NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ram 2500 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 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
Six active recall campaigns affect the 2026 Ram 2500, addressing concerns with powertrain software, stability control, brake lights, and instrument panels. These issues are meaningful and should be resolved by buyers before operating the vehicle. On its published data, the 2026 Ram 2500 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong safety band. Crash protection is solid across most test modes.
The 2026 Ram 2500 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, according to 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 2500 ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 3 Trucks tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ram 2500?
The 2026 Ram 2500's defect record raises significant concerns, with six recall campaigns already issued. This marks a concerning trend, particularly for a vehicle that maintains an overall Safety Index of 80/100, identical to the prior model year. The defect record sub-score, at 14 of 20, directly reflects these issues. Specific recalls impact crucial safety systems. A powertrain control module software error affects 2023 through 2026 trucks. A stability control module issue is unique to 2026 units. Two separate instrument cluster campaigns cover the 2025 to 2026 generation, and a brake light recall extends across a broad range of Ram and Jeep products. These issues concentrate in the software and electrical systems. The crash protection score, at 57 of a possible 70 points, indicates a strong performance in physical impact scenarios. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 of 10 points. NHTSA crash-test results show genuine strengths in side protection, earning a 5 out of 5-star rating, and the "No Tip" dynamic rollover result is positive. However, the 3-star rollover resistance rating presents a clear area for improvement in this model year's safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ram 2500 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ram 2500 achieved a 5 out of 5-star rating in the side-impact crash test, contributing to its overall 4 out of 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash protection was also rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover assessment presents a concern, with a 3 out of 5-star rating and a 29 percent rollover risk, despite the dynamic tip test concluding with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20947
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2026 Ram 2500 carries six recall campaigns. Components affected include the powertrain control module (software error), the electronic stability control module (steering column control module concern), two separate instrument cluster and panel campaigns, and a brake lights recall shared across multiple Ram and Jeep models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data, but the ESC and powertrain software issues warrant prompt attention.
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
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
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE26V244000
Risk: A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 36D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 23, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-16
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V530000
Risk: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.
Reported 2025-08-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has recorded zero owner complaints for the 2026 Ram 2500 at this time. No reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been filed. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, the complaint record remains early and any future submissions would represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ram 2500?
The 2026 Ram 2500 has been subject to six recall campaigns, a notable figure for a single model year. Given the recency of these actions, buyers should verify the completion status of all outstanding recalls for any specific vehicle they consider. Written confirmation from the selling dealer is advisable to ensure all necessary remedies have been applied.
- Six recall campaigns are active for the 2026 Ram 2500, including a powertrain control module software error and a stability control module issue specific to 2026 model year trucks.
- The 2026 Safety Index of 80/100 is unchanged from the 2025 model year, but the defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 reflects the weight of those six campaigns on this year's rating.
- NHTSA's rollover test assigned a 3-star rating with a 29 percent rollover risk, the lowest star score across all crash modes tested for this model year, even though the dynamic tip test produced a No Tip result.
- Zero owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2026 Ram 2500, which is expected for a current-model-year vehicle still early in its on-road life.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ram 2500 places
The 2026 Ram 2500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ram 2500 safety questions
Was the 2026 Ram 2500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ram 2500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Ram 2500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Ram 2500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ram 2500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ram 2500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ram 2500. 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 2500 years
Rivals in Truck (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ram 1500 | 84/100 | 4 of 5 | 7 |
| 2026 Nissan Frontier | 81/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20947), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ram 2500 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 3 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.