NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ram 1500 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ram 1500 carries three active recall campaigns. This recall record tempers an otherwise solid crash-test profile, with the vehicle earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the "Strong" safety band. Prospective owners should verify all recall remedies are complete before taking delivery or purchasing.
The 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based solely on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Trucks from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ram 1500 ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 3 Trucks tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 2026 Ram 1500 achieves a 5 out of 5 star rating in side-impact crash tests, a notable strong point in its safety profile. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 places it in the Strong band, reflecting a three-point improvement over the 2025 model's 85. This gain is supported by a crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70. The vehicle also earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all included as standard features. However, the defect-record subscore of 17 out of 20 indicates the presence of three open recall campaigns. These include two electrical system instrument cluster and panel recalls specifically affecting late 2025 and early 2026 production, in addition to a brake-lights recall that encompasses a wider range of vehicles, including this truck. The Ram 1500 received 4-star ratings for both frontal crash protection and rollover performance. Its rollover risk is assessed at 20 percent, with a "No Tip" dynamic result. While the 2026 Ram 1500 demonstrates meaningful progress in its Safety Index score, its active recall record is a factor buyers must address.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ram 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD was awarded an overall 4 out of 5 stars by NHTSA. Its side-crash protection earned a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each achieved 4 stars; the rollover risk is noted at 20 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two target the electrical system instrument cluster and panel, issued in December 2025 and April 2026 respectively. A third, issued February 2026, addresses exterior lighting brake lights. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available campaign summaries, but owners should confirm remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V560000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The radio software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 83D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-09-01
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA26V531000
Risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.
Reported 2026-08-13
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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 62D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ram 1500?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2026 Ram 1500 at this time. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle with limited owner exposure, the absence of complaints should not be read as a long-term signal.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ram 1500?
Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, all three recall campaigns may still be open and unrepaired. Owners should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before finalizing any purchase or delivery, and confirm in writing that the dealer has completed each remedy.
- The 2026 model's Safety Index of 88/100 represents a three-point increase over the 2025 model's 85/100, both within the Strong band, driven by strong crash-protection and perfect avoidance-tech subscores.
- Three recall campaigns are active for this model year, covering two separate instrument cluster and panel electrical issues and a brake-lights defect shared with other Ram and Jeep models from the 2024-2026 period.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the highest result in the NHTSA test file for this vehicle, while frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 out of 5 stars with a 20-percent rollover risk.
- Zero owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, but the vehicle's limited time in service means that figure should be treated as preliminary rather than definitive.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ram 1500 places
The 2026 Ram 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ram 1500 safety questions
Was the 2026 Ram 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ram 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Ram 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ram 1500 earned 4 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 2026 Ram 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ram 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ram 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ram 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 1500 years
Rivals in Truck (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Frontier | 81/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
| 2026 Ram 2500 | 79/100 | 4 of 5 | 7 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20942), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 1500 2026.
- 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 1 of 3 in the Truck class for 2026.
- 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.