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
1,544 reports, newest first.
Structure, Dec 9, 2025
The tailgate on my 2016 Dodge Ram will not stay locked and falls open during cold weather. I've contacted the dealer but they said this particular vin is not included in a recall. I've accessed the inside panel on the tailgate several times to clean and lubricate, but it only works for a short time. It's been a continuous problem for the last 5 to 6 years...only when it is cold.
Steering, Dec 8, 2025
Steering wheel locks up when cold
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2025
Went to start my truck and it wouldnt start. Connected a jumper box to it to start it and started right up. Check engine light came on and showed "Code P1DF3". My safety was at risk due to not being able to get back home due to this issue. This fault has been reported by others with the ram 1500.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered and then lost motive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic stated that an error code was present, but had not provided the code to the contact. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired at that time. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V632000 (AIR BAGS), but the failure occurred. The inflator end cap failed in September 2024 and failed again in February 2025. Most recently, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the code was cleared; however, the failure persisted. The dealer retrieved a fault code for "Failure to Communicate with ABS Module". The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Nov 26, 2025
Vehicle displayed ABS warning light and message to service electronic braking system. Took to Ram dealer August 2025 and vehicle was diagnosed with faulty ABS module. Service advised that the part was unavailable due to a national shortage for a known ABS module failure problem. Was told to continue driving vehicle because it was safe to operate. Subsequent, related problems presented over following three months: loss of traction control, speedometer failure, odometer failure, brakes failing to release when shifted into drive, and most concerning, loss of power steering while driving on a wet curve that caused loss of vehicle control not resulting in a crash. Three vehicle occupants were left very scared at the unexpected loss of vehicle control. Called dealership November 2025 after loss of control episode and was told the ABS module part was still unavailable. I fear the vehicle will kill us if driven and we encounter an emergency situation. The ABS module failure in this 2016 Ram 1500 model is well documented in public records and was confirmed to me by an authorized dealer.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the contact's son was informed that the vehicle failed to pass due to the ABS. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and due to the part being on backorder. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Nov 23, 2025
Service power steering light comes on and steering wheel doesn’t move when car is cold. Turn car off and restart and is fine with no lights.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 22, 2025, crash
2016 Ram 1500. Abs system malfunction. Brakes lock up randomly. Abs, brake light, traction control light come on randomly causing brake issues. Very dangerous. Called multiple dealerships. No control module available. No date for part to be available. This is huge safety issue and Ram/fiat are not seeming to care. No sense of urgency from any of the dealerships or manufacturer. Lawsuit could be happening sense this is huge safety problem. Code c2200-49
Air bags, Nov 21, 2025
The service airbag system keeps alerting me. Some vehicles have been recalled but my vehicle has not been recalled and I would like that to be taken care of.
Steering, Nov 20, 2025
I was attempting to make a left hand turn when my power steering failed. Continued to be out for several more minutes of driving and then it restored itself. Has not been a problem while driving the vehicle today.
Suspension, Nov 20, 2025, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the ABS warning light was illuminated, and the contact decelerated to 40 MPH and drove a mile. The contact stated that the passenger's side front end made an abnormal sound and collapsed, and the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact then noticed that the front passenger's side tire had detached, the brake lines were leaking, and the front axle was fractured. And there was fire underneath the passenger's side front end of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. It was unknown whether a fire department report was filed. The police officers arrived at the scene, but it was unknown whether a report was filed. The vehicle was pulled to James Towing mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side wheel bearing had failed and caused the wheel to detach. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Service brakes, Nov 19, 2025
I first started having issues with the “brake” light illuminating in dash, service electronic braking system, service abs, service trailer braking system (no trailer hooked up) around 8/20/25. I had it check out by a mechanic on 8/28/2025 and he confirmed that the ABS module was bad. DTC C2200-49 stored in ABS module. Inspected wiring and connections and found no issues. I have contacted RAM about the incident. There is a recall on other RAM trucks the same year model but not this one. I have a failed component.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 17, 2025
I have a 2016 dodge 1500 hemi 5.7. The chrysler dealership diagnose that the abs module was bad. these abs modules are very rare to find. messages were abs light, check engine light, traction light and speedometer stop working. Thanks for your attention in this matter.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 16, 2025
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 truck apparently this is a known issue and the module to fix the antilock brake is impossible to get. I have been researching this and I have thus far not only my year make and model truck but other Dodge trucks with the same failure and not able to get the module. The Dodge Dearler in Hayesville NC ordered this part and I call frequently to inquire as to its arrival. this is a safely issue that need to be addressed
Service brakes, Nov 15, 2025
FAULTY ABS MODULE THAT EVEN THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T GET. IT HAS ENABLED THE ABS from working as should.
Service brakes, Nov 13, 2025
Warning lamps abs, traction, and brake light
Steering, Nov 7, 2025
Power steering seems to have a defect. There have been other Dodge Rams affected by a power steering recall. When we called our local Dodge service provider they stated that our VIN was not affected by this recall, but there is definitely something wrong with our power steering. It’s very difficult to turn the vehicle and doesn’t seem safe to drive.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 5, 2025
the ABS and traction control / lights flashing and now makes it feel unsafe
Service brakes, Nov 3, 2025
Internal abs malfunction, diagnostic code c220-49 vehichle is available for inspection upon request, abs module is a major safety risk as it highly increases the chance of an mva due to a brake system failure endangering many other drivers as these pickups are very common, problem has been confirmed by dealer, dealer told me that they are aware of many other vehicles with the same diagnostic code I have and that parts are on backorder with no eta whatsoever. Parking brake,abs,traction control lights are all on, cruise control has not worked as well ever since abs module went out, first appeared 09/01/2025
Suspension, Nov 2, 2025
I bought this vehicle used and have had nothing but issues with the factory OEM Air Ride Suspension. Driving down any road, it will dump the air in the rear completely, sometimes it will dump the air on just the drivers side front and rear. I get dash warnings saying the air suspension is overheating and needs to cool. The local Dodge Dealer where I bought it knows about the problem and only advised me to replace it with aftermarket suspension. I bought an extended warranty and I personally believe they didn’t want to warranty the suspension. It will cost me $4-5k to replace with an air delete kit and could be $5-10k for OEM parts depending on what all gets replaced. Now my warranty is expired and it’s all on me. This is a safety problem and is a serious issue as there’s thousands of these vehicles with this suspension system having issues. Dodge is completely aware of it and it needs to be on them, not the consumer.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 30, 2025
At 90,000 miles ABS, traction control and brake light came on, mechanic said it’s a defective ABS module, and that there are none available anywhere, it’s under engineering review. This is a known issue, and now a recall for 2017 and above, my Ram is a 2016, same part. This poses a safety risk as the brakes can lock up, causing an accident. It’s going on 2 years with still no modules available
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 30, 2025
On 10/21/2025, my ABS module failed. This failure caused my brakes to fully apply on their own while entering interstate traffic. The brakes will fully apply due to ABS pump intermittently kicking in. This part has no availability to repair. Chrysler/FCA/Mopar/Stellantis/RAM no help with this issue. I was able to safely pull over and have vehicle towed to my shop and diagnosed. This is a common issue and with no parts available to repair, I am going to be without my truck.
Service brakes, Oct 29, 2025
The ABS module has gone out in the truck. Ram has no replacements available for the part. The part number is 68295368AC
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 26, 2025
ABS module witch affects anti breaking system and i have no traction control can’t hard stop on wet or snowy conditions all it does is slide depending on speed is how far it slides and the rear end slides on take off on wet or snowy weather anti breaking system traction control and brake light is on in dash and license mechanic said it was ABS Module the mechanic stated all ram trucks around this year it goes out.