2022 Ram 1500 Safety Report

The 2022 RAM 1500 presents a mixed safety picture, with a significant number of recalls addressing critical safety components, but a lack of comprehensive NHTSA crash test ratings. With 528 total complaints, including 22 crashes, 4 fires, and 8 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported component issues are related to the ENGINE (67 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (41), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (35), often leading to serious consequences like engine stalling or loss of motive power, as evidenced by multiple complaints describing the vehicle shutting off while driving, engaging the parking brake, and shifting into park. This eTorque MGU generator issue is a recurring theme in complaints, causing stalling and loss of electrical power. The recall history is extensive, with 15 recalls issued for this model year. Several recalls directly address critical safety systems, including multiple for AIR BAGS (e.g., driver's side air bag not deploying, missing B-pillar impact sensors), SERVICE BRAKES (ABS control module disabling electronic stability control), and BACK OVER PREVENTION (various rearview camera display malfunctions). A particularly concerning recall involves the FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, where the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, leading to an engine stall and increasing crash risk. The sheer volume and nature of these recalls suggest that several fundamental safety systems required corrective action. Despite the numerous complaints and recalls, NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2022 RAM 1500. This absence of official crash test data makes it difficult to fully assess the vehicle's passive safety performance in a collision. However, the active recalls for air bag deployment issues and electronic stability control malfunctions highlight potential vulnerabilities in crash protection and control systems that have been identified and are being addressed. The high number of complaints related to engine stalling and electrical system failures, some leading to crashes, indicates ongoing operational safety concerns beyond just recall compliance.

Our recommendation: Given the high number of recalls and persistent complaints about engine stalling and electrical issues, thoroughly verify all recall repairs are completed and consider an extended warranty, especially if purchasing a model with the eTorque system or diesel engine.