Summary
The RAM 1500 has 104 recalls spanning the 2004–2026 model years, with the most serious being ruptured side curtain airbag inflators on 2018 models that can send metal fragments into the cabin, and an EGR cooler defect on 2014–2019 EcoDiesel-equipped trucks where coolant vapor can combust inside the intake manifold and start an engine fire.
The 2025–2026 model years have a cluster of software-related issues: the electronic stability control can be disabled by damaged wheel hub encoder rings, headlights can go inoperative due to incorrect software, the instrument panel display can go blank, and a tire pressure message can instruct drivers to inflate tires to 50 psi rather than the correct value, which risks overinflation and handling problems. On 2023–2024 trucks, a clockspring defect can prevent the driver's frontal airbag from deploying in a crash, and turn signals on those years may fail to self-cancel after a lane change or turn.
The 2019–2022 era carries a heavy recall load. On 2019–2024 trucks, the driver's airbag may not be properly connected and can fail to deploy, and an anti-lock brake module software fault can disable electronic stability control. The 2022 model year has missing B-pillar impact sensors that can delay or prevent side airbag deployment, and some trucks were built with mismatched HVAC systems that leave the windshield defroster inoperable. On 2019–2020 trucks, the occupant restraint controller's flash memory can become corrupted and disable both airbags and seatbelt pretensioners simultaneously. The 2019 model year alone has an unusually large number of individual recalls: the steering column stub shaft can break and allow the steering wheel to detach from the column; a separate electric power steering contamination issue can cause an intermittent loss of assist, as can a loose battery ground fastener on the driver-side fender; 4x4 transfer case gears may not have been correctly installed, creating a risk of sudden power loss or loss of park function; adjustable brake pedals can separate from the assembly and leave the driver unable to brake; adjustable accelerator pedals can stick on floor mats and resist returning to idle; and an incorrectly installed tire pressure monitoring sensor may never alert the driver to a low-pressure condition. A 2019 Mopar rear step accessory kit can also cause the fuel tank to contact the rear control arms in a rear collision and leak fuel.
On 2018–2019 trucks, the rear driveshaft weld can crack and allow the shaft to detach and become road debris or cause a sudden loss of drive. The 2018–2019 rear differential may have been underfilled, potentially causing the rear wheels to lock up. On 2021 trucks, the brake pedal can separate from the master cylinder push rod due to a missing retaining clip, removing braking entirely, and a powertrain control module software fault on 2021 5.7L eTorque models can cause an unexpected engine stall. The 2020–2022 3.0L diesel models have a high-pressure fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine.
Going back to the 2015–2017 era, power-locking tailgates on 2015–2017 trucks can unlatch and open at speed, dumping cargo onto the road. The 2016 model year has two separate drivetrain concerns: front half
