Thousands of Ram Trucks Recalled for Potentially Rupturing Airbag Inflators

FCA US, LLC, has initiated a voluntary safety recall affecting over 1,700 model year 2018 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks due to a defect in the side curtain airbag inflators. The issue stems from an inflator that may rupture, potentially expelling material into the vehicle’s cabin and posing a risk of injury to occupants. Owners of the affected vehicles are being advised not to drive their trucks and to park them outdoors until the necessary repairs can be made.

The recall specifically targets Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles produced between May 21, 2018, and June 26, 2018. A total of 1,761 vehicles are potentially involved, though the estimated percentage with the actual defect is very low, at 0.1%. The specific component at issue is the curtain airbag inflator, manufactured by Joyson Safety Systems. The potential defect arises from moisture introduced during the supplier’s manufacturing process, which can lead to internal corrosion and, over time, stress corrosion cracking within the inflator. A rupture of this inflator could cause compressed gas to escape rapidly, carrying debris into the vehicle.

FCA US became aware of potential issues through previous recalls addressing similar airbag inflator problems in other Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. An investigation into the 2018 Ram trucks was opened on August 12, 2025, following additional field input. This investigation, conducted in conjunction with the airbag supplier, confirmed that vehicles from specific production lots were built with inflators susceptible to rupture due to the moisture-related manufacturing issue. As of September 4, 2025, FCA US reported one customer assistance record and one field report potentially related to this issue, but no associated accidents or injuries at that time.

The remedy for this recall involves replacing the affected side curtain airbags as needed. For Ram 1500 trucks covered under recall ID 83C, both driver and passenger side curtain airbags will be replaced. For Ram 2500 trucks under recall ID 91C, the driver’s side curtain airbag will be replaced, and for Ram 3500 trucks under recall ID 92C, the passenger’s side curtain airbag will be replaced. The replacement modules will utilize inflators manufactured outside the suspect production period to ensure they are not affected by the defect.

FCA US will begin notifying dealerships about the recall on or about September 18, 2025. Owners of the affected vehicles are scheduled to be notified starting on or about October 9, 2025. Owners will be able to check if their vehicle is included in the recall by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) beginning September 18, 2025. The company has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who may have incurred costs related to this issue prior to the recall.

The primary safety risk associated with this defect is the potential for injury from materials being propelled into the vehicle’s interior during an airbag deployment or a rupture event. There are no specific warning signals that will precede a rupture. Due to the nature of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are strongly advised not to drive them and to park them outdoors. This advisory is in place until the necessary repairs can be performed by an authorized FCA US dealer.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from FCA US, LLC.

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