Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH when a medical emergency was experienced causing him to lose consciousness, as a result, the vehicle drifted off the roadway and crashed into a tree head-on where the vehicle came to a stop. During the impact, the front driver side, front passenger side, and passenger side curtain air bags were deployed however the driver side curtain air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained upper and lower lip cuts that required stitches, 4 bottom teeth were fractured and extracted, 4 ribs on the right side, 1 rib on the left side, and contusion on the left lung that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and determined to be totaled. The dealer was not contacted, and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,300.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and crashed into her vehicle head-on. The vehicle then struck a pole. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy after the initial crash or after striking the pole. The contact sustained injuries to her ribs, head, left leg, lower back, pelvic bone, and sustained a concussion. Medical assistance was provided. The contact was unaware of any other injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot and was not diagnosed, inspected, or repaired. The contact was unaware if the vehicle had been deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,738.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle veered off the road. The contact stated that the passenger's and driver's side curtains airbags and the front driver's seat and front passenger's seat side airbags deployed. The contact stated that no collision had occurred during the incident. There was no injury sustained. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The neighbors assisted the driver in cutting the airbags that were obstructing the road visibility. The driver then drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side and passenger's side seat belts were replaced because the seat's side air bags deployment had rendered the seat belts inoperable. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and made a loud popping sound. The steering wheel became stiff, and the contact jerked the steering wheel to prevent a crash. The steering wheel then inadvertently spun, and the contact slammed on the brake pedal and applied the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The power steering assist, brakes, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column and clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the air bag had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,590
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and driving over a pothole, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with occupant restraint control and transmission control fault. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,600.
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, I was operating my vehicle when an oncoming single vehicle traveling in the opposite direction entered a curve at an excessive speed, lost control, and crossed into my lane. I attempted to steer away to avoid the collision; however, the oncoming vehicle struck my vehicle along the driver's side. The collision caused significant damage to the driver's side and resulted in a failure of the passenger-side rear wheel/tire assembly, complete detachment of the tire from the vehicle. During the collision, none of my vehicle's airbags deployed, despite the side-impact nature of the crash and the force of the collision. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag restraint system failed to deploy during a significant collision involving the driver. …
The dashboard leather on my 2020 Ram Longhorn (VIN [redacted] ) has severely bubbled and separated from the underlying structure. The warping creates dangerous glare and distortion in the windshield, compromising forward visibility. Additionally, the deformation extends over the passenger side airbag panel, raising serious concerns about whether the airbag can deploy correctly. This is a well-documented defect on 2019-2020 Ram Longhorn dashboards due to adhesive failure, not wear and tear. FCA/Stellantis is aware of the issue and has issued technical bulletins, but many vehicles remain unrepaired. This should be treated as a safety issue and addressed via recall or extended coverage.
The antenna on the posterior roof began leaking, causing extensive damage to the headliner, including the fabric around the rear airbags. Unknown level of destruction to the airbags. It is available for inspection upon request-Photos are also available. The vehicle has not been inspected by other entities at this time. A recent thunderstorm occurred and the headliner was immediately identified to have been damaged/stained. The dealership was contacted to see if this would be covered as a manufacturing defect, however there were no open recalls and the cost was expected to be paid by the customer. Upon self assessment, the leak was identified to be coming from the antenna. No applicable warning lamps or messages to include.
Rear power sliding window frame developed cracks at the top on both sides, above the center rear sliding window. THE FRAME LEAKS INTO CAB WHEN MOISTURE IS PRESENT. Water Intrusion has resulted in water intrusion in the rear cabin, which destroys the interior of the vehicles permanent stain marks; foul odors, mold, and mildew is a huge concern. My children ride in the back of my vehicle and I am concerned about the health issues this may cause in the future. My part is still covered under warranty at this time, however it will take 3 to 4 weeks for this part to be repaired and no guarantee it will not continue to happen at my expense, please fix this.
Related recalls
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403.
Air bags › Side/window › Curtain › Inflator
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022.
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Airbag complaints in other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2020 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the air bags of the 2020 Ram 1500, 3% of the model year's 640 complaints. The component named most often is sensor › occupant classification (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ram 1500 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 25V-298 (air bags, May 8, 2025); NHTSA recall 21V-632 (inflator, Aug 12, 2021); NHTSA recall 20V-374 (air bags, Jun 25, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 Ram 1500 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.