NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ram 1500
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2026 Ram 1500 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, a strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20942
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS26V421000
Risk: Parking lights and daytime running lights that fail to illuminate properly reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed July, 30, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 62D. Vehicle Identification Numbers
Reported 2026-07-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V225000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-09
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS26V059000
Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V826000
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov be
Reported 2025-12-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.