2026 Ram 1500 Safety Report

The 2026 RAM 1500, being a new model year, currently has no consumer complaints lodged with NHTSA regarding crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This is typical for a vehicle just entering the market. However, it has already been subject to two safety recalls. The first recall, affecting certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickups, addresses an issue with the EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS system, where trailer brake lights and turn signals may not illuminate, significantly increasing the risk of a crash due to reduced visibility to other drivers. The second recall pertains to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, specifically a software error that can prevent the instrument panel display from showing critical information like warning lights or gear selection, which also elevates the risk of a crash. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2026 RAM 1500 are currently not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. This lack of data means a comprehensive assessment of its crashworthiness cannot yet be made based on official government testing. The absence of consumer complaints is a positive sign, but the presence of two recalls for critical safety systems so early in its lifecycle indicates potential manufacturing or software issues that require attention. Overall, while there are no reported consumer incidents, the two recalls highlight pre-emptive safety concerns identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Buyers should ensure both recalls have been addressed before or immediately after purchasing the vehicle to mitigate the identified risks related to exterior lighting and instrument cluster functionality. The long-term safety profile will become clearer as more vehicles are sold and driven, and crash test data becomes available.

Our recommendation: Given the two early recalls for critical safety components, prospective buyers should ensure both recall remedies have been performed by the dealership before purchase to address potential risks.