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2020 Ram 1500 Airbags Problems

14 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

14
Complaints
4
Recalls
8
Crashes
Jan 2023Nov 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Airbags Recalls (4)

RECALLCampaign #19V407000

AIR BAGS

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are V61 and V71.

RECALLCampaign #21V632000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

RECALLCampaign #20V374000

AIR BAGS

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.

RECALLCampaign #25V298000

AIR BAGS

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Fix: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.

Owner Complaints (14)

criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2026

Your airbag warning light came on while driving, and the dealer found that your airbag had failed. After repair, the same problem happened again. The fix will likely involve replacing the faulty airbag module or sensor that's causing the repeated failure.

NHTSA #: 11720936
criticalAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Feb 2026

Multiple warning lights appeared on your dashboard, and several safety systems have stopped working, including your airbags, seat belt tensioners, traction control, ABS brakes, and 4-wheel drive. This is a serious electrical or computer issue affecting multiple vehicle systems. A diagnostic scan at a dealership will be needed to identify the root cause and restore these safety features.

NHTSA #: 11718381
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2026

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, I was operating my vehicle when an oncoming single vehicle traveling in the opposite direction entered a curve at an excessive speed, lost control, and crossed into my lane. I attempted to steer away to avoid the collision; however, the oncoming vehicle struck my vehicle along the driver’s side. The collision caused significant damage to the driver's side and resulted in a failure of the passenger-side rear wheel/tire assembly, complete detachment of the tire from the vehicle. During the collision, none of my vehicle’s airbags deployed, despite the side-impact nature of the crash and the force of the collision. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag restraint system failed to deploy during a significant collision involving the driver. The vehicle and airbag system remain intact and are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The lack of airbag deployment during a driver-side impact increased the risk of injury to me as the vehicle operator. Airbags are designed to provide supplemental protection in collisions of this type, and the absence of deployment reduced occupant protection. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No diagnostic inspection or reproduction testing has yet been performed. Evaluation by a dealer or manufacturer representative is pending. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Police responded to the accident scene. The incident has been reported to insurance representatives. Manufacturer inspection has not yet occurred, but the vehicle remains available for review. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights, dashboard messages, or other symptoms related to the airbag

NHTSA #: 11710471
mediumAIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Jun 2025

The dashboard leather on my 2020 Ram Longhorn (VIN [XXX] ) has severely bubbled and separated from the underlying structure. The warping creates dangerous glare and distortion in the windshield, compromising forward visibility. Additionally, the deformation extends over the passenger side airbag panel, raising serious concerns about whether the airbag can deploy correctly. This is a well-documented defect on 2019–2020 Ram Longhorn dashboards due to adhesive failure, not wear and tear. FCA/Stellantis is aware of the issue and has issued technical bulletins, but many vehicles remain unrepaired. This should be treated as a safety issue and addressed via recall or extended coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11668803
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Nov 2024

The contact owned a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH when a medical emergency was experienced causing him to lose consciousness, as a result, the vehicle drifted off the roadway and crashed into a tree head-on where the vehicle came to a stop. During the impact, the front driver side, front passenger side, and passenger side curtain air bags were deployed however the driver side curtain air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained upper and lower lip cuts that required stitches, 4 bottom teeth were fractured and extracted, 4 ribs on the right side, 1 rib on the left side, and contusion on the left lung that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and determined to be totaled. The dealer was not contacted, and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,300.

NHTSA #: 11623579
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Sep 2024

Vehicle was involved in a front end collision and was determined to be a total loss . None of the air bags deployed

NHTSA #: 11614792
mediumAIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2024

Dashboard leather shrinking and bubbling up that may affect air bag performance

NHTSA #: 11613297
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2024

I was in an accident with my 2020 Ram 1500 and took a couple horrible hits and the airbags never deployed and the end result was me getting hurt bad and now missing time at work over this incident.

NHTSA #: 11567136
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and crashed into her vehicle head-on. The vehicle then struck a pole. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy after the initial crash or after striking the pole. The contact sustained injuries to her ribs, head, left leg, lower back, pelvic bone, and sustained a concussion. Medical assistance was provided. The contact was unaware of any other injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot and was not diagnosed, inspected, or repaired. The contact was unaware if the vehicle had been deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,738.

NHTSA #: 11512954
mediumAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SEATS
Filed: Jan 2023

My 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 has water intrusion due to a manufacturer defect in the back window area. There are 2 cracks on either side of the window and and water pours in soaking the carpet and back seats. The water has also effected the back curtain airbags.

NHTSA #: 11500940
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
Filed: Sep 2022

Rear power sliding window frame developed cracks at the top on both sides, above the center rear sliding window. THE FRAME LEAKS INTO CAB WHEN MOISTURE IS PRESENT. Water Intrusion has resulted in water intrusion in the rear cabin, which destroys the interior of the vehicles permanent stain marks; foul odors, mold, and mildew is a huge concern. My children ride in the back of my vehicle and I am concerned about the health issues this may cause in the future. My part is still covered under warranty at this time, however it will take 3 to 4 weeks for this part to be repaired and no guarantee it will not continue to happen at my expense, please fix this.

NHTSA #: 11483893
mediumAIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2022

The antenna on the posterior roof began leaking, causing extensive damage to the headliner, including the fabric around the rear airbags. Unknown level of destruction to the airbags. It is available for inspection upon request-Photos are also available. The vehicle has not been inspected by other entities at this time. A recent thunderstorm occurred and the headliner was immediately identified to have been damaged/stained. The dealership was contacted to see if this would be covered as a manufacturing defect, however there were no open recalls and the cost was expected to be paid by the customer. Upon self assessment, the leak was identified to be coming from the antenna. No applicable warning lamps or messages to include.

NHTSA #: 11466263
mediumAIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jul 2020

ACCIDENT HAPPEN 5/20/20. WAS APPROACHING A STOPPED VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED. KEPT TRYING TO APPLY BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPEN. IMPACT AT APPROX 35 MPH. AFTER IMPACT THE TRUCK STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND HAD TO PUT IN PARK TO STOP THE TRUCK. TOW TRUCK DRIVE ALSO HAD ISSUES LOADING ON THE ROLL BACK, BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. WE TOWED TO OUR BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THEN WAS TAKEN TO FAULKNER DEALERSHIP FOR EDR TESTING. NOTHING MECHANICAL WAS EVER DONE WITH THE TRUCK AFTER THE BODY WORK WAS DONE. BOSCH RELEASED THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP. TRUCK HAS 513 MILES AND LITTLE OVER 200 OF THE MILES ARE WHAT WE DROVE IT. PURCHASED WITH MILES ON IT. FIAT / CHRYSLER DO NOT SEE AN ISSUE WITH THE TRUCK VIA THE REPORT. I HAVE SENT THE REPORT TO A SEPARATE PARTY THAT IS NOT HIRED BY FIAT AND THEY INDICATE TO RESEARCH PAGE 42 OF THE REPORT ON THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKING SYSTEM. WE DO NOT SEE ANY INDICATION ON ANY CODES THAT WERE RECOVERED PERFORMED BY BOSCH. WE KNOW IN FACT THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE BRAKE CODES AND FEEL THAT THE INFORMATION IN STILL IN THE "BLACK BOX". AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT IMPACT OF 35 MPH FRONTAL IMPACT.*DT*DT*JB*JB

NHTSA #: 11341615
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jul 2020

WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, WAS HIT A BY A VEHICLE WHO SPED OUT OF A SIDE ROAD. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FENDER BY THE CAR, THEN I CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE FUEL TANKS OF A SEMI TRUCK. MY TRUCK HIT THE SEMI SO HARD IT THROUGH MY TRUCK BACKWARDS MORE THAN A TRUCK LENGTH. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA #: 11337818

Other 2020 Ram 1500 Issues