Who Is Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Warranty And Why You Should Care

· 5 min read
Who Is Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Warranty And Why You Should Care

The Dodge Ram 1500 has actually long been a staple of the American highway, known for its towing capability, rugged sturdiness, and increasingly glamorous interiors. Nevertheless, beyond the horse power and torque, the most important component of any lorry is its security system. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), frequently called the air bag system, is a complicated network of sensing units, modules, and inflators developed to protect residents during a collision.

Comprehending the warranty coverage for these life-saving elements is necessary for each Ram owner. Whether a vehicle is brand new or a high-mileage workhorse, understanding who bears the expense of repairs can conserve owners countless dollars and, more significantly, guarantee the vehicle remains safe to drive.

The Foundation: Mopar's Basic Limited Warranty

For brand-new Dodge Ram 1500 owners, the air bag system is mostly covered under what Stellantis (the moms and dad business of Ram) calls its Basic Limited Warranty. This is often described in the industry as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage.

The Basic Limited Warranty normally lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers the expense of all parts and labor needed to fix any item on the truck that is faulty in product, workmanship, or factory preparation. Due to the fact that airbags, clock springs, and effect sensing units are integral parts of the car's initial equipment, they fall squarely under this security.

It is important to keep in mind that while the Powertrain Limited Warranty lasts longer (usually 5 years or 60,000 miles), it particularly covers the engine, transmission, and drive system. It does not cover safety systems like airbags.

Table 1: Standard Warranty Coverage Overview for Ram 1500

Warranty TypePeriod (Years/Miles)Coverage ScopeDoes it cover Airbags?
Standard Limited Warranty3 Years/ 36,000 MilesBumper-to-BumperYes
Powertrain Warranty5 Years/ 60,000 MilesEngine, Transmission, DrivelineNo
Anti-Corrosion Warranty5 Years/ Unlimited MilesSheet Metal PerforationNo
Federal Emissions Warranty2 Years/ 24,000 MilesEmissions-related partsNo

Components of the Airbag System

The airbag system is not simply the nylon bags tucked into the guiding wheel and control panel. It is an advanced environment. When a Ram owner questions their warranty, they are generally handling a failure in one of the following parts:

  • Impact Sensors: Located at the front and sides of the car to find fast deceleration.
  • Airbag Control Module (ACM): The "brain" that decides when to release the bags.
  • Clock Spring: A spiral-wound electrical port that allows the guiding wheel to turn while maintaining a connection to the driver-side airbag.
  • Electrical wiring Harnesses: The electrical courses that connect sensors to the module.
  • Inflators: The chemical cylinders that quickly fill the bags with gas.

Table 2: Airbag Component Warranty Status

ElementCovered under 3/36k Basic?Covered under Powertrain?Typical Failure Signs
Air bag InflatorYesNoSRS Warning Light
Clock SpringYesNoAudio buttons/Horn failure, SRS Light
Impact SensorsYesNoSRS Light after small bump
Wiring HarnessYesNoIntermittent SRS Light
Safety Belt PretensionersYesNoSafety belt won't withdraw or lock

The Impact of the Takata Airbag Recall

No discussion of Dodge Ram 1500 air bag guarantees is total without discussing the Takata recall. This is the biggest vehicle security recall in history, affecting countless lorries worldwide, including many Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram models produced in between 2003 and 2015.

The problem included inflators that might take off with too much force, spraying metal shrapnel into the cabin. Due to the fact that this is a safety recall mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the guidelines of standard guarantees do not apply.

Key Facts about Airbag Recalls:

  1. Lifetime Coverage: Recall repair work are totally free of charge to the owner, despite the car's age or mileage.
  2. Transferability: Even if a person is the third or fourth owner of a used Ram 1500, the manufacturer should perform the recall repair work totally free.
  3. No Expiration: Safety remembers do not expire as long as the maker is still in service.

Owners of older Ram trucks must go to the Mopar Recall Tool and enter their VIN to look for any exceptional airbag repair work.

Extended Protection: Mopar Vehicle Protection (MVP)

Since the standard 3-year/36,000-mile service warranty is reasonably short, lots of Ram owners go with extended coverage. Mopar offers numerous strategies, such as the "Added Care Plus" or "Maximum Care" plans.

For those worried particularly with safety systems, the Maximum Care strategy is the most extensive choice. It extends the "bumper-to-bumper" coverage for as much as 8 years or 125,000 miles (with some plans going even greater). Under these prolonged service agreements, the air bag sensors, modules, and electrical wiring remain covered long after the factory service warranty has actually lapsed.

Indications You Need Airbag Warranty Service

The airbag system is self-diagnosing. Whenever the driver begins their Ram 1500, the computer runs a check. If a fault is spotted, the SRS light (typically a red icon representing a seated individual with a circle) will remain lit up on the dashboard.

Steps to Take When the SRS Light Appears:

  • Immediate Inspection: Do not ignore the light. If the light is on, the airbags may not deploy in a mishap.
  • Prevent DIY Repairs: Airbags include explosive charges. Amateur tampering can result in unintentional release and severe injury.
  • Inspect the VIN: Check for open recalls before spending for a diagnostic.
  • File the Fault: If the lorry is still under the 3/36k warranty, take a photo of the dashboard light to reveal the service advisor.

What is NOT Covered?

While the service warranty is generous throughout its active duration, there are exclusions. A guarantee is developed to cover making problems, not external factors.

Common exclusions consist of:

  • Accident Damage: If the airbags deploy in a crash, the warranty does not cover their replacement. This is normally managed by vehicle insurance coverage.
  • Flood Damage: Corrosion of sensing units due to water submersion is not a factory flaw.
  • Unauthorized Modifications: Installing aftermarket steering wheels or durable bumpers that disrupt sensors can void the airbag part of the warranty.
  • Theft: If an air bag is taken (a common occurrence due to their high resale worth), the manufacturer will not replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. For how long is the airbag warranty on a 2024 Ram 1500?

The air bag system is covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty.

2. Is  Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Replacement Cost  covered under the powertrain service warranty?

No. The clock spring is an electrical/safety part and is just covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile standard guarantee or an extended Maximum Care strategy.

3. Will Ram change my airbags free of charge if the light begins at 50,000 miles?

If the lorry runs out the 3-year/36,000-mile window and you do not have an extended guarantee, you will likely have to spend for medical diagnosis and repair, unless the failure is associated with a specific safety recall.

4. Are there any "concealed" life time service warranties on airbags?

While some manufacturers (like Honda or Subaru) have actually traditionally used longer warranties on safety belt, Stellantis/Ram typically abides by the 3-year/36,000-mile limitation for all SRS parts unless a recall is issued.

5. Can I check for airbag remembers online?

Yes.  Dodge Ram 1500 Airbag Sensor  can use the NHTSA site or the Mopar owners' portal by entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Summary

The Dodge Ram 1500 is a powerhouse of utility, but its safety systems are governed by particular warranty timelines. The 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty is the primary secure for airbag-related problems. For those preparing to keep their truck for the long haul, investing in a Mopar Maximum Care plan is a sensible choice to ensure the Supplemental Restraint System stays functional without out-of-pocket expenses. Constantly focus on security-- if the SRS light brightens, seek advice from a licensed dealership right away to figure out if the repair work is covered under service warranty or a standing recall.