2016 Ram 1500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2016 Ram 1500
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ram 1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 1250 complaints 2014: 1731 complaints 2015: 1425 complaints 2015 2016: 1500 complaints 2016 2017: 858 complaints 2018: 640 complaints 2018 2019: 1445 complaints 2020: 607 complaints 2021: 654 complaints 2021 2022: 582 complaints 2023: 182 complaints 2024: 68 complaints 2024 2025: 288 complaints 2026: 57 complaints 2026
2016: 1500 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200937
20100
20110
20120
20131250
20141731
20151425
20161500
2017858
2018640
20191445
2020607
2021654
2022582
2023182
202468
2025288
202657

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 20%

20% of complaints: steering — 300 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE 19%

19% of complaints: engine — 291 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 220 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle has a faulty ABS module, which has resulted in my truck losing traction on dry roads and wet roads, however the “wet” roads are a result of a minimal sprinkle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231204

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 198 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK AS IT SAT IN PARKING SPACE BESIDE THE GARAGE, WITH DRIVERS SIDE DOOR CLOSE TO EXTERIOR WALL. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AT THE TIME. I WAS EXITING VEHICAL WHEN IT BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171204

WHILE SERVICING A CUSTOMERS 2016 RAM 1500 PICK UP PULLED TRUCK UP TO DOOR,PLACED KNOB SHIFTER IN TO PARK, GOT OUT AND WALKED UP BESIDE TRUCK AS I GOT TO L/F WHEEL TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD TURNED AROUND TO GET BACK IN TRUCK SHOWED TO BE IN...

NHTSA ODI report, 20171201

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 187 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20151123 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 15V661000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20151202 — tires

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 15V663000 — check if this car was fixed

2016 — complaint volume: 1500
R 20160516 — steering

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015.

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160701 — equipment

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.

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160705 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

I 20161216 — PE (closed 20240125)

Vehicle Rollaway

R 20170424 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 17V198000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170626 — air bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles.

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180226 — power train

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...

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.

Campaign 17V821000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180604 — electrical system, vehicle speed control

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...

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.

Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180917 — latches/locks/linkages, structure

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.

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.

Campaign 18V486000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190523 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

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.

Campaign 19V347000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200416 — engine and engine cooling

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.

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.

Campaign 19V757000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210218 — engine and engine cooling

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.

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.

Campaign 20V475000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220526 — air bags

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.

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.

Campaign 21V632000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230317 — EA (open)

High pressure fuel pump failure

I 20230804 — RQ (open)

Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering

R 20231031 — engine and engine cooling

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines.

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.

Campaign 23V411000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240111 — fuel system, diesel

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.

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.

Campaign 22V406000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250213 — air bags

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.

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.

Campaign 25V010000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20250703 — RQ (open)

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Ram 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (300 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (291 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (220 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V661000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V663000 (tires) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V167000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16E041000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V301000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V198000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V302000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V486000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V347000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V475000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V632000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V411000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V406000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V010000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2026 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2019 ■ 2015

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Ram 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ram 1500 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 1500?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?

17 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.