I was in a single-vehicle accident on July 20th, 2026 and hit an oak tree head-on center and my airbags didn't deploy. I have a fractured neck and whiplash, not to mention other minor injuries. I am now able to type in order to report it. I have photographs.
Ram 3500 no deployment problems
23 of the 2,371 owner complaints about the Ram 3500 describe airbags did not deploy in a crash, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 23
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical mileage
- 79,519
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20242
- 20221
- 20203
- 20192
- 20183
- 20172
- 20165
- 20144
- 20131
Often reported together
What owners say
Vehicle was in a heavy front collision and the airbags did not deploy.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the gear shifter shifted into the drive position when the contact's minor [XXX] child entered the vehicle to retrieve an item using the steering wheel and gear shifter to enter, causing the vehicle to roll down a hill and collide with a tree. The impact resulted in significant damage to the passenger side door, bumper, and truck bed. Although a child was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident, no injuries were reported following the collision. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it had notyet been inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While traveling down a hill, about 40mph, applied brakes to stop at a T intersection, truck wasn’t slowing down. Engaged engine brake, truck wasn’t slowing. Slammed brake pedal to the floor, ABS did not engage, no vibrations, wheels didn’t lock up, held for 2-3 seconds then started to release and slam brake pedal repeatedly. Truck went through intersection, hit a lot of trees, dropped down a 6’ embankment, air bags did NOT deploy, trucks frame bent on both sides behind the cab.
I had just merged onto the highway and was in the left lane that was ending ahead. As soon as I switched lanes traffic came to a stop. I slammed on the brakes and the truck came to a complete stop before impact. Then with my foot still on the brake pedal the truck lurched forward making impact with the vehicle in front of me. I believe that the defective brake HCU failure caused the ABS system to fail ultimately resulting in the accident. The only damage was to the front bumper. No airbags deployed and the accident was not reported. I would like Ram to replace my bumper since I have been driving with this problem for over a year and still no fix to the problem. It is a clear safety issue and had resulted in not being able to safely drive the truck.
The contact owns a 2022 RAM 3500. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 65 MPH, coming to a stop the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle failed to stop in a timely manner rear ending the vehicle in front of him. The contact stated that no air bags deployed. The contact stated that her husband sustained injuries to his shoulders and his head. The vehicle was towed to caliber consultation auto shop. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact mentioned the vehicle has not been deemed a total by her insurance company yet. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Frontal collision at 45 mph, totaled truck but airbags did not deploy. The insurance company sent the truck to the auction. My safety was at risk. Not that I am aware of, the insurance company has photos. Inspected by police and insurance adjuster. No symptoms of anything wrong with the vehicle.
The contact owned a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, he crashed into another vehicle waiting at a stop light. The driver-side air bag did not deploy upon impact. The other driver was taken to the hospital; however, the driver's whereabouts are unknown. The contact also sustained whiplash which he was treated for days after the accident. A police report was filed. Due to the damage, the contact's vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The contact went to the dealer and notified them about the air bag failure; they then referred him to the manufacturer. The contact filed a claim with the manufacturer and an investigator was assigned to look into the failure. The investigation determined that since the contact did not depress the brake pedal prior to the accident, the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 242,000.
On 6/28/2022 I was involved in an off-set not-at-fault head on collision at 45+ MPH. My vehicle then careened off the initial collision causing a side impact with a large light standard. My vehicle continued until it collided head on with a building and came to a stop. The front impact and side impact airbags did not deploy at any time. My vehicle and the other vehicle were deemed a total loss.
9830-2021-10627 police report 12-14-2021 Head on collision with a 18 wheeler trailer. The air bags failed to deploy. My cousin survived. None of the air bags deployed. 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel dually.
Related recalls
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are C2C, C7C, and C8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning December 4, 2025.
Recall number 25V824000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 18, 2025.
Recall number 25V592000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Recall number 25V010000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.
Recall number 24V199000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in an improper air bag deployment.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y99.
Recall number 21V925000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V632000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Recall number 18V021000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
- Risk
- If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Recall number 17V302000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
- Risk
- Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Recall number 15V460000 · 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
Questions about the Ram 3500 no deployment
Which Ram 3500 years have airbags did not deploy in a crash problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (5 complaints), 2014 (4 complaints) and 2018 (3 complaints).
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