Nearly 2000 Ram vehicles have been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to a potentially dangerous defect in the side curtain airbag inflators.
A select 2018 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks have been affected by the issue, which poses a significant safety risk as defective inflators may rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin.
No accident has been reported so far, but the automaker Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) and NHTSA are moving quickly to address the issue before it harms car owners.
What Models are Affected?
Here are the models affected by the recall:
- Ram 1500 (DS)- about 666 units.
- Ram 2500 (DS)- about 870 units.
- Ram 3500 (DS)- about 225 units.
What is the Defect?
Investigation documents have shown that some inflators may have been exposed to moisture during production, which can cause corrosion over time. Due to corrosion, Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) within the inflator housing becomes more likely.
Due to pressure, the inflator may crack causing the airbag to burst when it is deployed. This could send metal chips into the passenger cabin. Although it is restricted to a single production lot, this flaw is similar to problems observed in previous FCA recalls involving airbag inflators.
The supplier of defective side curtain airbag inflators is Joyson Safety Systems, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Timeline of the Recall
March 2024 – FCA recalled certain Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models (24V198) due to similar rupturing risks.
January 2025 – A recall (25V010) was issued for 2016–2020 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles after reports of corrosion inside inflators.
August 2025 – FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) group opened an investigation after receiving field reports suggesting possible inflator ruptures in some 2018 Ram trucks.
September 4, 2025 – Stellantis confirmed one customer assistance record and one field report potentially tied to the airbag issue.
What You Need to Know.
All affected vehicles will be repaired for free by Stellantis. Owners can take their trucks to dealers and suppliers for free repair.
This is how you will know if your truck is affected.
- Owner notification letters will be mailed starting October 9, 2025.
- Owners can contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403 for more details.
- Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) linked to this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
- Drivers may also reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-888-275-9171).
Why This Recall is Necessary?
The defect rate might be low, but the consequences of a rupturing inflator are too severe to ignore. Regulators and Stellantis are addressing the matter with urgency because a single incident can lead to serious injury or even death.
Airbags are vital for saving lives in accidents, but if they are faulty during manufacture and go unnoticed, automakers and suppliers will have severe worries about the quality control of these critical safety components.
Conclusion.
Drivers are urged to take advantage of the free repairs as soon as they get the notice letter. Owners are also reminded of the importance of staying up to date with vehicle safety enhancements.
Stellantis and NHTSA are taking all measures to ensure these trucks remain safe on the road.
Take the step to verify if your vehicle is part of the recall. If you notice a fault make an effort to schedule an appointment and enjoy the free repairs. Also be vigilant as the NHTSA continues to investigate the issue. However small the flaw is, it still poses a serious safety concern. So, do not ignore.