My vehicle was involved in a severe frontal collision where I T-boned another vehicle that failed to yield the right-of-way while I was traveling at approximately 30 mph. The impact caused significant structural front-end damage to my truck. Despite a direct frontal collision at a clear deployment speed threshold (30 mph), the airbags completely failed to deploy. This vehicle’s airbag system was previously repaired under an official manufacturer safety recall. The remedy was completed by an authorized dealership several years ago. The replacement components installed during that recall service failed to function as intended during this qualifying crash event, pointing to a critical remedy failure or long-term component degradation. Prior to the collision, the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system indicated the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) was fully operational. The dashboard airbag warning light performed its normal self-check bulb illumination for a few seconds upon vehicle startup and turned off completely while driving. No active fault lights or SRS warning indicators were present to alert me to a system malfunction. As a direct result of the airbag non-deployment, I was unconscious for a few seconds and in cognitive decline for several minutes. I have bruising, neck, knee and hip strain and the only restraint was the seat belts. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage and was towed to Anytime Towing and was released to Farmers Insurance who has yet to disclose my vehicle location. I am requesting a formal safety investigation into this recall remedy failure. The onboard diagnostic system failed to detect a critical system vulnerability, and a previously remedied safety component failed to protect occupants during a direct 30 mph collision.
Dodge RAM 1500 airbag light comes on
164 of the 12,420 owner complaints about the Dodge RAM 1500 describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 164
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $650
- typical mileage
- 87,000
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 7Wipers 5Stalling 5Warning lights 4Check engine light 4No deployment 4Loss of power 3Headlights 3
Trouble codes mentioned
U0151 1P0123 1
What owners say
Vehicle: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 I was the driver and sole occupant of my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 and was wearing my seat belt. I was traveling westbound on [XXX], shortly after passing [XXX], when I was involved in a three-vehicle collision. The first vehicle stopped abruptly, resulting in the collision. I was traveling approximately 50–55 mph before the collision, and my truck sustained a significant frontal impact. Despite the frontal impact, the driver’s frontal airbag did not deploy. There were no passengers in the vehicle. The component/system of concern is the driver’s frontal airbag and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Prior to the collision, I was not aware of any airbag warning lights, warning messages, or other symptoms indicating that the system was malfunctioning. The exact reason for the airbag non-deployment is currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle has not yet been inspected or altered to determine the cause. The truck is currently secured at my residence in its post-collision condition. It has not been repaired, dismantled, modified, salvaged, or otherwise disturbed since the collision and is available for inspection upon request. I am reporting this incident because the driver’s frontal airbag failed to deploy during a significant frontal collision. I am requesting that the airbag non-deployment be documented and investigated to determine whether a defect or malfunction in the airbag/SRS system contributed to the failure to deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
The seat belt and air bag warning light has stayed on. I have had multiple Mechanics, look at it and even try to inspect it. So the lights will go off and they cannot find a problem. I am just worried that if I getting an accident my seatbelt wont-work correctly and the airbags wont-work correctly. I have tried to do a hard reset and so has the mechanics but the lights stay on.
I'm always having issues with the airbag light coming on while driving it goes away then come back when there is a sudden move and causes something to trigger. also, I'm having issues with my headlight low mode not working I did a lot of research stating that many people are having the same issue and the problems have to do with the fuse box close to the battery. I'm also having an issue with the brake lamp going off on my dashboard not sure what that could be tried so many repairs and nothing seems to work.
The air bag light is on and it has a recall the lights behind the gages went out and the engine has a knock at times
I had a recall, R36 - the federal safety agency Recall #15V‑459, completed in 2015 for my 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. However, currently, the same issues associated with that recall is causing my Air Bag warning light to turn on. This is surely a safety issue. By the recommendation of Mopar/Stellantis Customer Care, I had it diagnosed by the dealer and was told I have to pay for the cost to repair. I believe this same issue, Clock Spring malfunction, is the same as the recall and should be fixed and the cost to repair not be incurred by the owner. Expired warranty, completed recall, etc. shouldn't be a factor if the same problem is happening, hence the recall.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. Despite the recall repair, the contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had offered any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Air bag light is on
The airbag light in my truck came on in september of 2018. I have had it checked out and the airbag control module is not working. I have contacted dodge on numerous occasions to order the part however it has been on an indefinite backorder for the past few years. The last time I contacted the dealership was this past tuesday, february 23, 2021. I also contacted the chrysler care line in january 2021. I am aware that there was a civil action lawsuit against the manufacturer regarding this part dating back to around 2017. This is a significant safety issue because my truck does not have working airbags. I am asking for further assistance in fixing or settling this issue.
Related recalls
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 16V352000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V459000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V313000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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 passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V312000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- 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 passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 14V770000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection. The passenger air bag may deploy with excessive force when certain model rear facing child seats are installed in the right front passenger seat position.
- Risk
- This can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant during certain crash conditions.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the passenger air bag cushion and reprogram the occupant restraint controller. The recall began on october 20, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V353000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 01V153000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge RAM 1500 airbag light
Why does the airbag light come on in the Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners who report it most often also describe abs light or abs activating, windshield wiper failure and engine stalls while driving, and the codes they mention most are U0151 and P0123.
Which Dodge RAM 1500 years have airbag warning light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (34 complaints), 2003 (29 complaints) and 2004 (18 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix airbag warning light on the Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $650 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Dodge RAM 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history