20 Fun Details About Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Customer Reviews

Safety on the Road: An In-Depth Look at Dodge Ram 1500 Airbag Customer Reviews and Performance

The Dodge Ram 1500 has actually long been a titan in the full-size pickup truck segment. click here for its effective Hemi engines, luxurious interiors, and outstanding pulling abilities, it is a staple for both work and day-to-day travelling. However, for any vehicle owner, performance is secondary to safety. Amongst the most critical security parts in the Ram 1500 is the Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), particularly the airbags.

In this extensive guide, we analyze customer reviews, security ratings, and common issues concerning Dodge Ram 1500 airbags. By looking at information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and various automotive forums, we provide a useful introduction of how these security systems carry out in the genuine world.

The Engineering Behind Ram 1500 Airbags

Modern Dodge Ram 1500 designs are geared up with a multi-stage airbag system designed to provide targeted protection throughout numerous kinds of collisions. This typically includes:

The combination of these systems is handled by an array of sensing units found at the front and sides of the lorry, which interact with the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).

Evaluating Customer Reviews: The Positive Consensus

According to different consumer feedback platforms and long-lasting ownership reviews, a considerable portion of Ram 1500 owners feel safe in the lorry's structural stability and its security features. When taking a look at crash-test survivor stories on online forums like RAMForum and Allpar, numerous themes emerge regarding the airbag system's efficiency.

Secret Positive Takeaways from Owners:

Typical Concerns and Negative Feedback

In spite of the general complete satisfaction, the Dodge Ram 1500 has faced its share of scrutiny. Consumer evaluations and federal problems typically focus on 3 specific locations: the “Airbag Warning Light,” recall delays, and the infamous Takata air bag problem that impacted countless automobiles worldwide.

1. The Airbag Warning Light

A common complaint among owners of older Ram 1500 models (specifically the 2009— 2018 DS Generation) is the intermittent illumination of the air bag warning light. While not a failure of the air bag itself, a lit caution light shows that the system is handicapped and will not release in a crash. Owners typically cite faulty clock springs or electrical wiring harnesses under the seats as the primary perpetrators.

2. The Takata Recall Legacy

Like lots of manufacturers, Chrysler (FCA/Stellantis) was heavily affected by the Takata air bag recall. Some clients revealed aggravation in evaluations concerning the time it required to receive replacement parts, resulting in a duration where they felt hazardous driving their automobiles.

3. Non-Deployment Complaints

In the NHTSA database, there are erratic reports of airbags failing to deploy in accidents where the owner felt they should have. It is necessary to note, however, that air bag implementation depends on specific decelerative forces and impact angles, and non-deployment does not constantly signify a system failure.

Safety Ratings Data

To offer an accurate foundation to customer evaluations, it is necessary to look at professional testing outcomes. The table listed below sums up the safety rankings for current Ram 1500 generations.

Table 1: NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings (Recent Models)

Model Year Range

NHTSA Overall Rating

IIHS Side Impact

IIHS Roof Strength

2014 – 2018 (DS)

4 Stars

Great

Slight/Marginal

2019 – 2022 (DT)

5 Stars

Great

Excellent

2023 – 2024 (DT)

5 Stars

Good

Great

Note: Ratings may differ based upon cab style (Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab).

Common Issues Reported by Owners

Client feedback typically highlights particular technical glitches that lead to “Service Airbag” messages on the control panel. Below is a breakdown of the most frequently reported problems.

Component

Sign

Common Model Years

Clock Spring

Air bag light on; steering wheel buttons quit working.

2009 – 2014

Circuitry Harness

Service Airbag light activated by moving the chauffeur's seat.

2016 – 2019

Impact Sensors

Rust causing the light to remain on.

Older models/ Rust belt specifies

ORC Module

Internal software mistake requiring a flash or replacement.

2013 – 2016

What to Do If the Airbag Light Comes On

If a Dodge Ram 1500 owner notices the air bag caution light, client evaluations and mechanics alike offer a standard set of actions to make sure safety:

  1. Check for Recalls: Visit the Mopar or NHTSA website and enter the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Many airbag concerns are covered under safety recalls and will be repaired at no cost.
  2. Check Under-Seat Connections: Often, a loose yellow port under the driver or traveler seat (triggered by sliding the seat back and forth) can trigger a fault.
  3. Diagnostic Scanning: A professional OBD-II scanner efficient in checking out SRS codes is essential to identify which specific sensor or module is reporting a mistake.
  4. Prevent DIY Airbag Repair: Due to the explosive nature of air bag inflators, owners are strongly advised to have actually all repairs performed by certified specialists.

The Importance of the Clock Spring

In many customer examines regarding 2010— 2015 Ram trucks, the “Clock Spring” is often discussed. This is a spiral-wound electrical port situated inside the steering column. It allows the steering wheel to turn while preserving a continuous electrical connection to the chauffeur's airbag.

When this part stops working, the connection is severed, the airbag light brightens, and the chauffeur's side air bag will not deploy. Dodge has released prolonged guarantees and recalls for this particular part on several design years due to the high volume of customer problems.

FAQ: Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags

How many airbags does a Dodge Ram 1500 have?

Most modern-day Ram 1500 models (2019 and newer) come basic with 6 airbags: two front airbags, 2 front-seat-mounted side airbags, and 2 side-curtain airbags for front and rear travelers.

Exists a present recall on Ram 1500 airbags?

Recalls are updated often. While the major Takata remembers have actually mainly been attended to, there are sometimes smaller sized recalls for specific batches of inflators or sensing units. Owners must examine the NHTSA site utilizing their VIN.

Can I turn off the guest air bag in a Ram 1500?

In some Regular Cab designs, a key-operated switch is supplied to disable the guest air bag if a rear-facing child seat must be utilized. In Quad and Crew Cab designs, the system uses an Occupant Classification System (OCS) to instantly disable the air bag if a little kid or lightweight object is discovered in the seat.

Why is my “Service Airbag” light on but my truck hasn't remained in a crash?

This is normally brought on by an electrical fault rather than a physical issue with the airbag itself. Typical factors include a faulty clock spring, a disconnected wire under the seat, or a malfunctioning impact sensor.

How much does it cost to change a deployed air bag in a Ram 1500?

Replacing a released airbag is costly, often varying from ₤ 1,000 to ₤ 3,000 depending upon the variety of bags released and whether the dashboard or headliner was damaged throughout implementation.

The consensus among Dodge Ram 1500 owners relating to air bag efficiency is normally positive, particularly concerning the 2019 and more recent “DT” generation designs. While older models have actually suffered from typical electrical concerns like clock spring failures and the prevalent Takata recall, the real implementation efficiency in mishaps stays credited with conserving lives.

For any existing or prospective owner, the finest strategy is to stay informed about recalls and never overlook an illuminated airbag caution light. Safety systems are only effective when they are kept, and in a vehicle as robust as the Ram 1500, ensuring the SRS is practical is the final step in attaining a really protected driving experience.