2015 Ram 1500: airbag warning light

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Airbags · CO

The side curtain airbag inflator in our 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel spontaneously exploded without any impact, warning, or deployment command. The inflator violently ruptured inside the headliner, ejecting high‑velocity metal fragments and debris throughout the cabin. The blast destroyed the side curtain airbag system and caused severe interior damage. The explosion was forceful enough that we initially believed the vehicle had been vandalized. After removing the headliner, our upholstery technician identified the source as the airbag curtain inflator, which had ruptured internally. He immediately stopped work due to the extreme safety hazard, liability concerns, and the clear presence of a catastrophic component failure. This failure created a life‑threatening shrapnel hazard inside the passenger compartment. Had this occurred while driving—especially at highway speeds—the sudden detonation, debris, and loss of side‑impact protection could have caused loss of vehicle control, severe injury, or fatal collision. The vehicle now has zero functional side airbag protection and cannot be safely operated. There were no warning lights, no airbag indicators, and no prior symptoms before the inflator ruptured. We contacted both the manufacturer (Stellantis/FCA) and our local Ram dealership. Both refused to inspect or repair the vehicle, stating that our VIN is not currently listed under an active recall. However, this model year does have an existing side curtain airbag inflator recall, and the failure mode we experienced is identical to the known defect involving explosive inflator rupture and shrapnel ejection. The manufacturer is currently refusing communication and has declined to evaluate the vehicle despite the severity of the safety defect. This incident demonstrates a critical and dangerous failure of the airbag inflator system that may affect additional Ram 1500 Rebel vehicles of the same model year. We request the federal safety agency investigation, and expansion of the recall.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Airbags · MS · crash · 1 injury

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The vehicle’s airbag restraint system failed to deploy during a severe single-vehicle crash. This includes the front airbags and any associated crash sensors. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: The failure of the airbag system significantly increased the risk of serious injury. Due to the airbags not deploying during a high-impact collision with a fixed object (tree), the driver sustained a serious head injury. Proper airbag deployment could have reduced or prevented the severity of the injury. Confirmation or reproduction of the problem: At this time, the issue has not yet been reproduced or formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Investigation is pending. Vehicle or component inspection: The accident has been documented by law enforcement and insurance representatives. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, but is available for inspection. Insurance evaluation is in progress. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms: There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating an airbag or restraint system malfunction prior to the accident. No airbag warning indicators were illuminated before the crash. If applicable: UNKNOWN whether any fault codes were present prior to the accident. Description of incident: The crash occurred at night in heavy fog conditions. While traveling around a curve, the driver encountered an oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane and took evasive action to avoid a collision. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The impact caused significant damage to the entire vehicle. Despite the severity of the collision, no airbags deployed. The driver sustained a serious head injury that may have been mitigated had the airbag system functioned as designed.

Filed Apr 12, 2022 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the airbag message had appeared on the instrument panel while starting the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the passenger’s side curtain airbags were replaced; however, soon after repair, the airbag warning light reappeared. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2020 · Airbags, Steering · 76,210 miles · CA

If I put any item under the drivers seat it causes the airbag warning light to come on even a piece of paper, if it touches the wires it come on. The power steering stopped workind in the middle of a turn.

Filed Mar 22, 2020 · Airbags · 28,000 miles · MO

My air bag light comes on and says it needs serviced had it to the dealership and they replaced a loose connector but the light still comes on periodically.

Filed Sep 26, 2017 · Airbags · 98,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ram 1500. As soon as the vehicle was started, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and a chime was heard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (alan samuels chrysler/jeep/dodge in waco, texas) where it was diagnosed as a TCM failure that caused the air bag warning indicator to illuminate. The TCM needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Aug 8, 2015 · Airbags · 7,513 miles · IN

Vehicle intermittently displayed airbag warning light on instrument cluster. Airbag light would turn on and off several times during single trip; others it would not turn on (or off if illuminated at start). Vehicle was serviced august 8, 2015. Dealer found no issue. Upon picking vehicle up and starting, air bag light was on. Immediately returned to service department where tech found frayed wiring in the passenger side curtain airbag. Air bag assembly and wiring to be replaced at a later, but still undetermined, date.