Dodge RAM 2500 Air Bags Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 20, 2026 · 584 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 584 complaints with NHTSA about air bags problems on the Dodge RAM 2500 across 18 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (138). The words owners use most often: “takata air bags” (18% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Takata air bags: mentioned in 108 of 584 complaints (18%)

At what mileage do air bags problems happen?

Based on 149 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles6 · 4%
10k–25k miles4 · 3%
25k–50k miles15 · 10%
50k–75k miles18 · 12%
75k–100k miles27 · 18%
100k–150k miles33 · 22%
150k+ miles46 · 31%

How serious are the reports?

Of 584 complaints, 93 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 70 an injury.

Dodge RAM 2500 air bags complaints by model year

Peak: 2003, with 138 complaints
1995: 7199571996: 11111997: 9199791998: 18181999: 181999182000: 10102001: 182001182002: 662003: 13820031382004: 90902005: 762005762006: 77772007: 462007462008: 30302009: 162009162010: 222011: 1201112012: 1111

n = 584 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearAir Bags complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2012 RAM 2500114%71,994
2011 RAM 250010%104,995
2010 RAM 250021%96,000
2009 RAM 2500167%82,000
2008 RAM 2500309%121,500
2007 RAM 25004613%45,000
2006 RAM 25007711%128,000
2005 RAM 25007618%137,000
2004 RAM 25009015%130,000
2003 RAM 250013821%95,000
2002 RAM 250064%51,200
2001 RAM 2500184%98,000
2000 RAM 2500105%160,000
1999 RAM 2500186%128,000
1998 RAM 2500188%82,050
1997 RAM 250094%175,000
1996 RAM 2500114%257,000
1995 RAM 250073%142,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2015, with 191 complaints
1996: 119961997: 21998: 41999: 1119992000: 112001: 72002: 820022003: 62004: 42005: 220052006: 42007: 112008: 720082009: 62010: 62011: 320112012: 42013: 22014: 920142015: 1911912016: 1472017: 9020172018: 162019: 82020: 620202021: 12022: 22023: 620232024: 12026: 8

n = 584 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (6)

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveMay 24, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Air bags:frontalJul 22, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V459000 · 1,059,444 vehicles

Model years: 2012

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Risk: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleDo not driveMay 26, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · 4,077,169 vehicles

Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveMay 26, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V312000 · 385,686 vehicles

Model years: 2003

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.

Air bagsDec 3, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V770000 · 250,896 vehicles

Model years: 2004, 2005

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.

Air bagsMay 8, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V153000 · 216,100 vehicles

Model years: 2000, 2001

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th vin position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.

Risk: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving and accelerating to 40 MPH to merge into traffic, the vehicle hydroplaned on standing water, and the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle struck a cement barrier. The contact stated that…

Received Sep 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765391

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was unable to renew the registration with the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone…

Received Sep 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11763619

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that parts were ordered and would be available on August 13, 2026. The contact stated…

Received Sep 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761216

I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel, manufactured in September 2000, with approximately 197,000 miles. The AIRBAG warning light now remains illuminated continuously, and the steering-wheel cruise-control buttons are completely inoperative. The horn still works. I performed…

Received Aug 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11759551

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…

Received Jul 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11749180

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge RAM 2500s have air bags problems?

No. NHTSA has 584 owner complaints about air bags for the Dodge RAM 2500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM 2500 air bags?

Yes: 6 safety recalls list air bags. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about air bags problems on the Dodge RAM 2500?

The most frequent phrase is “takata air bags”, in 108 of 584 complaints.

Other Dodge RAM 2500 problems

See all Dodge RAM 2500 problems.