MODEL
Ram 2500
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 2026 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 62. 67 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.
Across model years 2019 to 2025, the Ram 2500 presents a safety picture that is genuinely mixed and deserves careful attention from shoppers. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded is 80 out of 100, achieved in the 2023 model year, but the range across covered years spans Strong, Average, and Below Average bands, meaning year-to-year variation is real and matters when choosing a specific model year. Crash-test results tell a similar story: a best-year side-impact rating of 5 out of 5 stars is genuinely reassuring, but a frontal rating of 4 out of 5 and a rollover rating of 3 out of 5 are reminders that this is a tall, heavy vehicle with the physics that come with it. The rollover figure in particular is worth keeping in mind for anyone who drives at highway speeds or on uneven terrain regularly. The recall count of 41 across covered years is substantial for any vehicle, and two of those campaigns rose to the level of park-outside or do-not-drive directives, which signals elevated severity in at least a portion of those actions. Owner complaints total 663, with 32 alleged crashes, 27 alleged fires, and 17 alleged injuries in the dataset. These are unverified allegations, but the fire complaint volume is a number we take seriously. The bottom line: the Ram 2500 has capable safety scores in some areas but demands that buyers check the specific model year they are considering and stay current on recall status.
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.