2023 Ram 1500 Safety Report

2023 RAM 1500 faces numerous recalls and electrical/engine complaints, lacking NHTSA crash test ratings.

156Complaints
10Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
9Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (13)Electrical System (13)Engine (10)Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (8)Electrical System,Engine (7)Structure (6)Exterior Lighting (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (5)Steering (5)Power Train (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Ram 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a significant number of recalls for a relatively new model year and a concerning pattern of electrical and engine-related complaints. With 156 total complaints, including 9 crashes and 3 injuries, the vehicle has demonstrated several critical safety vulnerabilities. A notable concern is the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), which makes it difficult to assess its passive safety performance comprehensively. The recall history is extensive, with 10 recalls addressing a wide range of critical components. These include issues with AIR BAGS (driver's side not deploying, clockspring failure), SERVICE BRAKES (ABS control module disabling ESC), POWER TRAIN (insufficient weld in transmission control unit leading to fluid leaks and loss of drive/park), STEERING (turn signal self-canceling and control module malfunctions), VISIBILITY (rearview mirror detachment, rearview camera display issues), and FUEL SYSTEM (HPFP failure in diesel engines). The sheer volume and critical nature of these recalls suggest potential manufacturing or design flaws across multiple systems. Complaint data further highlights these concerns, with 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (13 complaints), 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (13 complaints), and 'ENGINE' (10 complaints) being the most frequently cited primary components. Specific complaints detail sudden engine shutdowns while driving, infotainment system failures disabling safety features like rearview cameras, and issues with the auto start-stop system failing to restart the vehicle. These active safety concerns, coupled with the numerous recalls, indicate that while the vehicle is new, it has experienced a notable number of significant safety-related incidents and potential defects.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Ram 1500 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Ram 1500

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Ram 1500:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Sudden Engine Shutdown/Loss Of Power
Multiple complaints describe the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, leading to loss of motive power and reduced steering/braking assistance, often accompanied by dashboard failures or 'Vehicle Not in Park' messages.		 High Common 0-40000 miles
Infotainment System (Uconnect) Failures
The Uconnect system frequently reboots, freezes, or becomes unresponsive, disabling critical safety features like rearview cameras, navigation, and drive mode selection, often after software updates.		 Medium Common 0-70000 miles
Auto Start-Stop System Malfunction
The auto start-stop system fails to restart the vehicle after stopping, creating a safety hazard in traffic, particularly at intersections or stop lights.		 Medium Occasional 0-40000 miles
Airbag Deployment Issues
Recalls indicate potential issues with the driver's side airbag not deploying as intended due to improper connection or clockspring/spiral cassette failure, increasing injury risk in a crash.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) Disablement
A software malfunction in the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system, increasing the risk of a crash, as per recall 23V-797.		 High Rare N/A miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Recalls and complaints indicate the rearview image may not display due to radio software or trailer reverse steering control module issues, reducing driver visibility when backing up.		 High Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Ram 1500:

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Frequent complaints about electrical system malfunctions, including dashboard failures, sudden loss of voltage, and infotainment system reboots, often leading to other system failures.

Engine 6% of complaints

Reports of engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes linked to battery draining or high-pressure fuel pump failure (for diesel engines).

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Issues with brake pedal not fully returning to rest, causing brake lights to stay on, and ABS control module software disabling electronic stability control.

Power Train 2% of complaints

Recall for insufficient weld in transmission control unit leading to fluid leaks and potential loss of drive power or park function.

Air Bags 0% of complaints

Multiple recalls related to airbag deployment issues, including improper connection of the driver's side airbag and clockspring/spiral cassette failure.

Steering 3% of complaints

Recalls for turn signal self-canceling feature malfunction and steering column control module issues affecting turn signals and high beams.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Ram 1500

Is the 2023 RAM 1500 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 RAM 1500 has a concerning safety profile. It has accumulated 156 complaints, 9 crashes, and 3 injuries, along with 10 recalls addressing critical safety components like airbags, brakes, and the powertrain. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings makes a full assessment of its passive safety difficult, but the high number of active safety recalls and complaints about sudden engine shutdowns and electrical failures are significant concerns.

What are common problems with the 2023 RAM 1500?

The most reported issues for the 2023 RAM 1500 include electrical system malfunctions (13 complaints), engine problems like sudden shutdowns (10 complaints), and service brake issues. Infotainment system failures disabling safety features and auto start-stop malfunctions are also frequently cited in complaints. Additionally, there are numerous recalls covering airbags, steering, and rearview camera display issues.

How many recalls does the 2023 RAM 1500 have?

The 2023 RAM 1500 has 10 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address a wide range of critical safety components, including airbags, rearview mirrors, steering control modules, ABS control modules, transmission control units, and fuel pumps.

Are there any known engine issues with the 2023 RAM 1500?

Yes, there are known engine issues. The 2023 RAM 1500 has 10 complaints related to the engine, with specific reports of sudden engine shutdowns while driving. Additionally, a recall (22V-858) addresses high-pressure fuel pump failure in vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine, which can lead to an engine stall.

What are the electrical system problems in the 2023 RAM 1500?

Electrical system problems are a significant concern, with 13 complaints. These include issues like the entire dashboard shutting off, loss of electrical voltage while driving, infotainment system reboots that disable safety features like reverse cameras, and malfunctions of the auto start-stop system failing to restart the vehicle.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of recalls and recurring critical complaints, potential buyers should exercise caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed, and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history for electrical and engine-related issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Ram 1500

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Ram 1500. The data includes 156 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.