2016 Ram 1500 Problems

1,521 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Steering · verdict AVOID 15/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Steering303
Engine291
Service Brakes270
Power Train200
Electrical System190
Fuel/Propulsion System188

In the owners’ words

““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”NHTSA complaint, 2016 Ram 1500 owner
“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.”NHTSA complaint, 2016 Ram 1500 owner
“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”NHTSA complaint, 2016 Ram 1500 owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
13/08/2020Engine 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. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to
09/05/2019Latches/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 tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3
27/07/2018Structure:Body:TailgateChrysler (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
17/05/2018Electrical System:Wiring SAFETYChrysler (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
12/08/2021Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator SAFETYChrysler (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
24/10/2019Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)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 coo
20/12/2017Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column ShiftChrysler (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
23/03/2017Power Train:Driveline:Differential UnitChrysler (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.
09/05/2017Air Bags SAFETYChrysler (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
16/05/2016Power 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 have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.

Questions owners ask

Is the 2016 Ram 1500 reliable?

On the federal record it scores 15/100: 1,521 owner complaints (152.1 per year on the road) and 12 recall campaigns, 3 touching safety-critical systems.

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

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Steering, with 303 of 1442 categorised reports.

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The 2016 Ram 1500 scored 15/100 on the federal record.

Full 2016 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll 1500 yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking