1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,500 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer's vehicle was involved in a t-bone collision at 40 MPH, and the air bags were delayed 3 seconds or more before deploying. This caused consumer's head to hit the steering wheel, and sustain rib injuries. Consumer was not transported to the local hospital. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10113213, filed 2005-03, 109,000 miles“Air bag light keeps coming on frequently. Have had service when it happens, have been told by durham Dodge don't worry about it, it's nothing! It is not normal for this to occur and I feel unprotected when this light is on. No injuries yet, no crash yet. Do I have peace of mind that I can rely on my air bag ???? No!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10199867, filed 2007-08“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge ram. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the air bag inadvertently deployed. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 99v023000 (air bags) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10504360, filed 2013-03, 230,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 2 MPH, the front driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently. The driver sustained bruising to both of arms from the air bag deployment. The contact was not involved in a crash nor was there any impact to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10513238, filed 2013-05, 150,000 miles“Consumer was traveling 35mph, another vehicle veered into her lane and hit vehicle, knocking it across into a fire hydrant, seatbelt didn't catch. Consumer sustained injuries. Also, driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Investigator told consumer that it wasn't a hard direct hit.”
NHTSA complaint #858926, filed 2000-03Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 80 | 11% |
| 2011 | 13 | 2% |
| 2010 | 14 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% |
| 2008 | 165 | 30% |
| 2007 | 169 | 33% |
| 2006 | 193 | 24% |
| 2005 | 376 | 32% |
| 2004 | 368 | 33% |
| 2003 | 458 | 39% |
| 2002 | 46 | 6% |
| 2001 | 84 | 8% |
| 2000 | 41 | 8% |
| 1999 | 61 | 10% |
| 1998 | 63 | 12% |
| 1997 | 24 | 7% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 11 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology