Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Ram 1500
The 2022 Ram 1500 faces notable issues, with 16 recalls and 631 NHTSA complaints primarily around the engine, electrical system, and power train. While recall and complaint data hint at multiple safety concerns, evidence on other issues is limited. Purchasers should approach with caution and focus on verifying recall completion and safety features.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Ram 1500 has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns and 639 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V495000 Improperly Installed Seat Belt Buckle Anchor/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V765000 Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V298000 Improperly Connected Air Bag/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V754000 Rearview Mirror Glass May Detach/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V653000 Disabled Electronic Stability Control/FMVSS 126 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V437000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V436000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V654000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V263000 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V264000 Missing Air Bag Sensors NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V059000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V904000 Tailgate May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V766000 Front Seat Belt Pretensioners May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V767000 Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V407000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V871000 Inoperable Defrosting/Defogging System/FMVSS 103 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 254 complaints
- Electrical System 202 complaints
- Power Train 109 complaints
- Unknown or Other 97 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 57 complaints
- Service Brakes 56 complaints
Of the 639 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 639 complaints, owners report 9 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
High pressure fuel pump failure
How to check: Inspect for leaks, unusual noises, and hard starting.
Airbag deployment issues
How to check: Ensure airbag light turns on, then off at start.
ABS control module malfunction
How to check: Check for ABS light during startup routine.
Rearview camera display failure
How to check: Place in reverse; verify display shows image.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine knocking or clicking.
Red flag: Persistent engine noise indicates issues.
- 02
Idling
What to check: Observe dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Warning lights remaining on is a concern.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor transmission smoothness and response.
Red flag: Rough shifts or delays signal problems.
- 04
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brake sensitivity and control.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes.
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe for engine hesitation or sputtering.
Red flag: Poor acceleration or stalling.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the high pressure fuel pump been replaced?
- Have all airbag recalls been completed?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- Have the brakes been serviced recently?
- Any issues with the electrical system?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Service and maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
- Professional inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Ram 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 Ram 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.