2016 Ram 1500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,538 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 17 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

753 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 51,192 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering276
603
Engine238
0193
Service Brakes214
710
Fuel/Propulsion System127
021
Power Train122
28012
Electrical System111
652
Unknown or Other78
835
Fuel System, Diesel68
000
Suspension54
111
Air Bags46
29042

17 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator25V010000
Filed Jan 16, 20256,066 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling23V411000
Filed Jun 8, 202380,629 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump22V406000
Filed Jun 9, 2022138,645 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator21V632000
Filed Aug 12, 2021212,373 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel20V475000
Filed Aug 13, 202058,016 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)19V757000
Filed Oct 24, 2019107,980 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch19V347000
Filed May 9, 20191,103,209 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch18V486000
Filed Jul 27, 20181,149,223 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Electrical System › Software18V332000
Filed May 17, 20184,815,661 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift17V821000
Filed Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Showing 10 of 17 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 11, 2026PA

ABS braking system malfunction

Suspension
Filed Sep 11, 2026PA

Air Suspension malfunction - the truck lost suspension and was dangerous to drive

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Sep 11, 202613,800 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while pulling out of the garage and onto the driveway, the steering wheel seized, and the message "Power Steering Needs to Be Serviced" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle the following day, the steering wheel operated as intended, and the contact slowly drove to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); however, the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer, RAM, was notified of the failure via website and by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that no assistance would be provided and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 13,800.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2026FL

The ABS warning light,electronic stability/traction control warning light, and red Brake warning light are illuminated simultaneously on the instrument cluster. The combination of these warning lights concerns me because it appears to indicate a failure or malfunction involving the ABS/brake-control system. I am concerned that ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control functions may not operate properly during an emergency breaking or loss-of-traction event. I understand that owners of 2016 1500 vehicles have reported similar combinations of ABS, traction control ,and brake warning lights and have reported ABS-module failures. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this condition as a potential safety defect affecting 2016 Ram 1500 vehicles. I would like this complaint associated with my VIN and mileagefor purposes of identifying any trend involving ABS-module or brake-system failures. I have photographs showing the warning lights illuminated on my vehicle.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 5, 2026VA

ABS Contol module failure, highly known and documented issue with the ram 1500's. Mine is a 2016 with the 5.7L. Showing ABS code C2200-49. Parts are no where to be found and it is now impossible to have the module rebuilt due to Chrysler no longer producing the hardware. I have a very expensive paper weight sitting in my driveway!

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Sep 5, 2026TX

It appears to be a fuel leak. The incident happened less than 200 miles after having a dealer perform the NHTSA recall 22V-406, FCA recall Z46. The truck caught fire while pulling a travel trailer. The only way we were aware of it was a passing motorist saw flames shooting out from under the right side. As soon as we pulled over the truck immediately filled with smoke and the fire spread as the fuel puddled below the truck. Chrysler sent an inspector to look at the truck, not enough of the engine, passenger cabin, or front of the truck was left to make a conclusive cause. There was no indication we had an issue and if not for the fortunate timing of the passing motorist this could have turned out much worse. I was relating this story in a restaurant to my nephew when a passing waiter asked if it was a ECO diesel and I said yes, he related his story which was identical including the recall. I attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher we kept in the truck but it was too big by the time we pulled over. We were traveling at less than 50MPH stop and go traffic which had just started moving.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 4, 2026TN

Anti-Lock Brake Module Internal Failure - Code C2200-49 The truck ABS does not work, tractions control is disabled, and Cruise Control does not work. There were no lights or warning until the day I went to start the vehicle and then the abs, traction control, and brake light came on and stayed on once the truck was started. With researching this issue, it seems to be a widely known issue for several year trucks and parts to repair the ABS module are no made any longer. Calling the dealer the replacement part, which from what I read has been redesigned and is on an unknown backorder timeline. The cost for the part and labor is very high. From what I have read there was a TSB/Recall on some 2017 and newer ram trucks. I have not been able to determine if this is the same ABS module that is being used for the replacements in the older rams trucks. The truck without ABS and traction control is dangerous. I was on the highway and traffic came to an abrupt stop and when I applied the brakes my rear tires started to lock up. Luckily I am a defensive natured driver and was able to keep control of the vehicle and adjust my braking pressure and move towards the burm of the highway. In rainy conditions and others, it is going to be scary as well as trying to drive with wet/icy roads with no traction control it is not optimal.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 31, 2026WA

When I go to put my vehicle in reverse sometimes the camera does not appear if it does it has multicolored lines coming through it or it's really fuzzy staticky looking and I have a 2016 ram hemi sport and it keeps happening every so often especially when it rains or snow

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 2026FL

I brought my 2016 RAM into MAACO to repaint the chipped roof and repair a minor dent in the front right fender. When I brought it in, the "Change Oil" light came on, no other warning indicators on the dash. When I picked up my truck, the ABS, ESC, and Brake warning indicators were lit. I plugged in my innova 5610 and it showed DTC C2200-49. Safety is at risk here in Jacksonville, Florida during frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain on the highway. The ABS can be a critical life safer. I contacted the dealer for parts and they told me the ABS controller is backorder about 48 months. My internet search revealed that there are a lot of ABS issues and no one is making new modules.

Steering
Filed Aug 29, 2026IN

Power steering failing intermittently while driving, usually at low speeds.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 28, 2026LA

ABS module failed causing ABS, traction control, and cruise control to stop functioning along with intermittent loss of power steering. Contacted multiple dealers which all stated the part is no longer available and no replacement part. This was a nuisance for two years until I towed a trailer and was merging onto an interstate when I lost traction due to wet roads and no traction control. Vehicle and trailer fishtailed and I was barely able to gain control without contacting any other vehicles on the very busy interstate. I was able to find a rebuilt abs module on eBay for $1100 that I installed and corrected the issue. This year model needs to be added to the existing recall that has been posted for many other years for this exact issue

Steering
Filed Aug 25, 2026154,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds under 25 MPH and turning, the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel was held firmly until the steering wheel released. The contact stated that on another occasion while the vehicle was parked, the power-steering warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle, but the steering wheel was stiff, and the contact was unable to drive any further. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and pinion, steering gear, and linkage, AUX coolant pump, and driver's seat airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V812000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 23, 2026TX

ABS control module has failed and the vehicle cannot shift into gear and will not move. Dealership verified failure and the part is on 2 to 3 year back order. Part also apparently cannot be repaired by a 3rd party due to the chips no longer being manufactured. Only way to repair and make the vehicle "operable" is to purchase a "used" module from another donor vehicle which is also suspect and potentially unsafe. A recall needs to be instituted to protect the safety of the public and vehicle owners. RAM and its owner Stellantis need to be held accountable.

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2026PA

Loss of power assistance in steering

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 20, 2026MO

ABS warning light, traction control light and brake light are illuminated. Code reader indicates C2200-49, U0415 and U0147. ABS module needs to be replaced, however Mopar does not have and will not have the part available. Explored having the module rebuilt, however I found out that cannot happen as the chip that is needed is no longer available, thus the same reason why new replacements are not available. Called Mopar customer service and was given the run around to take it to the dealer. First of all it’s out of warranty, second the dealer can’t fix it anyway as the part is not available. This is a serious safety issue as the ABS is inoperable, the truck should not be driven and Mopar refuses to assist in a remedy.

Steering
Filed Aug 19, 2026MA

I suddenly lost the power steering when I spoke to my mechanic he said the problem was intermittent and he has to replace a computer part that’s associated with it and had to replace the entire unit I saw there was an open recall regarding this matter

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 17, 2026167,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the towing suddenly failed. The contact was able to drive off the exit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the week before, while idling at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact cleared the code before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a tone wheel failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact learned that the vehicle was included in a recall in 2019, and the fix included updating the powertrain control module software. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the repair was no longer covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2026PA

“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, that’s for sure.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 14, 2026FL

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 13, 2026NC

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 vehicle needs to be included in the already existing recall as it’s having the same issues that are already included in a recall.

20 of 1,538 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202691710Routine
2025344830Above average
202472620Routine
20232001110Above average
20226071662Fatalities reported
20216781540Do not drive
20206251461Fatalities reported
20191,47330111Fatalities reported
20186601580Above average
201787113161Fatalities reported
2016 — this page1,53817365Fatalities reported
20151,44418584Fatalities reported
20141,76417240High concern
20131,27512100High concern
200937200Routine

Compare every 1500 year →

Reading this record

5 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 16, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.