MODEL
Ram 1500
NHTSA safety across every Ram 1500 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Ram 1500 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 67. 94 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that has competed at the top of America's most popular vehicle segment since its fifth-generation redesign for 2019. Aimed squarely at buyers who demand a capable work truck with genuine comfort and style, the 1500 positions itself as the refined alternative in the half-ton class, available in configurations ranging from basic work trims to near-luxury crew-cab builds.
The Ram 1500 carries a mixed but improving safety record across the 2019 to 2025 model years covered here. At its best, the 1500 earns an 85 out of 100 on the MotorCaliber Safety Index for the 2025 model year, a strong result that reflects genuine progress. Crash-test performance in the best-performing years shows a solid 5 out of 5 stars in side impact, a respectable 4 out of 5 in frontal, and a 4 out of 5 in rollover, which is a reasonable outcome for a tall, heavy-duty body-on-frame truck. Not every year lands in the Strong band, however. Some model years fall into the Below Average category, so shoppers should check the specific year they are considering rather than assuming the best-year numbers apply across the board. The recall picture demands serious attention. Sixty-six recalls across six model years is a high count for any vehicle, and critically, at least one of those campaigns carried a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, meaning NHTSA considered the risk serious enough to advise owners not to operate the vehicle until repaired. Owner complaints total 3,461, with reported allegations including 157 crashes, 27 fires, 112 injuries, and 4 deaths. These are unverified allegations, but the volume and severity warrant caution. Prospective buyers should run any specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase and confirm all open recalls have been resolved.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Ram 1500 for its well-appointed cabin, smooth ride quality, and thoughtful interior materials that set it apart from most competitors in the half-ton segment. Driving dynamics are considered refined for a body-on-frame truck. Some reviewers note that certain trim levels offer genuinely impressive comfort and feature content, though opinions on value vary depending on configuration.
- Safety performance varies meaningfully by model year. The 2025 Ram 1500 reaches an 85 out of 100 Safety Index, but some years within the 2019 to 2025 range fall into the Below Average band, so always check the rating for the specific year you are shopping.
- At least one recall across the covered years carried a park-outside or do-not-drive warning, the most serious level of NHTSA urgency. Before buying any used Ram 1500, run the VIN on NHTSA's website to confirm all open recalls, especially any active stop-drive campaigns, have been completed.
- Sixty-six recalls across six model years is a notably high count. While recalls themselves represent manufacturers addressing known issues, the sheer volume means owners need to stay actively engaged with recall notices and dealer service throughout ownership.
- Owner-reported complaints include allegations of 27 fires and 4 deaths across the covered model years. These are unverified allegations submitted to NHTSA, not confirmed findings, but the numbers reinforce why verifying recall completion and monitoring NHTSA complaint trends for your specific model year is essential before and after purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Ram 1500 with 28 recalls.