2023 RAM 4500

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
âš ī¸Elevated Concerns

The 2023 RAM 4500 demonstrates a concerning reliability profile due to multiple recalls affecting crucial systems like the electrical and airbag components. Given the failures can occur within the first 20,000 miles, owners should remain vigilant about safety checks.

Key Factor:Multiple system recalls

📋Why This Matters

Recalls related to electrical systems and airbags are significant when considering passenger safety, particularly for children in the back seat. A malfunctioning airbag can mean the difference between life and death during a crash, while electrical issues can lead to unexpected vehicle behavior, increasing the risk of accidents. The potential for these defects makes it vital for current owners and prospective buyers to take immediate action to assess their vehicles thoroughly.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • âš ī¸
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • âš–ī¸
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.4)
    📝
    Summary: The presence of multiple recalls in the RAM 4500's recent model year raises alarms about its safety performance, particularly in critical systems such as airbags and steering. Compared to industry expectations for reliability in this class of heavy-duty trucks, this level of concern is indicative of a trend that could undermine passenger trust.

Safety & Reliability Score

60/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-3.5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 RAM 4500

Model Year2023
MakeRAM
Model4500
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Aug22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued
✅

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 RAM 4500. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

đŸ› ī¸ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSTEERINGAIR BAGSTRAILER HITCHES

đŸŽ¯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Airbags

Issue: Improper welding may prevent airbag deployment in a crash.

✅

Contact your dealer for an immediate inspection regarding airbag functionality.

🔍

Verify if any recall repairs have been completed before purchasing.

2

Electrical System

Issue: Potential short circuit in heater grid relay could disrupt vehicle operation.

✅

Have the electrical system checked by a certified technician without delay.

🔍

'Request documentation of any electrical repairs or diagnostics performed on the vehicle.'

3

Steering Control Module

Issue: 'Steering control malfunction may cause improper activation of high beams or turn signals.'

✅

'Ensure steering components are functioning correctly through a professional evaluation.'

🔍

'Inquire about previous steering-related repairs before finalizing a purchase.'

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 23V060000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.

Consequence

An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 23V799000

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 24V199000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis)

Campaign: 25V618000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

Reading Truck Body, LLC (Reading) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 4500 vehicles equipped with a Curt Hitch (P/N 15400). The trailer hitch may have been installed with too few mounting bolts, causing the assembly to loosen and detach.

Consequence

A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Reading will replace the hitch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2025. Owners may contact Reading's customer service at 1-610-775-3301.

Manufacturer: Reading Truck Group LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 4500.

INV-2023-1000đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 4500 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 50,979

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
✓

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are the specific safety concerns with the 2023 RAM 4500?'

The primary concerns involve several recalls related to key safety features such as airbags and electrical systems. These defects could significantly impair safety performance during driving or in case of an accident.

'How do I know if my RAM 4500 is affected by these recalls?'

You can check your vehicle's VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if it is involved in any active recalls. Your dealer can also provide detailed information and necessary service updates.

📊Year-over-Year Context

âžĄī¸Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official RAM records to ensure no 4 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in RAM's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.