (DT)5 StarsGoodGreat
2023 - 2024 (DT)5 StarsExcellentGood

Keep in mind: Ratings might vary based upon taxi design (Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab).


Typical Issues Reported by Owners

Consumer feedback typically highlights specific technical glitches that lead to "Service Airbag" messages on the control panel. Below is a breakdown of the most frequently reported concerns.

PartSignTypical Model Years
Clock SpringAirbag light on; guiding wheel buttons quit working.2009 - 2014
Electrical wiring HarnessService Airbag light set off by moving the driver's seat.2016 - 2019
Impact SensorsDeterioration causing the light to stay on.Older designs/ Rust belt states
ORC ModuleInternal software application mistake needing a flash or replacement.2013 - 2016

What to Do If the Airbag Light Comes On

If a Dodge Ram 1500 owner notifications the airbag caution light, client evaluations and mechanics alike use a standard set of actions to ensure security:

  1. Check for Recalls: Visit the Mopar or NHTSA website and get in the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Many air bag concerns are covered under safety recalls and will be repaired at no charge.
  2. Inspect Under-Seat Connections: Often, a loose yellow adapter under the motorist or guest seat (triggered by moving the seat back and forth) can trigger a fault.
  3. Diagnostic Scanning: A professional OBD-II scanner efficient in reading SRS codes is required to determine which specific sensing unit or module is reporting a mistake.
  4. Avoid DIY Airbag Repair: Due to the explosive nature of air bag inflators, owners are highly advised to have all repairs carried out by certified service technicians.

The Importance of the Clock Spring

In lots of customer reviews relating to 2010-- 2015 Ram trucks, the "Clock Spring" is often mentioned. This is a spiral-wound electrical port situated inside the guiding column. It allows the guiding wheel to turn while keeping a continuous electrical connection to the chauffeur's airbag.

When this part stops working, the connection is severed, the air bag light brightens, and the chauffeur's side airbag will not deploy. Dodge has actually provided prolonged warranties and remembers for this specific part on a number of model years due to the high volume of customer problems.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags

How many airbags does a Dodge Ram 1500 have?

Many modern Ram 1500 models (2019 and newer) come basic with six airbags: 2 front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and 2 side-curtain airbags for front and rear travelers.

Exists a current recall on Ram 1500 airbags?

Recalls are upgraded frequently. While the significant Takata remembers have actually largely been addressed, there are sometimes smaller remembers for particular batches of inflators or sensing units. Owners should check the NHTSA website utilizing their VIN.

Can I shut off the guest airbag in a Ram 1500?

In some Regular Cab models, a key-operated switch is offered to disable the passenger airbag if a rear-facing kid seat should be used. In Quad and Crew Cab designs, the system uses an Occupant Classification System (OCS) to immediately disable the airbag if a child or light-weight object is detected in the seat.

Why is my "Service Airbag" light on however my truck hasn't been in a crash?

This is typically triggered by an electrical fault instead of a physical issue with the air bag itself. Common factors consist of a malfunctioning clock spring, a disconnected wire under the seat, or a malfunctioning effect sensor.

How much does it cost to change a released airbag in a Ram 1500?

Changing a deployed airbag is expensive, typically varying from ₤ 1,000 to ₤ 3,000 depending upon the number of bags deployed and whether the control panel or headliner was harmed throughout deployment.


The consensus among Dodge Ram 1500 owners regarding airbag efficiency is generally favorable, especially concerning the 2019 and newer "DT" generation models. While older models have actually experienced typical electrical issues like clock spring failures and the widespread Takata recall, the real release performance in mishaps stays credited with conserving lives.

For any current or prospective owner, the very best strategy is to remain informed about recalls and never ever neglect an illuminated airbag caution light.  Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Deals  are just reliable when they are preserved, and in a vehicle as robust as the Ram 1500, ensuring the SRS is functional is the final step in accomplishing a really safe and secure driving experience.