2016 Ram 1500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,980miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Ram 1500, 3% of the 1,554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,980 miles. 31 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“A car crossed a double yellow line on a 2 lane road and hit my truck head on. The car was travelling about 40 MPH and I was going about 32 MPH. All air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to lock allowing me to hit the steering wheel with my chest and right arm. I sustained severs bruising and whiplash. I am still being treated for my injuries. ..updated 07/13/17 ...updated 08/02/17”
NHTSA complaint #11002633, filed 2017-07, 5,500 miles“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 complaint #11396137, filed 2021-02, 93,000 miles“Was involved in a head on collision in which I lost control of the vehicle on the highway in the rain and hit the concrete median twice. The bumper was pushed back to the tire and the airbag switch was tripped but didn't deploy. Immediately after the accident I received an email from the vehicle vhr diagnostics system stating that the vehicle recently noticed a airbag alarm light and issued me a recall after the fact.”
NHTSA complaint #11113297, filed 2018-07, 34,000 miles“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 complaint #11341673, filed 2020-07, 38,000 miles“Air bag did not deploy. Traveling on city street going straight auto from left hit me making left hand turn. Stuck front left bumper I was going about 32 MPH. No air bag deployment.”
NHTSA complaint #11174664, filed 2019-02, 34,000 milesRelated recalls
- 25V010000Jan 16, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side…Covers: Ram 1500 2016–2019, 2500 2016–2020, 3500 2016–2019 +1 more
- 21V632000Aug 12, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross…Covers: Ram 1500 2015–2020, 2500 2015–2016, 3500 2015–2016
- 17V302000May 9, 2017Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as…Covers: Ram 1500 2013–2016, 2500 2013–2016, 3500 2014–2016
Related service bulletins
- 10224028Nov 10, 2020(Rev. A) Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Illuminated. Service Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System ? See Dealer Soon Message on Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Along…
- 10221685Jul 22, 2020Transmission Oil Pan, Heater (TMU), Tube or O-ring Applies to vehicles equipped with 8 speed transmissions only; if you have a leak that appears to be at the pan the use of…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 6 | 3% |
| 2022 | 12 | 2% |
| 2021 | 27 | 4% |
| 2020 | 21 | 3% |
| 2019 | 93 | 6% |
| 2018 | 19 | 3% |
| 2017 | 53 | 6% |
| 2016 | 49 | 3% |
| 2015 | 61 | 4% |
| 2014 | 125 | 7% |
| 2013 | 94 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ram 1500
314 complaintsEngine
291 complaintsBrakes
282 complaintsFuel system
281 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
202 complaintsElectrical system
193 complaintsOther or unknown
127 complaintsVehicle speed control
111 complaintsSuspension
68 complaintsEngine cooling
63 complaintsBody and structure
36 complaintsForward collision avoidance
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Ram 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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