2021 Ram 1500 airbags problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

27 owners have reported airbags problems with the 2021 Ram 1500, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 49,000 mi.

Airbags complaints
27
Crashes
13
Fires
1
Injuries
11
Related recalls
3
Median mileage
49,000 mi

Specific components reported

Airbags covers: Frontal, side and curtain airbags, sensors and warning lights.

ComponentComplaints
Air bags27

Airbags complaints across Ram 1500 years

24201333201430201525201626201715201879201921202027202112202262023420246202532026
Airbags complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 25V765000Nov 6, 2025532 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side 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."

    Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

  • Recall 25V298000May 8, 202571 vehicles
    AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    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."

    Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 21V925000Nov 24, 2021376 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 13, 2026ILAirbagsOther / Unknown
    Unknown, my Ram has a glue issue with the dashboard especially the passenger side of the vehicle which may affect the airbag operating correctly the dashboard is coming apart do to glue not properly installed on 2021 Ram truck.
    NHTSA complaint #11763927 · source
  2. Filed Jul 19, 2026TXAirbags
    NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint I am submitting this complaint to request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate a potential safety defect involving the dashboard on my 2021 Ram TRX. The dashboard on my vehicle has developed significant bubbling and delamination in the area of the passenger-side airbag deployment seam. While the manufacturer and dealership have characterized this condition as a cosmetic issue, I believe this assessment fails to…
    NHTSA complaint #11751363 · source
  3. Filed Jun 23, 2026FLAirbagsOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
    The leather-wrapped dashboard on my 2021 Ram 1500 is bubbling and delaminating on both the driver and passenger sides. The material is lifting and separating from the base, creating glare and reflections that impair forward visibility while driving. It also raises potential concerns with passenger airbag deployment due to the distorted/bubbling surface over the airbag module area. This is a widespread known defect on 2019–2021 RAM trucks with leather dashboards. I have an…
    NHTSA complaint #11746001 · source
  4. Filed Dec 30, 2025CAAirbags
    I own a 2021 Ram 1500 (“Build to Serve” edition). The airbag/SRS warning light came on around January 2025. The message states that the airbag system needs service. This indicates that the airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, putting my safety and the safety of my passengers at risk. I took the vehicle to the Ram dealership and they confirmed an airbag system failure. They stated the part needed for repair is unavailable and have repeatedly told me there…
    NHTSA complaint #11707858 · source
  5. Filed Dec 2, 202549,000 miVTCrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 47 MPH, towards a four-way intersection, the vehicle coming off the road on the left side of the vehicle ran a stop causing another vehicle to collide with his vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags deployed. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash and bruises to the head. Medical attention was required via hospital. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was towed to an auto body center.…
    NHTSA complaint #11702581 · source
  6. Filed Sep 9, 202585,000 miAZCrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    The contact owned a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle collided with his vehicle on the front passenger side of the vehicle after running a red light. The driver's side air bags did deploy but failed to inflate. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his right rib, left ankle, purple bruises from whiplash to his left leg, and a hand. He also suffered a concussion to the head which required medical Attention. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11685973 · source
  7. Filed Jul 21, 2025TNCrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    Vehicle Info: 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn VIN: [XXX] Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: Exit ramp of [XXX] and [XXX] Problem Description: On [XXX], I was involved in a front-end collision with a tree while driving approximately 50 mph in my 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn. The impact caused significant damage to the front of the vehicle, and around the vehicle, yet none of the airbags deployed. I experienced back and neck pain as a result of the crash. I believe this may…
    NHTSA complaint #11675137 · source
  8. Filed May 15, 2025FLCrashTowedAirbags
    I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving my partner’s 2021 Dodge Ram Bighorn, which was involved in a collision on May 9, 2025. The vehicle was severely damaged and deemed a total loss, yet none of the airbags deployed at the time of the crash. This incident raises significant questions about the safety and reliability of the airbag system in this vehicle. Given the severity of the impact, it is our belief that the airbags should have deployed in…
    NHTSA complaint #11661147 · source
  9. Filed Sep 24, 202451,000 miMDAirbags
    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that one of the air bag systems needed to be replaced. The contact was unsure which air bag was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the air bag warning light was illuminated again. The contact returned to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and…
    NHTSA complaint #11616127 · source
  10. Filed Sep 24, 2023AKAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Manufacturer failed to complete repair on recall for HPFP and airbag in a timely manner with no timeline or remedy available.
    NHTSA complaint #11546267 · source
  11. Filed May 2, 2023CAAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Dealer reporting leaking and water intrusion at rear window seal. Water intrusion causing significant water damage and mold. Water intrusion potentially disrupts vehicle BCM and other electrical components including airbag function, lighting controls, infotainment and navigation systems. Radio infotainment system has faulted, radio speakers crackling, guage clusters lights randomly illuminate. Mold significantly creating adverse health affect. Excessive moisture causing…
    NHTSA complaint #11520118 · source
  12. Filed Jan 25, 2023COCrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    The airbags failed to deploy with an offset front end collision going 42 mph. My husband was in an accident and now has a brain injury. The airbags did not go off. The vehicle has been inspected by the body shop but no one will tell me why the airbags did not go off. I have called the manufacturer, a dealership, the body shop, my insurance company everyone just passes the buck to each other and I’m going in circles. They are fixing the truck now and it needs a new frame…
    NHTSA complaint #11503595 · source

Other 2021 Ram 1500 problem areas

Back to all 2021 Ram 1500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology