2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Airbag Problems

Which parts fail

• Frontal
  1

Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  616%
• 25k–50k
  616%
• 50k–75k
  924%
• 75k–100k
  513%
• 100k–150k
  821%
• 150k+
  411%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

On 22 Jan 2022, airbags failed to deploy during a head on collision. Collision occurred after losing control on black ice. While driving 55 mph along a straight and level section of a single lane highway, truck spun into on-coming traffic. The driver and passenger experienced whiplash, multiple bruises from the seat belt, and the driver broke both ankles and sternum, and needed stitches from a gash above the eye. Truck received airbag recall work at a local dealership in 2016. Insurance has declared the damages to the vehicle a total loss. Owner has signed a release of the vehicle to auto insurance. Not sure if claims adjuster or insurance company is investigating airbag failure. Looks like others have experienced this same problem.

The recall cannot be completed because the parts are unavailable. We have contacted the service department in the dealership a number of times. They told us the parts are not available and cannot give us a date to repair it. They referred us to Chrysler's main headquarters and no body there has an answer to when these parts will be available either. This mandate was never made public, the only way we found out was when we went to have the vehicle inspected. Meanwhile it cannot be driven or inspected.

We purchased this vehichle and the steering wheel has a slit through it like its been deployed i would like to make sure it is safe also the side passenger seat the front seems like something is pocking you through the seat like it is not supposed to be there also the whole steering system seems off and not safe . I would like it to be noted and a recall should be made before injury to anyone.

I have been trying for over two years to have my local dodge dealership process the recall for my takata airbags (sandy sansing dodge in milton fl). Every attempt is either met with being disconnected from the call or being told I will be called back, and it never happens. I havr also attempted to call fcas takata recall department with similar results

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver of another vehicle fell asleep while driving at 70 MPH and crashed into the front of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the chest, shoulders, and legs as well as lacerations to the face. The front passenger sustained a concussion and injuries to the right side of her body. The rear driver side passenger sustained injuries to the back, right arm, and had a seizure. Medical attention was required for all occupants of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure .the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Tl* the contact's son owned a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While the contact's son was driving 50 MPH, he failed to see the brake lights of the vehicle in front him and had to forcefully depress the brake pedal. As a result, the contact's son attempted to swerve to the left and crashed into the rear of the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's son sustained injuries to his hands and bruises from the seat belt. Medical attention was not required. A police report was filed. Prior to the crash, the contact's son was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 16V352000 (air bags). The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. Updated 08/31/17

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into multiple trees. The air bags had a delayed deployment and emitted metal fragments. A police report was filed. The contact sustained multiple abrasions to the face and a collapsed lung, which required medical attention. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags). The parts for the repair were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. .....updated 06/22/16 * bf the consumer also stated the seat belt did restrain him properly . The consumer had a second accident and the air bag did not deploy. Updated 06/29/16

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The contact continued to pump the brake pedal until the vehicle slowed down. As a result of the failure, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. There were no injuries and police report number: sp19360029 was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop and declared totaled. The contact was unaware if the manufacturer was notified of the failures. There were no recalls associated with the failures. The dealer was not contacted. The cause of the failures was not determined. The failure mileage was 108,573.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, a vehicle crashed into the rear end of the contact's vehicle and then crashed into a second vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags). The contact was awaiting for the parts to become available. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 1/13/16 ln

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering veered to the right independently. The contact crashed into a ditch, but the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained nose and head injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle sustained extensive front end damage. A police report was filed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a suspension fracture and the vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags), but the failure previously occurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Airbag complaints in other Ram 1500 years