2016 RAM 1500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 RAM 1500, 13% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 32,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “engine running” (8% of reports).
- 202power train complaints
- 32,000median miles at failure
- 34mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine running: mentioned in 17 of 202 complaints (8%)
- Chrysler dodge: mentioned in 12 of 202 complaints (6%)
- Eco diesel: mentioned in 11 of 202 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 147 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 202 complaints, 34 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 14 an injury.
RAM 1500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 1500 | 10 | 10% | 1,600 |
| 2025 1500 | 49 | 14% | 4,000 |
| 2024 1500 | 15 | 20% | 2,150 |
| 2023 1500 | 28 | 14% | 14,000 |
| 2022 1500 | 103 | 17% | 17,560 |
| 2021 1500 | 99 | 15% | 28,000 |
| 2020 1500 | 63 | 10% | 22,000 |
| 2019 1500 | 207 | 14% | 12,000 |
| 2018 1500 | 60 | 9% | 23,779 |
| 2017 1500 | 98 | 11% | 21,000 |
| 2016 1500 | 202 | 13% | 32,000 |
| 2015 1500 | 226 | 15% | 50,000 |
| 2014 1500 | 192 | 11% | 44,165 |
| 2013 1500 | 86 | 7% | 23,807 |
| 2009 1500 | 9 | 24% | 89,253 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
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.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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 shaft
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.
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
ABS control module has failed and the vehicle cannot shift into gear and will not move. Dealership verified failure and the part is on 2 to 3 year back order. Part also apparently cannot be repaired by a 3rd party due to the chips no longer being manufactured. Only way to repair and make the…
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the towing suddenly failed. The contact was able to drive off the exit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the week before, while idling at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly…
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the failure was persistent. Additionally, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift into…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 RAM 1500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 202 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 RAM 1500 (13% of the 1,549 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 RAM 1500 power train?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 32,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “engine running”, in 17 of 202 complaints, followed by “chrysler dodge” (12).
Other 2016 RAM 1500 problems
See all 2016 RAM 1500 problems or power train problems across all 1500 years.