Airbag suspension fails when the compressor fails causing a fuse to blow and loose all air ride suspension. The ride leaves you feeling terribly unsafe hoping you can make it home in one piece. Its all over the web about this issue. Canada has a class action lawsuit filed. There are service bulletins but we need a recall with a permanent fix. It costs over 3000 with no guarantees to be fixed if…
2014 RAM 1500 suspension problems
moderate 92 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 92 suspension complaints filed for the 2014 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of RAM 1500 we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 92.
Owners have filed 92 suspension complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 RAM 1500's air suspension system is a known problem, especially in cold climates where it routinely deflates and leaves the truck riding on bumpers with zero damping—dangerous at highway speeds. Replacement compressors, fuses, and other components fail repeatedly with no permanent fix from RAM or dealers.
The 2014 RAM 1500 air suspension is plagued by intermittent deflation, particularly in freezing temperatures. Owners describe their trucks suddenly dropping to the frame bump stops with no warning, making the vehicle bounce uncontrollably and severely compromising steering control. The system goes flat while parked or driving at highway speeds, with the only recovery being time and warm weather. Compressor replacement is common—some owners have replaced theirs three to five times—yet the failures recur reliably when temperatures drop below freezing.
Cold-weather failures are systematic. Minnesota, Alaska, and Canadian owners report identical patterns: below-freezing temperatures trigger deflation, fuses blow (some repeatedly in 24 hours), and height-adjustment buttons become unresponsive. Dealers claim no permanent fix exists. RAM's response has ranged from ignoring the issue to parts swapping without success. Owners also report front control arm fasteners loosening, ball joint boots cracking early, and rapid uneven tire wear. One truck experienced a catastrophic front suspension structural weld failure at low speed, and another's pinion nut simply detached, locking the rear wheels. These are not wear items—they occur at 30,000 to 120,000 miles on vehicles that never saw collision or abuse. Canadian owners have filed a class-action lawsuit. RAMs with air suspension are fundamentally unsafe to own long-term in cold climates.
Same RAM 1500 suspension reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Air suspension bag deflation and inability to re-inflate
Air bags lose pressure suddenly, causing the truck to sag or drop fully onto bump stops. The system either fails to re-inflate at all or re-inflates intermittently after days or weeks, then deflates again unpredictably.
When: Typically during winter months or cold weather, but also reported in warmer months. Can occur while parked or driving at any speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle sags on one or more corners or drops fully to bump stops; Violent bouncing and jarring over road bumps; Loss of steering control, pulling to one side; Steering wheel becomes off-center; Vehicle unable to maintain ride height even on flat roads; Intermittent 'Service Air Suspension Immediately' dashboard warning
Codes mentioned: Air suspension service/repair required warning, Payload exceeded warning, Suspension cooling warning, Suspension overheated warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repeated replacement of compressor (multiple replacements in some cases), fuses, valve bodies, control modules, and miscellaneous components. Costs cited range from $2,000 to $5,000+. No permanent fix documented in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers and FCA acknowledge the issue in cold climates but claim no permanent fix is available. Service bulletins exist but no formal recall. Canadian owners have filed class action lawsuit. FCA has attempted component replacements and ECU updates without success.
Cold-weather air suspension failure and compressor malfunction
Air suspension system fails reliably when ambient temperature drops below freezing, particularly in cold climates (Minnesota, Alaska, Canada). Compressor produces abnormal noise or fails to pump air effectively. System remains stuck on bump stops even after warming vehicle.
When: Below 32°F (freezing) and below, most prevalent in winter months. Some owners report fuse failures when temperature barely drops below freezing.
Symptoms owners cite: Suspension drops to bump stops when temps near or below freezing; Compressor runs but produces no increase in pressure or abnormal grinding/whining noise; Vehicle sits on frame or bump stops with zero suspension; 40-amp fuse blows repeatedly, sometimes within 24 hours; Dashboard warning lights flash but vehicle does not respond to height adjustment buttons; Suspension may lower while parked overnight in cold
Codes mentioned: Service air suspension immediately warning, Suspension cooling/suspension overheated codes, Payload exceeded warning (false readings)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite fuse replacement (temporary measure), compressor replacement, dryer system inspection/replacement, and desiccant cartridge claims. Multiple owners replaced compressors 3-5 times with recurring failure. No long-term solution reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially told owners the issue is normal in cold weather and to ignore it until weather warms. FCA representatives sent to affected regions attempted part replacement and fuse swaps. FCA stated in some cases that Alaska is a small market and not a priority. Service bulletins issued but no recall implemented.
Intermittent single air bag failure
One air bag (typically driver-side rear) loses pressure intermittently while compressor runs but fails to refill that chamber. Bag may go flat for minutes to days, then spontaneously refill and operate normally for hours to weeks before failing again.
When: Can occur at any time, while driving or parked. Unpredictable cycle.
Symptoms owners cite: One corner of truck sags while other corners maintain height; Vehicle leans to affected side; Compressor audible but affected bag does not refill; Irregular tire wear on sagging side; Steering impaired, vehicle pulls toward high side; May eventually escalate to complete system failure
Codes mentioned: Air suspension service warning, No fault codes stored; dealer diagnostics often show no error
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to locate leaks. Some owners report control module reflashing resolved the issue; others required compressor or valve body replacement without permanent success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim compressor overheat protection but acknowledge inconsistency with single-bag failure pattern. No formal TSB or recall for isolated bag failure.
Control arm fastener loosening and ball joint failure
Driver-side front control arm bolt and nut loosen or back out, with nut completely missing. Passenger-side ball joint boots crack, causing grease leakage and ball joint failure. Both components fail without prior collision or service.
When: Failure detected between 32,000 and 88,000 miles. Original problem started before 50,000 miles in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping and clicking noise from front end when turning steering wheel; Wheel assembly audibly moving or loose; Wobbly or unstable driving sensation; Cracked ball joint boot visible during inspection; Bolt nearly backed completely out without evidence of prior removal
Repairs/costs cited: Fastener reinstallation or ball joint replacement required. One owner cited ball joint replacement cost but specific amount not stated.
Rapid and irregular front tire wear
Front tires wear prematurely and in an uneven pattern despite multiple alignment corrections. Alignment checks at independent and dealer facilities alternately show in-spec and out-of-spec readings, but tire wear continues regardless.
When: Detected as early as 7,000 miles, continuing through 13,000+ miles. One case noted tire wear pattern continuing even after four separate alignments.
Symptoms owners cite: Uneven tire wear pattern visible on front tires; Frequent alignment drift; Tracking/road behavior impaired despite in-spec alignment readings; Alignment found out-of-spec on multiple service visits despite previous corrections
Repairs/costs cited: Four-wheel road-force tire balance performed at owner expense with weight adjustments of 1/4 to 1/2 ounce per wheel. No improvement in wear. Lemon-law arbitration initiated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA performed final repair attempt at 13,019 miles including undercarriage inspection for damage (none found) and alignment check. Despite no code or resolution, manufacturer filed amended answer asserting 'no defense' and attempted settlement negotiation below market value ($7,339 shortfall offered).
Front suspension structural failure and welded joint separation
Weld on front suspension bracket where crossmember attaches to frame failed or separated, likely due to metal fatigue. Separation caused loss of brake function, component damage, and vehicle instability.
When: Vehicle was driving in straight line at low speed when failure occurred. Mileage and exact timing not specified in complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle became wobbly and unstable while driving; Pulled hard to the right, nearly causing collision; Brake system became inoperative; Vehicle not drivable, required tow-truck recovery
Repairs/costs cited: Extensive damage: oil pan, inner and outer tie rod, spring, shock, bushings, tire, wheel, and body damage all sustained. Vehicle towed on flatbed.
Compressor fuse blowing and electrical draw
40-amp fuse for air suspension compressor blows repeatedly under normal driving conditions, particularly in cold weather. Separate electrical issue reported with continuous unknown electrical draw draining battery when vehicle is off, causing suspension system and console cluster to activate without ignition.
When: Cold weather trigger primary. One case reported fuse blowing three times in one winter, twice within 24 hours when temps barely below freezing. Electrical drain occurs when vehicle parked and turned off.
Symptoms owners cite: 40-amp fuse blows, causing sudden loss of air suspension; Vehicle drops to bump stops when fuse blows; Fuse replacement is temporary fix; reblows quickly in cold; Battery drains completely even when parked; Suspension and console cluster activate without ignition on; Multiple fuse replacements required within single winter season
Codes mentioned: Air suspension service required (triggered by fuse loss)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement is temporary and costly due to repeated cycling. One owner reported 6 dealership visits with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have no permanent fix. One owner told FCA is 'not too concerned' because Alaska is small market. ECU updates and part insulation attempted without success.
Suspension system inability to maintain programmed height settings
Air suspension cannot hold or transition to selected ride-height modes. System attempts to adjust but fails, becoming stuck in low exit mode or oscillating between modes repeatedly while driving, including at highway speeds where those heights are unsafe.
When: Often triggered by cold temperatures or after fuse replacement. Can occur on initial adjustment attempt.
Symptoms owners cite: Height adjustment buttons cause system to flash/attempt change but remain in one position; Vehicle stuck in exit/entry mode while driving highway speeds; System oscillates between raising and lowering repeatedly for extended periods (up to one hour); Vehicle does not auto-adjust to normal highway height when accelerating; Front and rear heights become asymmetrical and uncontrolled
Codes mentioned: Service air suspension immediately, Payload exceeded warning, Height indicator malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed at dealer but no permanent repair identified in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Forums and online discussions indicate FCA has no permanent solution. Owners advised to await updates.
Front axle fracture and wheel detachment
Front axle fractured during driving, causing front passenger-side wheel to detach. ABS warning light illuminated but no advance warning of imminent failure.
When: Occurred at approximately 118,000 miles during driving at undisclosed speed.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Abnormal noise from underneath vehicle; Vehicle began to slide after wheel detachment; Vehicle disabled and required towing
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to lot and not repaired. No details on axle fracture cause provided.
Rear pinion nut detachment and differential failure
Pinion nut detached from rear differential assembly, causing pinion shaft to drop into differential and lock up rear wheels. Pinion gasket leaked fluid audibly, but no warning illuminated before wheel lock-up.
When: At approximately 122,000 miles during driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal whining noise from rear end while driving at various speeds; Fluid leaking from pinion gasket; Rear wheels locked up suddenly without warning; No warning light illuminated before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Pinion nut had detached completely; pinion shaft fell into differential.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no response provided. Vehicle not repaired.
Steering geometry and alignment instability related to air suspension
Alignment remains out of specification or drifts repeatedly despite multiple corrections, directly tied to air suspension height variability. When suspension deflates, vehicle geometry shifts and steering behavior becomes unsafe.
When: Detected as early as 7,000 miles in one case; recurring throughout ownership in others.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle tracking impaired even after alignment correction; Steering wheel off-center requiring constant correction while driving; Vehicle pulls consistently to one side; Alignment alternates between in-spec and out-of-spec readings; Irregular tire wear continuing despite correct alignment readings
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple alignment service visits to different facilities. Road-force balancing performed. No lasting resolution when air suspension remains unstable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA performed final repair attempt including alignment check and undercarriage inspection, but did not address root cause (air suspension variability).
Vibration at highway speeds attributed to differential or wheel assembly issues
Vehicle vibrates between 55–68 mph, with one case traced to right front differential internal damage requiring full front end replacement. Another case attributed to flat-spot tire wear.
When: Occurred at highway speeds; one case noted issue ongoing for years before 4WD failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Shimmy or side-to-side shimming at 55–68 mph; Loss of 4-wheel-drive function; Vibration persists across multiple service visits; Vibration attributed to tire flat-spotting or differential failure
Repairs/costs cited: One case cited $3,000 cost for front end/differential replacement. Parts on back order at 121,000 miles. Tire replacement in another case resolved shimmy; dealer refused tire change despite recommendation.
Front suspension fire and internal component failure
Front suspension components failed catastrophically while driving at highway speed, igniting fire underneath hood. Fire department called; vehicle total loss.
When: At approximately 100,000 miles while driving 74 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from front suspension; Flames visible under hood; No advance warning or dashboard indicators; Burned hand sustained by driver
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed destroyed. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance.
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The first time I hade any problems with the air ride suspension was when the tempuras got below freezing. Now I can be driving down the highway and my truck will lower all the way down without any warning. This makes the truck to loos control going down the road at high speeds. I have hade it in the shop to get it fixed but it still is doing the same thing.I seen on line where other people has…
Had suspension trouble with your 2014 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2014 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 92 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 37,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.