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2016 RAM 1500 airbags problems
critical
Owners of the 2016 RAM 1500 have filed 38 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See airbags across all vehicles →
Chrysler (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 vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinS1625000005Nov 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 With Possible Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P241D - SCR Inducement - Forced Engine Shutdown.
Transmission 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 proper leak detection is recommended. The fluid in the 8 speeds can be detected with a black light and there are aftermarket spray on leak detection materials to help ensure that the leak is properly diagnosed and not from another location such as cooler lines, heater tubes, or case porosity. Please note that the transmission pan gasket is available for many of the 8 speed applications FCA offers. Please review the available quick connect and transfer tube parts, as replacement of the TMU may not be required. If a TOC lin
Title Control Module - Air Bag Electronic Control w/side Capability Start Date: 10/19/2015 7:00 AM End Date Message You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of following part numbers: 68085880AD, 68085880AF, 68085881AE, 68085881AF, 68085881AG. Replacement part numbers are: 68085880AG, and 68085881AH. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 09 November, 2015. Return any open orders in process too. Direct all questions via email to mopardmail@fcagroup.com.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Ram 1500 has a documented pattern of airbag non-deployment in collision events. Owners report multiple frontal crashes at 30–65 mph where neither driver nor passenger airbags deployed, despite impact severity that bent frame rails, totaled vehicles, and sent occupants to emergency rooms with facial fractures, concussions, neck injuries, and chest trauma. One independent investigator found physical evidence in the steering column that the airbags attempted deployment but failed—contradicting the manufacturer's claim that the vehicle's speed was insufficient.
Rollover crashes present the same problem: airbags did not deploy even though seatbelt tensioners fired. One rollover at 5,500 miles resulted in a fatality; the manufacturer investigated but did not follow up with the owner. A separate rollover owner reported that the airbag control module failed to record pre-crash data.
Owners also report dual failures: seatbelts that failed to lock while airbags did not deploy, leaving occupants unprotected and causing injuries including a blood clot from unrestrained impact. One unintended deployment occurred at 10 mph with no collision.
A current recall (NHTSA 21V-632000) addresses airbag wiring and electrical shorts. However, dealers have informed owners that replacement parts are unavailable, with some owners waiting over seven months without remedy. One dealer identified an electrical wiring short in the harness itself. The manufacturer has not provided a timeline for repair.
Airbags fail to deploy in moderate-to-high-speed frontal crashes
In numerous frontal collision scenarios at speeds ranging from 30 to 65 mph, the driver and/or passenger airbags did not deploy despite impact severity that caused serious injuries or vehicle totalization. Owners report hitting steering wheels, dashboards, and side doors without airbag protection, and independent investigators have documented that airbags physically attempted deployment but failed.
When: At collision, mileage varies from 5,500 to 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment upon frontal impact; Steering wheel switch tripped but no inflation; Physical evidence of attempted but failed deployment in steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler investigated but refused to provide reports; independent inspectors documented failure; one estimate for replacement: $7,259.20 for two airbags
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler case #33961416; manufacturer claimed airbags were working and speed insufficient, contradicted by independent report; dealer advised owner to stop calling; no recalls issued for pre-deployment failures
Airbags fail to deploy in rollover crashes
During rollover collisions, airbags did not deploy despite the severity of the event. In one case with fatalities, occupants reported that seatbelt tensioners deployed but the airbags themselves did not. A service airbag light illuminated and flashed post-crash, and in another rollover the airbag control module failed to record pre-crash data.
When: During rollover events; one crash at 5,500 miles resulted in fatality
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during rollover; Seatbelt tensioners deployed but airbags did not; Service airbag light on and flashing after rollover; Airbag control module did not record pre-crash data
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed in fatal rollover; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer investigated and sent inspectors in fatal rollover case but did not follow up with owner
Unintended airbag deployment at low speed
One owner reported side curtain and driver seat airbags deployed without any collision while pulling out of a gas station at approximately 10 mph. The manufacturer told the owner they would not address the issue.
When: At 10 mph, no collision
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deployed without impact; Side curtain airbags fired; Driver seat airbag fired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM told owner 'sorry about your luck' and refused to repair
Service airbag light activation and recall delays
Multiple owners report the service airbag light remaining on or flashing after crashes. Owners have also received recall notices (NHTSA 21V-632000) for airbag systems, but dealers and the manufacturer have failed to provide replacement parts or timeline for repair, with some owners waiting over seven months without remedy. One dealer identified an electrical wiring short in the airbag wiring.
When: Post-crash and during normal operation; recall notice issued August 2021, as of March 2022 still unrepaired
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light on and flashing; Airbag warning light illuminated; Recall notice received but parts unavailable; Electrical wiring short in airbag harness
Codes mentioned:NHTSA Campaign 21V-632000
Repairs/costs cited: Parts not available; dealers unable to complete recall repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 21V-632000 issued; FCA has not provided parts or remedy as of March 2022 despite seven-month delay
Seatbelt and airbag system failures in same crash event
Multiple owners report that in the same crash event, both seatbelts and airbags failed to function. Seatbelts failed to lock or retract, allowing occupants to impact the steering wheel and dashboard, and airbags did not deploy. One owner sustained a blood clot in the leg from the impact.
When: During crash events; one incident January 17, 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt failed to lock or retract; Airbags did not deploy; Occupant struck steering wheel and dashboard; Bruising and injury from unrestrained impact
Repairs/costs cited: One owner incurred over $10,000 in truck damage and medical costs including emergency treatment for blood clot in leg
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
1 most recent
airbags
· filed 12/29/2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. During the incident, the front end sustained severe damage but the airbag did not deploy. The driver sustained an injured neck and back which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away.…
Had airbags trouble with your 2016 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 airbags problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
It's a serious issue. 38 complaints have been filed, including 28 reports involving a crash and 4 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
Yes — 3 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/2016/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.