2016 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,544 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 91 involved a crash and 36 involved a fire. 73 people were injured and 5 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJan 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.
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
Campaign 25V010000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJun 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.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V411000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, diesel, delivery, fuel pumpJun 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.
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorAug 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V632000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, dieselAug 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.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V475000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Oct 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.
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 19V757000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, tailgate, latchMay 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, tailgateJul 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V486000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 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.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitMar 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V198000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftMay 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.
A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V301000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 16, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Campaign 16E041000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V167000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V663000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V661000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
311 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Feb 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED ESPECIALLY WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS. WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS COLD STARTED, THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ATLANTA WEST CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1251 THORNTON RD, LITHIA SPRINGS, GA 30122, (770) 942-1102) FOR PAST UNKNOWN RECALL REPAIRS REGARDING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM REPROGRAMMING. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SHORTED OUT DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,500.
Steering, Jan 9, 2019
WHILE EXECUTING A LEFT HAND TURN POWER STEERING CUT OUT COMPLETELY. NO POWER ASSIST AT ALL FOR ABOUT A SEC OR SO. HALF WAYS THROUGH THE TURN THE POWER STEERING RESTORED ITSELF. IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WHILE EXECUTING A RIGHT HAND TURN. SAME TIME PERIOD FOR CUT OUT AND RESTORED ITSELF HALF WAYS THROUGH THE TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING BOTH EVENTS IN CITY TRAFFIC AND RESULTED IN MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Nov 2, 2018
POWER STEERING FAILURE, POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE MAKING A TURN, THIS POSSES A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.*DT*JB
Steering, Sep 5, 2018
WHILE TURNING FROM A STOP OR SLOW RATE OF SPEED LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER STEERING WARNING COMES ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHILE THIS PROBLEM IS PRESENT, THIS CAUSE A HARD STEERING ISSUE AND AT A VERY SUDDEN RATE WHEN MAKING A TURN AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH
Steering, Jul 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OVERREACTING FROM ANY BUMPS IN THE ROAD, MAKING DRIVING DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BETTENHAUSEN AUTOMOTIVE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 8355 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60477, (708) 532-2665) WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE LOWER SHAFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETRIEVED FROM THE DEALER, ALONG WITH A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY PERFORMED LOCK TIGHTENING ON THE STEERING SYSTEM AND THAT A NEW STEERING GEAR WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY OR FEBRUARY OF 2019. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Steering, Jun 14, 2018
ACCORDING TO DIAGNOSTICS DONE ON THE TRUCK, THE CONTROL MODULE FOR THE POWER STEERING HAS SHORTED OUT. THIS IS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF TRUCKS SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN SEARCHING BY MY VIN, MY TRUCK DOESN'T SEEM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
Steering, Wheels, May 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INADVERTENTLY JERKED TO THE LEFT AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. THE VEHICLE DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE APPROXIMATELY HALF A MILE TO HIS HOME. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO GARBER CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (3340 US-17 GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL 32043, 904-264-2442). THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT REPLIED THAT REPLACING THE TIRES WAS ABSURD BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,050.
Steering, May 22, 2017
SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS SEEMED TO BE SLIGHTLY OFF.
Steering, Apr 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V167000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,362.
Steering, Mar 7, 2017
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON MY STREET. TRUCK DID NOT QUIT RUNNING . ALMOST LOST CONTROL BUT WAS MOVING SLOW, THANKFULLY. COULD NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL MANUALLY. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO DEALER, STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 6,800 MILES. POWER STEERING WAS WORKING WHEN ARRIVED AT DEALERSHIP. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.
Steering, Jan 30, 2017
STEERING WHEEL POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THERE IS A INTERMITTENT POPPING NOISE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN . AT TIMES I CAN FEEL VIBRATION OF THE POP BEING TRANSFERRED UP THE STEERING COLUMN TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND INTO MY HANDS. THIS POPPING NOISE STARTED A MONTH AND A HALF AGO AND IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE, MORE FREQUENT, AND HAS MIGRATED WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AS WELL. THIS POPPING NOISE HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. ON CITY STREETS. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN TO THE SELLING DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY WON'T LOOK AT IT AGAIN UNTIL A CHRYSLER TECH REP IS AVAILABLE. THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL BE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY ALSO DON'T KNOW WHEN A CHRYSLER TECH REP WILL BE AVAILABLE.