2016 Ram 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1,534 owner complaints analyzed
16 distinct recall campaigns
51,596 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 752 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 307 of 1,534 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 345 | 22.5% |
| Steering behavior | 317 | 20.7% |
| Engine operation | 92 | 6.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 90 | 5.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 77 | 5.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 57 | 3.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 307 |
| Engine | 291 |
| Service Brakes | 240 |
| Power Train | 201 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 189 |
| Electrical System | 185 |
| Unknown Or Other | 126 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 105 |
Steering: 307; Engine: 291; Service Brakes: 240; Power Train: 201; Fuel/Propulsion System: 189; Electrical System: 185; Unknown Or Other: 126; Vehicle Speed Control: 105
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 174 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 176 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 163 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 102 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 95 |
| 150,000 and above | 42 |
Under 25,000: 174; 25,000 to 49,999: 176; 50,000 to 74,999: 163; 75,000 to 99,999: 102; 100,000 to 149,999: 95; 150,000 and above: 42
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (176). 782 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2018 | 88 |
| 2019 | 231 |
| 2020 | 136 |
| 2021 | 99 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 183 |
| 2024 | 208 |
| 2025 | 228 |
| 2026 | 127 |
2016: 51; 2017: 82; 2018: 88; 2019: 231; 2020: 136; 2021: 99; 2022: 101; 2023: 183; 2024: 208; 2025: 228; 2026: 127
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 345 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 317 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 92 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10838555 · 2016-02-26 (February 26, 2016)
PURCHASED VEHICLE FOLLOWING DAY I LOOK UNDER TRUCK AND NOTICE LOTS OF CORROSION THROUGHOUT DRIVE TRAIN. I TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT MONDAY 3 DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT TRUCK AND DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER WILL NOT FIX AND ITEMS. MY CONCERN IS CORROSION WILL LEAD TO COMPONENT FAILURE OVER TIME.
Owner-reported narrative. 17 miles reported. Look up ODI 10838555 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10840213 · 2016-03-07 (March 7, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 450.
Owner-reported narrative. 450 miles reported. Look up ODI 10840213 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10859918 · 2016-04-17 (April 17, 2016)
THURSDAY MORNING APRIL 14 I GOT INTO MY TRUCK TO GO TO WORK. PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND START THE ENGINE. TURNED THE TRANSMISSION ROTARY KNOB ON THE DASH TO R AND BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO GO TO P FOR PARK. AS I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE TRUCK AND TAKING MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE TRUCK STARTING MOVING FORWARD GOING BACK INTO THE GARAGE. IT PINNED ME BETWEEN THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT AND THE GARAGE DOOR OPENING. I WAS ABLE TO REACH FOR THE KNOB AGAIN TO PUT IT BACK INTO REVERSE. I…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10859918 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10860127 · 2016-04-18 (April 18, 2016)
THE BRAKE BOOSTER IS BLEEDING DOWN; WHEN YOU PART THE VEHICLE FOR 24 HOURS, THE FIRST TIME YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE IS NO POWER ASSIST. ONCE THE ENGINE STARTS, THE BOOST WILL RETURN. THE DEALER STATES THAT THEY HAVE 4 OTHER VEHICLES ON THEIR LOT THAT HAVE THIS SAME CONDITION, SO THEY STATE THAT IT IS "NORMAL OPERATION". THIS ISN'T CONSISTENT BEHAVIOR WITH OTHER VEHICLES AS THE BOOSTER SHOULDN'T BLEED DOWN. I'M CONCERNED OF A LOSS OF POWER ASSISTED BRAKING.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10860127 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10863429 · 2016-05-05 (May 5, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE, THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE COMPUTER CODE INDICATED A HIGH SPEED COMMUNICATION BUS FAILURE. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND AN UPDATE WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE SAME FAILURE TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10863429 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10864513 · 2016-05-12 (May 12, 2016)
2016 RAM REBEL HAS EXTREMELY DIM HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON BACK ROADS.. HEADLIGHTS ARE PROJECTION TYPE AND I BELIEVE THEY AREOF POOR DESIGN.. CONTACTED RAM CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH NO RESULTS, OF COURSE!
Owner-reported narrative. 650 miles reported. Look up ODI 10864513 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10865607 · 2016-05-18 (May 18, 2016)
A 2016 RAM 1500, WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER COLLISION. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED DURING THE ROLL OVER EVENT. ADDITIONALLY THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE DID NOT RECORD PRE-CRASH DATA...UPDATED 10/26/16 *BF....UPDATED 02/02/17 *BF *CN
Owner-reported narrative. 626 miles reported. Look up ODI 10865607 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10872058 · 2016-06-02 (June 2, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FOUR BOLTS THAT SECURED THE DRIVESHAFT TO THE DIFFERENTIAL WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67.
Owner-reported narrative. 67 miles reported. Look up ODI 10872058 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
16 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
15V661000 · Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
Reported: 2015-10-15 (October 15, 2015)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V663000 · Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Reported: 2015-10-16 (October 16, 2015)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V167000 · Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Reported: 2016-03-23 (March 23, 2016)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V301000 · Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
Reported: 2016-05-16 (May 16, 2016)
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.
Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V198000 · Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
Reported: 2017-03-23 (March 23, 2017)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V302000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain | Air Bags
Reported: 2017-05-09 (May 9, 2017)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V821000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
Reported: 2017-12-20 (December 20, 2017)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V332000 · Electrical System:Software | Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)
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.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V486000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch | Structure:Body:Tailgate
Reported: 2018-07-27 (July 27, 2018)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V347000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch
Reported: 2019-05-09 (May 9, 2019)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V757000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
Reported: 2019-10-24 (October 24, 2019)
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.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V475000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
Reported: 2020-08-13 (August 13, 2020)
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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V632000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator | Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain
Reported: 2021-08-12 (August 12, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V406000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2022-06-09 (June 9, 2022)
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.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V411000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2023-06-08 (June 8, 2023)
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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V010000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Reported: 2025-01-16 (January 16, 2025)
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗