2016 RAM 1500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 1,549 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 1500 years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 1,549 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 RAM 1500. That ranks 2nd out of 18 1500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (312 complaints, 20%), typically at around 70,667 miles. Complaints mention 92 crashes, 36 fires, 73 injuries. There are 16 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2016 RAM 1500 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering312 · ~70,667 mi
Engine291 · ~60,000 mi
Service Brakes245 · ~30,300 mi
Power Train202 · ~32,000 mi
Electrical System192 · ~32,666 mi
Fuel/propulsion System191 · ~51,500 mi
Unknown or Other126 · ~27,413 mi
Vehicle Speed Control111 · ~44,000 mi
Fuel System, Diesel81 · ~112,000 mi
Suspension68 · ~51,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering problems31220%70,667“electric power” (14%)$3,600
Engine problems29119%60,000“chrysler dodge” (8%)—
Service Brakes problems24516%30,300“abs module” (47%)—
Power Train problems20213%32,000“engine running” (8%)—
Electrical System problems19212%32,666“abs module” (18%)—
Fuel/propulsion System problems19112%51,500“fuel sensor” (18%)$1,150
Unknown or Other1268%27,413——
Vehicle Speed Control problems1117%44,000“cruise control” (33%)—
Fuel System, Diesel problems815%112,000“fuel diesel contacted” (28%)—
Suspension problems684%51,500“air suspension” (49%)$3,300
Engine and Engine Cooling problems624%102,000“fuel diesel” (27%)—
Air Bags483%33,980——
Structure362%37,437——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic312%100,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance211%———
Exterior Lighting181%6,265——
Wheels141%25,000——
Seat Belts131%40,750——
Latches/locks/linkages111%54,096——
Tires81%20,550——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)70%65,877——
Fuel System, Gasoline70%63,500——
Service Brakes, Air50%80,000——
Visibility/wiper50%30,793——
Fuel System, Other30%18,495——
Back Over Prevention20%79,781——
Equipment20%———
Seats20%10,000——
Parking Brake10%37,000——
Traction Control System10%224,000——
Visibility10%107,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 231 complaints
2016: 512016512017: 822017822018: 882018882019: 23120192312020: 13620201362021: 992021992022: 10120221012023: 18320231832024: 20820242082025: 22820252282026: 1422026142

n = 1,549 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2016 RAM 1500 recalls (16)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorJan 16, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 6,066 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Engine and engine coolingJun 8, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · 80,629 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pumpJun 9, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · 138,645 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Risk: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.

Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorAug 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 212,373 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:dieselAug 13, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · 58,016 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Oct 24, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V757000 · 107,980 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.

Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latchMay 9, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

Structure:body:tailgate; latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latchJul 27, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 1,149,223 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Risk: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

Electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiringMay 17, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftDec 20, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Air bags:side/window:curtainMay 9, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 1,021,279 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

Risk: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

Power train:driveline:differential unitMar 23, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V198000 · 30 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.

Risk: A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.

Power train:axle assembly:axle shaftMay 16, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V301000 · 64 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.

Risk: A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.

Steering:electric power assist systemMar 23, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V167000 · 440 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.

Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.

Tires:temporary/emergency spare tireOct 16, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V663000 · 253 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with a 5.7L engine and dual exhaust manufactured August 3, 2015, to August 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire.

Risk: Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a spare tire heat shield if the vehicle is missing one. Vehicles that have already been sold with an excess of 50 miles will also have their spare tires replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R58.

Power train:axle assembly:axle shaftOct 15, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V661000 · 61,859 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.

Risk: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure (RQ25003) — opened Jul 3, 2025, still open.
  • Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering (RQ23003) — opened Aug 4, 2023, still open.
  • High pressure fuel pump failure (EA23001) — opened Mar 17, 2023, still open, led to recall 24V957.
  • Vehicle Rollaway (PE16014) — opened Dec 16, 2016, closed Jan 25, 2024.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Electric power steering failure

Steering · received Oct 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11771188

ABS Control Module stopped working ,leaving traction control and anti lock brakes inoperable. Parts are not available from dealers or after market manufacturers. This has been an on going problem with multiple year vehicles.

Service Brakes · received Oct 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770388

Component or System Failed & Availability for Inspection: High-pressure fuel pump and common rail fuel injection system under NHTSA Recall 22V-406 (Recall Z46). The vehicle and all removed/affected components are grounded and available for inspection at Peterson CDJR in Boise, ID under Repair Order…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769617

ABS and Brake lights on dash since October of 2024. No module available from any MOPAR source for a year. Had accident in July 2025. Truck slid as ABS did not engage which was direct cause of the accident resulting in damage to both vehicles. I have followed up monthly as to the availably and they…

Service Brakes · received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769628

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the messages "Service Emissions Control" and "Exhaust Filter 100 Percent Full - Service Required - See Dealer" were displayed, and there was a strong fuel odor coming through the vents while idling or while driving. Additionally, while…

Fuel System, Diesel · received Sep 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767670

Other RAM 1500 years

← 2015 1500 · 2017 1500 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2026 15001019
2025 15003618
2024 1500766
2023 150020311
2022 150062416
2021 150068215
2020 150063914
2019 15001,49229
2018 150066415
2017 150088213
20161,54916
2015 15001,45917
2014 15001,77316
2013 15001,27911
2012 150000
2011 150000
2010 150000
2009 1500372

See all RAM 1500 problems by year, every RAM model, or the RAM VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?

Owners most often report steering, engine, service brakes problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 312 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2016 RAM 1500?

Yes, 16 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2016 RAM 1500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 1500 model years, the 2016 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.