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2016 Ram 1500: True Cost, Problems & Verdict

1,521 NHTSA owner complaints · 12 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.

Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
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Owner complaints: 1,521 filed with NHTSA

Complaints per year on the road: 152.1

Steering303Engine291Service Brakes270Power Train200Electrical System190Fuel/Propulsion System188

What owners say

Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.

“Service ABS System”, “Service Electronic Braking System” and Traction Control warnings keep randomly occurring. Replacement ABS module is unavailable for this extremely widespread issue. Has anyone discussed a class action lawsuit for this issue? I’ve never had more problems with a vehicle than I’ve had with this truck. Ram should be embarrassed. I’ll be trading it in soon and I’ll never buy another one, tha…
Failure of ABS control module. Illuminated Brake, ABS, Traction control system lights are on the dash. The cruise control is inoperative as well. Code reader shows C2200-49 and C2200-47.
The brake module that has been recalled on other Ram trucks has failed in the listed 2016 Ram 1500. We have tried multiple times to get it replaced at the dealership however, because this vehicle doesn’t fall under the recall we have been on a waiting list for nearly 3 years. Due to this safety issue we are unable to tow our camper safely. Additionally, we are also unable to sell the vehicle at its actual value. This…

Recalls: 12 campaigns (3 severe)

2015201620172018201920202021
CampaignComponentSummary
17V302000Air BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving condit…
19V347000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:LatchChrysler (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 t…
21V632000Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:InflatorChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Cha…
20V475000Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:DieselChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. …
15V661000Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle ShaftChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affe…
16V301000Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle ShaftChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may …
15V663000Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare TireChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with a 5.7L engine and dual exhaust manufactured August 3, 2015, …
18V332000Electrical System:WiringChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000l…

True cost of ownership

Fuel (your region) $0
Maintenance band (your region) $3,035$6,324
Estimated running cost this year (age 10) $6,324

Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.

02468101214$7,249vehicle age (years)
fuel/energy + maintenance band (annual, USD, estimate)

Run your own numbers in the true-cost calculator →

FAQ

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Ram 1500?

The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Steering (303 complaints in our indexed sample).

Is the 2016 Ram 1500 a good used car to buy?

Our data verdict is AVOID with a reliability score of 15/100, computed from 1,521 NHTSA complaints and 12 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.

Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for the 2016 Ram 1500, 3 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 09/05/2017. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

What will a 2016 Ram 1500 really cost YOU per year?

Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.

Open the true-cost calculator

Data sources

Complaints & recalls: NHTSA · Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov · Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements. Last updated: 2026-08-20.

15RELIABILITY / 100
AVOID
  • 1521 NHTSA complaints on record (152.1/yr of exposure)
  • 12 recall campaigns, 3 touching safety-critical systems

How this score is computed →

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