2016 Ram 1500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2016 Ram 1500
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

Complaints
1,545
Recalls
17

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

20% of complaints

Complaints per year

2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 1,275 complaints 2014: 1,766 complaints 2015: 1,445 complaints 2016: 1,545 complaints 2016 1,545 2017: 877 complaints 2018: 658 complaints 2019: 1,484 complaints 2020: 633 complaints 2021: 679 complaints 2021 2022: 614 complaints 2023: 200 complaints 2024: 75 complaints 2024 2025: 353 complaints 2026: 97 complaints
2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 1,275 complaints 2013 2014: 1,766 complaints 2015: 1,445 complaints 2016: 1,545 complaints 2016 1,545 2017: 877 complaints 2018: 658 complaints 2019: 1,484 complaints 2019 2020: 633 complaints 2021: 679 complaints 2021 2022: 614 complaints 2023: 200 complaints 2023 2024: 75 complaints 2025: 353 complaints 2025 2026: 97 complaints
2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 1,275 complaints 2013 2014: 1,766 complaints 2014 2015: 1,445 complaints 2015 2016: 1,545 complaints 2016 1,545 2017: 877 complaints 2017 2018: 658 complaints 2018 2019: 1,484 complaints 2019 2020: 633 complaints 2020 2021: 679 complaints 2021 2022: 614 complaints 2022 2023: 200 complaints 2023 2024: 75 complaints 2024 2025: 353 complaints 2025 2026: 97 complaints 2026

2016: 1,545 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200937
20100
20110
20120
20131,275
20141,766
20151,445
20161,545
2017877
2018658
20191,484
2020633
2021679
2022614
2023200
202475
2025353
202697

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

20% · 309 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine

19% · 291 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

18% · 282 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ABS and Brake lights on dash since October of 2024. No module available from any MOPAR source for a year. Had accident in July 2025. Truck slid as ABS did not engage which was direct cause of the accident resulting in damage to both vehicles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-07

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, 2023-12-04

Also filed under Electrical system and wheels

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Failed ABS Module....yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

Power train

13% · 202 reports

Most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2017-12-04

Also filed under Electrical system

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, 2017-12-01

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the failure was persistent.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Electrical system

12% · 192 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and software.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Safety timeline

17 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2015-11-23Power train15V661000 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.

  2. R
    2015-12-02Tires15V663000 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.

  3. ▮
    2016Complaint volume 1,545 complaints filed for this model year.
  4. R
    2016-05-16Steering16V167000 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.

  5. R
    2016-07-01Equipment16E041000 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.

  6. R
    2016-07-05Power train16V301000 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.

  7. I
    2016-12-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-01-25 Vehicle Rollaway
  8. R
    2017-04-24Power train17V198000 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.

  9. R
    2017-06-26Air bags17V302000 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.

  10. R
    2018-02-26Power train17V821000 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.

  11. R
    2018-06-04Electrical system, vehicle speed control18V332000 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.

  12. R
    2018-09-17Latches/locks/linkages, structure18V486000 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.

  13. R
    2019-05-23Latches/locks/linkages19V347000 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.

  14. R
    2020-04-16Engine and engine cooling19V757000 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.

  15. R
    2021-02-18Engine and engine cooling20V475000 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.

  16. R
    2022-05-26Air bags21V632000 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.

  17. I
    2023-03-17Engineering analysisOpen High pressure fuel pump failure
  18. I
    2023-08-04Recall queryOpen Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
  19. R
    2023-10-31Engine and engine cooling23V411000 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.

  20. R
    2024-01-11Fuel system, diesel22V406000 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.

  21. R
    2025-02-13Air bags25V010000 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.

  22. I
    2025-07-03Recall queryOpen Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Ram 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 309 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 291 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 282 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V661000 · Power train
  • Recall 15V663000 · Tires
  • Recall 16V167000 · Steering
  • Recall 16E041000 · Equipment
  • Recall 16V301000 · Power train
  • Recall 17V198000 · Power train
  • Recall 17V302000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V821000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V332000 · Electrical system, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 18V486000 · Latches/locks/linkages, structure
  • Recall 19V347000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 19V757000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 20V475000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 21V632000 · Air bags
  • Recall 23V411000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 22V406000 · Fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 25V010000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.