MODEL
Ram 2500 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ram 2500 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Ram 2500 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 62. 68 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck aimed at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability beyond what a half-ton can offer. Competing in one of the most demanding segments on the market, it attracts contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who prioritize work capacity. Understanding its safety record is essential before committing to a vehicle this size and cost.
The Ram 2500, across model years 2019 to 2025, presents a genuinely mixed safety picture. A best-year side-impact rating of 5 out of 5 stars offers reassurance, yet frontal crash tests yielded 4 out of 5 stars, and rollover resistance scored 3 out of 5 stars. This rollover figure is significant for a tall, heavy vehicle, particularly for those driving at highway speeds or on uneven terrain. The Safety Index for the Ram 2500 varies considerably by model year, ranging from Strong to Below Average. The 2023 model year achieved the highest Safety Index we recorded, at 80 out of 100, underscoring the importance of year-specific evaluation. A total of 41 recalls across the covered years is substantial. Two of these campaigns escalated to park-outside or do-not-drive directives, indicating elevated severity in those specific instances. Owner complaints total 663, including 32 alleged crashes, 27 alleged fires, and 17 alleged injuries. While these are unverified allegations, the volume of fire complaints warrants serious consideration. Buyers must examine the specific model year and remain current on recall status for the Ram 2500.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ram 2500 as one of the more refined and comfortable entries in the heavy-duty truck segment, praising its ride quality and interior execution relative to its class. Most acknowledge that it competes strongly on capability and driver experience, though professional assessments tend to note that heavy-duty trucks as a category involve tradeoffs in agility and crash-test performance compared to lighter vehicles.
- Two of the 41 recalls issued across 2019 to 2025 were classified as park-outside or do-not-drive campaigns, indicating at least some recall actions involved serious enough safety risks that owners were advised not to operate the vehicle until repaired. Always verify your VIN is clear of open recalls before purchase.
- The rollover crash-test rating of 3 out of 5 stars in the best recorded year reflects the physical reality of a tall, heavy-duty truck body style. Shoppers who regularly drive at highway speeds or on uneven or sloped terrain should weigh this rating carefully.
- Owner complaints include 27 alleged fire incidents across covered model years. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is notable for a single model line and warrants checking NHTSA complaint records for the specific model year you are considering.
- The NHTSA Safety Index ranges from Below Average to Strong depending on model year, with the 2023 model year reaching the best recorded score of 80 out of 100. Shoppers should look up the index for the exact year they are shopping rather than assuming the best figure applies across the board.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Ram 2500 with 12 recalls.