Don't Make This Silly Mistake When It Comes To Your Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Customer Reviews

· 6 min read
Don't Make This Silly 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 truck segment. Understood for its powerful Hemi engines, glamorous interiors, and excellent pulling abilities, it is a staple for both work and day-to-day travelling. Nevertheless, for any car owner, performance is secondary to security. Amongst the most important security elements in the Ram 1500 is the Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), specifically the airbags.

In this comprehensive guide, we evaluate client reviews, safety scores, and typical problems regarding Dodge Ram 1500 airbags. By looking at information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and various automobile forums, we supply a useful introduction of how these security systems carry out in the real world.

The Engineering Behind Ram 1500 Airbags

Modern Dodge Ram 1500 designs are equipped with a multi-stage air bag system developed to provide targeted security during various types of crashes. This normally consists of:

  • Front Airbags: Advanced multistage front airbags that adjust their deployment force based upon the intensity of the effect.
  • Side-Curtain Airbags: These extend throughout all rows to secure the heads of outboard occupants in side-impact or rollover situations.
  • Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags: Designed to secure the torso of the motorist and front traveler during a side-impact collision.

The combination of these systems is managed by a variety of sensing units found at the front and sides of the automobile, which interact with the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).

Evaluating Customer Reviews: The Positive Consensus

According to various customer feedback platforms and long-term ownership reviews, a significant portion of Ram 1500 owners feel protected in the automobile's structural integrity and its security features. When taking a look at crash-test survivor stories on forums like RAMForum and Allpar, a number of styles emerge relating to the airbag system's performance.

Key Positive Takeaways from Owners:

  • Reliable Deployment in High-Impact Crashes: Numerous evaluations from owners who were included in considerable front-end collisions keep in mind that the airbags released specifically as expected, preventing major head and chest injuries.
  • Side-Curtain Coverage: Owners with families frequently highlight the assurance provided by the full-length side-curtain airbags, which cover both the front and rear seating locations in Crew Cab designs.
  • Sensing unit Sensitivity: Most owners report that the airbags do not "problem deploy" during off-road use or minor bumps, suggesting well-calibrated sensing units.

Common Concerns and Negative Feedback

Regardless of the basic satisfaction, the Dodge Ram 1500 has actually faced its share of analysis. Consumer evaluations and federal problems typically focus on three particular areas: the "Airbag Warning Light," recall delays, and the notorious Takata air bag problem that impacted countless vehicles worldwide.

1. The Airbag Warning Light

A common problem amongst owners of older Ram 1500 designs (particularly the 2009-- 2018 DS Generation) is the periodic lighting of the air bag caution light. While not a failure of the airbag itself, a lit warning light shows that the system is disabled and will not deploy in a crash. Owners frequently cite faulty clock springs or circuitry harnesses under the seats as the primary perpetrators.

2. The Takata Recall Legacy

Like many makers, Chrysler (FCA/Stellantis) was greatly impacted by the Takata airbag recall. Some clients revealed aggravation in evaluations relating to the time it took to receive replacement parts, resulting in a duration where they felt risky driving their vehicles.

3. Non-Deployment Complaints

In the NHTSA database, there are sporadic reports of airbags failing to deploy in accidents where the owner felt they ought to have. It is essential to keep in mind, however, that air bag release is reliant on particular decelerative forces and impact angles, and non-deployment does not always signify a system failure.


Safety Ratings Data

To provide an accurate foundation to client reviews, it is vital to look at professional screening outcomes. The table below sums up the safety ratings for recent 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 StarsGoodGreat

Note: Ratings may vary based on cab design (Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab).


Typical Issues Reported by Owners

Client feedback frequently highlights specific technical glitches that cause "Service Airbag" messages on the dashboard. Below is a breakdown of the most regularly reported problems.

ComponentSymptomCommon Model Years
Clock SpringAirbag light on; steering wheel buttons quit working.2009 - 2014
Electrical wiring HarnessService Airbag light activated by moving the motorist's seat.2016 - 2019
Impact SensorsDeterioration triggering the light to stay on.Older designs/ Rust belt specifies
ORC ModuleInternal software error requiring a flash or replacement.2013 - 2016

What to Do If the Airbag Light Comes On

If a Dodge Ram 1500 owner notifications the air bag warning light, customer reviews and mechanics alike use a standard set of steps to ensure security:

  1. Check for Recalls: Visit the Mopar or NHTSA site and go into the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Numerous airbag issues are covered under safety remembers and will be repaired at no expense.
  2. Examine Under-Seat Connections: Often, a loose yellow connector under the chauffeur or traveler seat (triggered by sliding the seat back and forth) can trigger a fault.
  3. Diagnostic Scanning: An expert OBD-II scanner efficient in checking out SRS codes is essential to identify which particular sensing unit or module is reporting a mistake.
  4. Avoid DIY Airbag Repair: Due to the explosive nature of airbag inflators, owners are strongly recommended to have actually all repairs performed by licensed professionals.

The Importance of the Clock Spring

In many consumer reviews concerning 2010-- 2015 Ram trucks, the "Clock Spring" is frequently mentioned. This is a spiral-wound electrical port situated inside the steering column. It enables the guiding wheel to turn while maintaining a constant electrical connection to the driver's airbag.

When this part fails, the connection is severed, the air bag light brightens, and the chauffeur's side air bag will not release. Dodge has provided prolonged warranties and remembers for this specific part on a number of design years due to the high volume of customer complaints.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags

How many airbags does a Dodge Ram 1500 have?

Most modern-day Ram 1500 designs (2019 and more recent) come basic with six airbags: two front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and two side-curtain airbags for front and rear guests.

Exists an existing recall on Ram 1500 airbags?

Recalls are upgraded often. While the major Takata remembers have actually largely been dealt with, there are sometimes smaller recalls for specific batches of inflators or sensing units. Owners need to examine the NHTSA site using their VIN.

Can I switch off the traveler air bag in a Ram 1500?

In some Regular Cab models, a key-operated switch is offered to disable the passenger airbag if a rear-facing child seat should be utilized. In Quad and Crew Cab designs, the system uses an Occupant Classification System (OCS) to automatically disable the airbag if a child or lightweight item is spotted in the seat.

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

This is normally brought on by an electrical fault instead of a physical problem with the airbag itself.  Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Best Deals  include a defective clock spring, a detached wire under the seat, or a malfunctioning impact sensor.

How much does it cost to replace a released air bag in a Ram 1500?

Changing a released air bag is pricey, frequently varying from ₤ 1,000 to ₤ 3,000 depending on the variety of bags deployed and whether the dashboard or headliner was damaged during deployment.


The consensus among Dodge Ram 1500 owners regarding airbag efficiency is normally favorable, specifically concerning the 2019 and newer "DT" generation models. While older designs have actually suffered from common electrical issues like clock spring failures and the extensive Takata recall, the real release efficiency in mishaps stays credited with saving lives.

For any current or prospective owner, the best course of action is to remain informed about recalls and never neglect an illuminated airbag warning light. Security systems are only efficient when they are maintained, and in a vehicle as robust as the Ram 1500, ensuring the SRS is functional is the last step in achieving a genuinely protected driving experience.