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2016 RAM 1500 airbags problems

critical 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$1,100
27crashes
40injuries
4fatalities

When does it fail?

Of the 37 airbags complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
1 (100%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

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

No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V302000 May 9, 2017

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.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

airbags · 96,000 mi · 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. 37 complaints have been filed, including 27 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?

Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 13,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 34,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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 $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 — 1 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.

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/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.
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