NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ram 1500 scores 70 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 179 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ram 1500 presents a mixed but passable safety picture, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, which places it in the Average band. While its NHTSA crash-test performance is strong, this strength is tempered by 10 recall campaigns and a weak defect-record sub-score of 4/20.
The 2023 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 5 Trucks from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ram 1500 ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 70 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 179 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 4 of 5 Trucks tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ram 1500?
The 2023 Ram 1500 achieves an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's crash tests, a strong indicator of occupant protection. This performance anchors a crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, contributing to the model's rise to a 71/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This score moves the 2023 Ram 1500 into the Average safety band, a four-point increase from the 2022 model year's 67/100. However, the 2023 Ram 1500's defect record limits its overall safety standing, earning only 4 out of 20 in that sub-category. This reflects 10 recall campaigns, addressing multiple safety-critical systems. These include the driver-side air bag, ABS software, and a transmission weld deficiency specific to 2023 Ram 1500 production. Further impacting the score is the avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10, as both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are optional for this model year. The 179 owner-reported complaints, primarily concerning the Electrical System and Engine, underscore the issues reflected in the defect record. While the 2023 model year represents an improvement over its predecessor, prospective buyers should consider the breadth of its recall exposure.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ram 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD secured a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was rated at the maximum 5 stars. Both frontal crash and rollover assessments each received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for this model is 20 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17270
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes, 10 recall campaigns cover the 2023 Ram 1500. Named components include the driver-side air bag connection, heated trailer-tow rearview mirrors, the turn-signal self-canceling module, the anti-lock brake system control unit due to a software malfunction, and the transmission control unit due to an insufficient weld. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the provided data, but the air bag and ABS campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE26V495000
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Reported 2026-07-30
AIR BAGS25V298000
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.
Reported 2025-05-08
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES24V754000
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Reported 2024-10-10
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE24V729000
Risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A1B.
Reported 2024-10-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE24V653000
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
Reported 2024-09-05
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION24V413000
Risk: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
Reported 2024-06-06
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE24V199000
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.
Reported 2024-03-14
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE23V799000
Risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.
Reported 2023-11-28
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V654000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
Reported 2023-09-28
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V263000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
Reported 2023-04-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V059000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23
Reported 2023-02-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ram 1500?
Owners have filed 179 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 60 reports, the Engine with 45, and Service Brakes with 35. Ten alleged crash events and 4 alleged injuries are included in those figures, though none of these reports constitute established facts.
179 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ram 1500?
For the 2023 Ram 1500, a critical safety measure for any prospective owner involves verifying the completion of recall remedies. With 10 recall campaigns on record through the NHTSA, including those directly impacting the air bag system and anti-lock brakes, confirming these resolutions via a VIN check is paramount.
- The 2023 model year index rose to 71/100 from the 2022 model year's 67/100, a four-point improvement that moved the truck from Below Average to Average, driven by a crash-protection sub-score of 61/70.
- Ten recall campaigns are attached to this specific model year, covering the driver-side air bag connection, ABS software, turn-signal module, and a transmission control unit weld deficiency unique to 2023 Ram 1500 production.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on the 2023 Ram 1500, contributing to a limited avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 and leaving safety-feature content dependent on trim and order.
- Owner-reported complaints total 179 unverified allegations, with the Electrical System alone accounting for 60 reports and Service Brakes accounting for 35, making these the most frequently alleged concern areas specific to this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ram 1500 places
The 2023 Ram 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ram 1500 safety questions
Was the 2023 Ram 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ram 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ram 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ram 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ram 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ram 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ram 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 179 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ram 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 1500 years
Rivals in Truck (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Titan | 84/100 | 4 of 5 | 2 |
| 2023 Ram 1500 Classic | 82/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Frontier | 80/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Ram 2500 | 69/100 | 4 of 5 | 8 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17270), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 1500 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 4 of 5 in the Truck class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.