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, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 14, 2025
This vehicle has a faulty ABS module that Ram doesn't make the part for. The part 68292756AA been shown on backorder for over 1yr. After chatting with a Ram customer service agent I found out this part has been discontinued and was advised that I try an aftermarket part. Guess what ? The aftermarket part is not compatible with the program download. This is unacceptable. There seems there is forums after forums with people in the same predicament. This issue really needs to be investigated .
Steering, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact attempted to veer to the right or left, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall had expired. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The approximate failure mileage was 194,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2025
The power steering goes out and make it very hard to drive
Steering, Jul 19, 2025
I drove through standing water in a parking lot and a few minutes later the steering got funny.the next day it was no power steering, then the steering completely locked up could not turn steering wheel at all.
Steering, Jul 15, 2025
I believe my truck should be included in recall s19/nhtsa 16v 167: I turned on my truck , and the EPS warning light came on. The truck lost all power steering. The next day it worked. Then after idling in a parking lot, I tried to drive and the column had a shake. Then the power steering went completely out
Steering, Jul 11, 2025
Truck EPS failed while driving creating a dangerous situation but turck falls outside of NHTSA 16V-167 recall.
Steering, Jul 7, 2025
Power steering assist quit working while driving. It appears to be an electrical problem because it works when restarting engine before it goes out again. There are no apparent mechanical issues with it.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 1, 2025
We were driving down the interstate and my truck went into limp mode. This almost caused an accident. We were able to get off the road and into a parking lot but the whole truck locked up. The dash started saying "Service Throttle Positioning System" and the gear shift locked into park. The truck got stuck in first gear and I was able to get out of the way before we were rear ended. We had the truck towed to a truck shop and the codes had gone away. They drove it and while they were testing it it did the same thing to them. Based on research this part was on recall on the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Eco Diesel for causing this same issue with the crank shaft tone wheel (reluctor wheel) but to this date there has been none on my truck. We are now out $3400 for the repair with Stellantis knowing they have had issues with this part on the other models with the same engine.
Steering, Jun 16, 2025
I am having trouble with the electronic power steering. The power steering goes in and out, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel, making myself feel at risk while in traffic. The problem has not been confirmed yet by a dealer for my specific VIN.
Steering, Jun 12, 2025
Intermittent steering issues, loss of power steering, hard to steer vehicle.
Steering, Jun 3, 2025
The steering is difficult as though the power steering is gone at low speeds. My battery died and after disconnecting it and replacing the battery, the power steering was fine for a few days. It then went back to not working and hasn’t worked since. Steering the truck around turns through a city is difficult when power steering isn’t available. No warning lights or check engine lights have been illuminated.
Steering, May 24, 2025
About 2 months ago, the power steering assist stopped working and has been intermittent since. As I drove it to the dealership, I splashed into a puddle and the power steering returned. The dealership ran a check and found the code C2128 but said they could not replicate the problem. They found the PSA module cover was rusty. They wanted to charge $3,500 to replace the module as well as $2,300 to repair both front struts. I took my truck back (power steering inoperable) and researched parts, repair shops and recalls. There is a recall for PSA failure of the year of my vehicle though my truck is not included. I seem to have all the same issues as reported in the NHTSA recall. The power steering is presently still intermittent (wet weather seems to effect it) and feels generally unsafe as it fails and returns without warning. No other symptoms or indications before, during or after failure(s).
Steering, May 15, 2025
While driving My Dodge Ram 1500 on the freeway at 65 MPH the steering wheel locked up and I had no control over my vehicle. The vehicle put everyone on the freeway in danger, including myself. Each time this happened the engine light and the light for the traction control system came on. This has happened multiple times and each time I have reported it to the dealership, they say they can not help me unless it happens while they are driving it. Please address this before someone gets hurt because of my steering column locking up.
Steering, May 10, 2025
The electronic power steering rack went out making steering very difficult and upon doing research discovered there is a recall for this exact problem but by the recall doesn't include my VIN number
Steering, May 7, 2025
Saturday [XXX], around noon, I was driving my family and my electronic power steering went out. The steering wheel became to stiff during a turn into a voting station, and I almost ran over a curb hitting pedestrians. I turned off the vehicle and restarted it and a red power steering indicated lamp lit on the dashboard, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The mechanic I called recommended I check NHTSA Saftey Recalls, and found this for 2016 Ram Trucks: ":16V-167 / S19 Recall Summary The power steering system may stop functioning because of a short circuit in the electric power steering (EPS) control circuit board. This would increase risk of a crash." However, me VIN is not covered in the recall. I called RAM to let them know and opened a case, and they recommended I report this to NHTSA . I was not able to get the truck to a RAM dealer, but the mechanic I took it to said that the electronics have failed and the entire steering assembly needs to be replaced... Mopar part 68628858AA The vehical is under repair now, 5/7, after purchasing a new assembly from a dealership. Mechanic Brian @ Drivers Edge. Address: 2980 FM 423, Little Elm, TX 75068 Phone: (214) 423-0301 Products and Services: mydriversedge.com I do not have a labor invoice yet, but can submit after repairs are completed. Part Charge is attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 6, 2025
I was driving my Ram 1500 when all of a sudden my steering wheel locked in place and I could not control my steering wheel. This was a bit frightening as I did not know what had happened. I was able to bring my truck back home and called a mechanic, the mechanic told me it is a rack and pinion issue with my truck and after investigation we found there was a recall on a few of these Rams surprisingly when looking it up it shows “no unrepaired recalls” I find it hard to believe and really frustrating as this could’ve caused a really bad accident had even cost me my life.
Steering, Apr 28, 2025
- Power Steering Failed - Was driving highway speed - Suddenly steering wheel stiffened/locked - Dashboard warning light cam on and audible alert stating "Service Power Steering" Truck was able to be guided manually (very difficult - inexperienced driver or individual with less strength would not be able to turn steering wheel ) - not yet - This happened Sunday [XXX] - Truck is currently in the drive at my residence. - Warning lamp and audible alert - At time of incident - I did notice the steering was a little wonky 2 - 3 days prior. (Believed to be tie-rod/Ball joint etc.) Had called local garage to set up inspection (Due in May) to check front end. Below it request (how fast were we traveling) I mention this because, On Saturday evening [XXX] Between [XXX] and [XXX] We were traveling highway speeds 65 - 70 (Flow of traffic) in low visibility (Dark/Rainy) If this has occurred during that period there likely would be "Additional Details" to provide in the below. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 25, 2025
I have electronic steering in my 2016 dodge ram it is failing when driving the truck has under 100,000 miles on it. It just happened all at once while driving to work one morning.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2025
Power Steering issues that have been known for multiple Dodge Ram 1500 Trucks but apparently not my specific Truck? I have contacted multiple shops to get quotes to fix this problem. It has been known to be a problem for multiple Ram 1500 Trucks including my year but for whatever reason my truck is not listed as under this recall? There was absolutely nothing wrong with my vehicle and my vehicle has been very well maintained with all records in hand. Out of nowhere getting in my truck the steering does not work. No accidents or any damage, just random failure to the power steering. This caused my family and I to barely be able to steer my truck onto the main road from our house and back to the home safely. It was very random as this was the first and only time this occurred. Curious as to why my vehicle is not covered under the recall that is listed for all other Dodge Ram 1500 Trucks for the same issues? This is not a normal thing to have fail.
Steering, Apr 18, 2025
The power steering keeps going out and coming back
Steering, Apr 13, 2025
Power steering fails intermittently while driving. Been told it the EPSboard but I'm not part of the recall for some reason
Steering, Apr 12, 2025
Was driving and the power steering went out, cannot turn the steering wheel causing extreme danger to my family in the car and others driving as I could not turn to get off the road. Huge Hazard.
Steering, Apr 11, 2025
Steering rack went out around 70k miles
Steering, Apr 7, 2025
My power steering assist failed. This put my life and my kids lives at risk, as well as anyone else on the rroad.