NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ram 2500 scores 69 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 47 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ram 2500 comes with a critical "park outside" recall among its eight total campaigns. This serious safety advisory significantly impacts its NHTSA Safety Index, which stands at 69 out of 100, placing the vehicle in our Below Average band. Prospective owners should carefully consider the implications of this recall, along with the truck's rollover rating, when evaluating this model year.
The 2023 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 69/100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 5 Trucks from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ram 2500 ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 69 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 8 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 47 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 5 Trucks tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ram 2500?
The 2023 Ram 2500 received a 3-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 29 percent calculated risk. This persists as a structural characteristic of its body-on-frame, high-center-of-gravity platform, and its strong 5-star side impact score does not offset it. The model year achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 69/100, an improvement from the 2022 model's 62/100, though both scores place it in the Below Average band. This 7-point gain reflects enhanced crash-protection scoring, which reached 57 out of 70 possible points. However, a structural weakness remains in avoidance technology; the sub-score of 6/10 indicates both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard features, leaving many trucks without them. Electronic stability control is standard. The most significant detriment to the index score was the defect-record sub-score of 6/20, influenced by 8 recall campaigns. The urgent "park-outside or do-not-drive" recall is notable, as is a powertrain control module software error affecting 2023-2026 trucks, suggesting a systemic concern. Additionally, 47 unverified owner complaints, primarily detailing engine and electrical issues, contribute to a year marked by active federal safety oversight.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ram 2500 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4WD achieved a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact crash tests. Its overall NHTSA rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal crash protection also earning 4 stars. The lowest assessment came in rollover performance, which received 3 out of 5 stars. NHTSA data indicates a 29 percent rollover risk for the vehicle; however, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17275
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2023 Ram 2500 carries 8 NHTSA recall campaigns. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive. Named campaigns address the powertrain control module software, a transmission control unit weld defect, the driver airbag clockspring, the steering control module, and a backup camera display function. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN immediately.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)26V288000
Risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-07
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS23V060000
Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 mo
Reported 2023-02-09
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V835000
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Reported 2022-11-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ram 2500?
Owners have filed 47 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 4 crashes and 1 fire. The most frequently alleged problem components are Engine (11 reports), Electrical System (9), Exterior Lighting (8), Power Train (6), Air Bags (5), and Service Brakes (5). All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
47 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ram 2500?
Any shopper considering a used 2023 Ram 2500 should verify recall compliance before purchase. This model year carries 8 open or recently issued safety campaigns, notably including one park-outside directive. Confirming that all recall remedies have been completed at a dealership is the most critical safety precaution for this specific vehicle.
- The 2023 Ram 2500 carries 8 NHTSA recall campaigns for this specific model year, one of which is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, making VIN-specific recall verification a non-negotiable step for any prospective buyer.
- The Safety Index improved 7 points over the 2022 Ram 2500 (62/100 to 69/100), yet both years remain in the Below Average band, and the defect-record sub-score of 6/20 is the primary drag on the 2023 figure.
- NHTSA's rollover calculation assigns this 2023 Crew Cab 4WD configuration a 29 percent rollover risk and a 3-star rating, the lowest individual score in the crash-test suite for this year.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment for the 2023 model year, meaning used examples on the market may not be equipped with either system; buyers should confirm the specific truck's build sheet.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ram 2500 places
The 2023 Ram 2500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ram 2500 safety questions
Was the 2023 Ram 2500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ram 2500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 69 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ram 2500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ram 2500 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ram 2500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ram 2500, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ram 2500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 47 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ram 2500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 2500 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 1500 | 70/100 | 5 of 5 | 11 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17275), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 2500 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 5 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.