2016 Ram 1500 problems owners report most
2016 Ram 1500 problems are documented in public: owners have filed 1,547 complaints with NHTSA, the earliest in 2016 and the most recent in 2026. Sorting those by the component the filer named puts the steering clearly first, at 311 of the 1,547 complaints, about a fifth of everything filed.
A complaint is not a repair bill and not a defect finding. It is one owner telling the regulator something went wrong. What makes the count useful is the concentration: when one component takes 20 per cent of everything filed on a car, the pattern is doing more than chance.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 311 | 20% |
| ENGINE | 291 | 19% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 280 | 18% |
| POWER TRAIN | 202 | 13% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 192 | 12% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 191 | 12% |
Of those complaints, 92 describe a crash and 36 describe a fire. Filers reported 73 injuries. 5 complaints report a death.
Recalls on the 2016 Ram 1500
A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator found a safety defect, and the repair is free at a franchised dealer however old the car is. There are 17 recalls on this model year. Your own car may be covered by some, all or none of them, so check the VIN rather than the model.
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.
The risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
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.
The risk. A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
The fix. 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.
In owners own words
These are complaints filed about the steering, quoted as written. They are one persons account rather than a diagnosis, and they are here because a symptom described by a driver is easier to recognise than a component name.
My steering wheel only turns violently to the right (I have a video that will not upload). My husband almost broke his thumb when it happened. Thankfully no one was injured. However, we were about to leave on a 1200-mile trip when this happened. This problem will not go away. Ram has refused to even look at the truck even though there is a recall on this in 1500 Ram trucks including diesels like mine, but not my vin#. There was absolutely no warning before this happened. We are grateful we were not on the highway when this happened, or I would not be able to write this to you today.
THIS 2016 3.0L ECO DIESEL IS A DEATH TRAP AFTER FCA REPROGRAMED THE SOFTWARE 2 MONTHS AGO. 2-4 SECOND HESITATION WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE GAS. THE TRUCK JUST SITS THERE AND DOES NOT MOVE. IN TWO MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 CLOSE CALLS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. EXTREMELY SCARY WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENS AND A CAR IS COMING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT YOU AT 55 MPH AND YOU'RE SECONDS FROM GETTING T-BONED. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE PEOPLE START DYING IN THIS DEATH TRAP. THE DIESEL HAD MANY PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY REPROGRAMED IT. SINCE NEW THE TRUCK HAS GONE INTO LIMP MODE 4 TIMES WHERE THE ENGINE LIG
Shortly after starting my 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 truck on January 27 2023 I was beginning to leaving my driveway and accelerate down the road when I noticed a check steering warning light displayed on my dash. Then I noticed my steering was quickly beginning to fail just a few meters from my driveway. I noticed I had very limited steering so I decided to return the vehicle back to my driveway. There was a high pitch winding and grinding sound every time I tried to correct the steering wheel to the left or right. I barely managed to return home into my driveway where I parked it for the tow truck.
While driving my 2016 Dodge RAM 1500 at between 25 and 30 MPH on the street behind [XXX] my steeling wheel locked up - or loss of power steering could not turn the vehicle to the left or right. Also a large emergency light and what looked to be like a steering wheel light flashed on my dash. I stopped turned off the truck where I was and turned on the emergency flashers. Uncertain of what happened I got out of the vehicle to see if something was leaking or if I might have lost a belt. Seeing no issues i got back into the truck and started it again. The steering returned so I drove straight hom
I am submitting this report to bring attention to an ongoing issue with the power steering system in my truck, which appears to be under investigation. Notably, a similar problem led to a recall for the same vehicle in the previous year, prompting me to contribute additional information. The problem manifests as intermittent loss of power steering, resulting in increased steering difficulty while driving, accompanied by a power steering warning indicator on the instrument panel. This issue first occurred approximately 8 months ago, at intervals of about once a month, given my limited vehicle
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY POWER STEERING SINCE FEBRUARY 2020. WHEN I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER TO REPORT THIS I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THE RECALL STATES THE VEHICLES ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD IS CAUSING A SHORT WHICH IS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST DUE TO THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. MY VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THE SAME YEAR OF THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TO GET IT DIAGNOSED SINCE MY POWER STEERING LIGHT IS ON AND THE POWER STEERING CONTINUES TO NOT WORK AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS THE
Every component, by complaint count
The full breakdown of what owners named when they filed. Components below the top ten are grouped out of this table.
| Component | Complaints | Share of all complaints |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 311 | 20% |
| ENGINE | 291 | 19% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 280 | 18% |
| POWER TRAIN | 202 | 13% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 192 | 12% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 191 | 12% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 126 | 8% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 111 | 7% |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 91 | 6% |
| DIESEL | 81 | 5% |
What parts cost for the 2016 Ram 1500
Prices read from one AutoZone store for this exact year, make and model, covering 8 kinds of part and 212 products. AutoZone year, make and model catalog prices. Engine, trim, transmission and VIN fitment are not confirmed. They are what the shelf said on the day, not a quote.
| Part | Listed | Range | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 9 | $179.99 to $398.99 | $259.99 |
| Brake rotors | 37 | $64.99 to $749.99 | $135.99 |
| Brake pads | 51 | $24.99 to $186.99 | $62.99 |
| Engine air filter | 11 | $20.99 to $103.99 | $27.49 |
| Wiper blades | 38 | $10.59 to $51.49 | $26.99 |
| Cabin air filter | 9 | $17.99 to $47.99 | $24.99 |
| Oil filter | 25 | $5.99 to $98.99 | $16.99 |
| Spark plugs | 32 | $4.39 to $22.99 | $11.99 |
The cheapest way to keep it serviced
Taking the lowest listed price in each routine maintenance category, the filters, plugs and wipers for this car come to $59.95 in parts. That is parts alone, before labour, tax and the oil itself, and it assumes the cheapest option fits your engine.
Battery. 9 products listed, from the Duralast Platinum Group Size 94R / H7 Enhanced Battery (EFB) Battery H7-EFB at $179.99 up to the Odyssey Performance Group Size 49 Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery ODP-AGM49H8L5 at $398.99. A refundable core deposit of $22.00 is charged on top and returned with the old part. AutoZone's own labels account for 6 of them, starting at $179.99.
Brake rotors. 37 products listed, from the PowerStop Disc Brake Rotor AR8750 at $64.99 up to the Baer Systems Disc Brake Rotor Set 2142009 at $749.99. AutoZone's own labels account for 6 of them, starting at $102.99.
Brake pads. 51 products listed, from the TotalPro Brake Pads TP967 at $24.99 up to the EBC Extra Duty Truck & SUV Organic Performance Brake Pads ED91738 at $186.99. AutoZone's own labels account for 8 of them, starting at $46.99.
Fitment is by year, make and model only. Engine, trim and transmission were not selected, so confirm the part number against your own car before buying. Prices change and vary by store.
How other model years compare
The same nameplate across the years we hold. Complaint counts fall naturally for newer cars because fewer of them have been on the road for long, so read the column as a rough signal rather than a ranking. In this set the 2016 Ram 1500 has drawn the most complaints and the 2020 Ram 1500 the fewest.
What to check on the steering
Steering reports describe the wheel going heavy or sticky at speed, pulling to one side, or a loose feeling where the car wanders and needs constant correction. Several describe the effort changing mid-drive rather than being wrong from the start.
Buying a used 2016 1500
Take it on a road where you reach a steady highway speed and hold it there. Most of these complaints describe a fault that only shows after some minutes at speed, which a drive around town will not find.
If you already own one
Raise it with a dealer before paying for a repair yourself. Steering faults draw manufacturer service bulletins and extended warranties more often than most components, and some of these cars were covered after the standard warranty ended.
- Drive at a steady highway speed for several minutes, not around town.
- Ask whether a service bulletin or extended coverage applies to the VIN.
- Check for play at the wheel with the engine running and stopped.
- Have the alignment checked before replacing any steering part.
Where the 2016 Ram 1500 problem data comes from
Every figure on this page is counted from complaints and recalls published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, read October 12, 2026. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by the agency before publication. We count each complaint once per component it names, so a complaint naming two components appears in both rows.
- NHTSA recalls and complaintsRead October 12, 2026
- NHTSA record for the 2016 Ram 1500Read October 12, 2026
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