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.
Failure modes owners describe
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.