Owners of the 2018 RAM 1500 describe two distinct categories of airbag failures. In crash scenarios, multiple owners report complete deployment failure during impacts that should have triggered the system: head-on collisions at 55–60 mph, a T-bone at 25 mph, a high-speed hay bale strike at 65 mph, and barrier impacts at 40–60 mph. One owner hit a deer and then a guard rail head-on; neither impact deployed the bags. Another owner was hit from the side at low speed while airbags deployed in the other vehicle. In these cases, occupants sustained head, neck, shoulder, rib, and back injuries that might have been prevented had the bags functioned. RAM's investigator told one owner the 55 mph crash lacked sufficient G-force, but repair shops and eyewitnesses disputed that conclusion.
Outside of crashes, owners report Service Air Bag warning lights at 39,000 and 120,000 miles—often beyond the 36,000-mile warranty. Dealers quoted $1,200–$1,400 to replace sensors and wiring. One owner also described a spontaneous rear airbag deployment at rest that damaged the roof and door frame. A separate complaint mentions seat belts that refused to unlock after a guard rail impact, trapping occupants.
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags fail to deploy in moderate-to-high-speed impacts
Multiple owners report airbags not deploying during crashes at speeds ranging from 18 to 65 mph, including head-on collisions, T-bones, and barrier impacts. Impact severity and damage patterns suggest deployment thresholds may be set too high or sensor systems are not functioning correctly.
When: During various impacts ranging from low-speed (18 mph) to high-speed (65 mph) collisions across model years 2018-2020
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags remain stowed during head-on collisions; Airbags do not deploy during T-bone side impacts; No deployment during single-vehicle barrier/fence impacts; Deployment failure despite severe frontal damage requiring vehicle total loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss in most cases; dealer diagnostics not performed in crash scenarios; some owners reported manufacturer investigator evaluation with conclusion that G-force was insufficient
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported RAM manufacturer investigator concluded 55 mph impact did not generate enough G-force for deployment; vehicle not included in recall per dealer statements
Service Air Bag warning light and steering wheel control failures
Owner reports illuminated Service Air Bag message on instrument panel accompanied by inoperative horn and failed left-side steering wheel controls, suggesting wiring or sensor harness issues affecting multiple steering-wheel-mounted systems.
When: At approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Air Bag warning light remains illuminated during driving; Horn inoperative; Left-side steering wheel controls failed; right-side operated normally
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; owner found reference to unknown recall online
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle was not included in any recall
Spontaneous rear airbag deployment at rest
Rear passenger-side airbag deployed while owner was walking toward parked vehicle, with no collision or triggering event, causing roof damage and door frame dent.
When: At approximately 47,818 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous airbag deployment on rear passenger side without collision; Roof damage from unintended deployment; Rear passenger-side door frame dented
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and case filed; vehicle stated to be not under recall
Airbag warning light and component failure requiring out-of-warranty repair
Two owners report illuminated airbag warning lights and dealer diagnosis of failed airbag sensors or components, with repair costs of $1,200-$1,400. Both repairs exceed or fall outside factory warranty coverage.
When: At 39,000 miles (exceeds 36,000-mile warranty); at 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on instrument panel; No reported accident or impact triggering warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended airbag sensor and wiring replacement, quoted at $1,400; another quoted $1,200 for driver-side door airbag replacement at 39,000 miles when warranty had expired
Seat belt failure to release after impact
Following a head-on guard rail collision, seat belts remained locked in place after impact, preventing occupant egress.
When: August 2019, during second collision with guard rail
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belts remained in locked position after collision; Occupants unable to disengage seat belts following impact
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.