Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering314
- Engine291
- Service brakes246
- Power train202
- Electrical system193
- Fuel/propulsion system191
- Unknown or other126
- Vehicle speed control111
- Fuel system, diesel81
- Suspension68
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 73 injuries and 5 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 240 2016 1500 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 83 people died inside them, and 42 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 6 variants; 0 of 6 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 19.8 % |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 21.9 % |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 19.8 % |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 21.9 % |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 19.8 % |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 21.9 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 9 variants: combined 11.3–17.8 L/100 km (about 13–21 mpg US), CO₂ 264–362 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 HFE · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.9 | 9.3 | 11.3 |
| 1500 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.9 | 9.5 | 11.9 |
| 1500 4X4 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.6 | 10.1 | 12.6 |
| 1500 (MDS) · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.8 | 10.9 | 13.6 |
| 1500 4X4 (MDS) · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.2 | 11.5 | 14.1 |
| 1500 (MDS) · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.1 | 12.0 | 14.8 |
| 1500 4X4 (MDS) · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.7 | 12.7 | 15.4 |
| 1500 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 19.4 | 13.6 | 16.8 |
| 1500 4X4 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.5 | 14.5 | 17.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
18 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Ram 1500.
| 2025013 16 Jan 2025 | Airbag Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators may be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could ru… |
| 2023338 8 Jun 2023 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L diesel engine, a problem with the engine tone wheel could cause a loss of signal to crankshaft position senso… |
| 2022303 9 Jun 2022 | Fuel System Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L diesel engine, the high-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, you may notice a change in engine per… |
| 2021511 12 Aug 2021 | Airbag Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators could be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could… |
| 2020371 13 Aug 2020 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L diesel engine, a problem with the engine tone wheel could cause a loss of signal to crankshaft position senso… |
| 2019535 25 Oct 2019 | Engine Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a 3.0-L EcoDiesel engine, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler could crack internally and leak. If this happens, … |
| 2019441 30 Aug 2019 | Structure Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate, the tailgate may open while driving. If this occurs, cargo that is not secured could fall out… |
| 2019420 21 Aug 2019 | Other Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempere… |
| 2019221 10 May 2019 | Structure Issue: Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2019441. Please see recall 2019441 for more information. On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tai… |
| 2018398 31 Jul 2018 | Structure Certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate may experience unintended opening of the tailgate. If this occurs while driving, unrestrained cargo could … |
| 2018269 17 May 2018 | Engine On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated. If this occurs and the driver does not apply the… |
| 2017659 21 Dec 2017 | Powertrain On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative. This could allow the ste… |
| 2017250 10 May 2017 | Airbag On certain vehicles equipped with Occupant Restraint Controllers (“ORC”) with roll rate sensing, under certain external conditions, a fault may be set relating … |
| 2017167 23 Mar 2017 | Powertrain Certain vehicles may have a loose differential pin retaining screw. This could damage or lock up the rear axle differential, resulting in a loss of motive power… |
| 2016214 12 May 2016 | Accessories *** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** Certain Mopar canv… |
| 2016215 12 May 2016 | Powertrain On certain vehicles, some front halfshafts may contain a manufacturing defect related to the material hardening. This could result in a halfshaft breaking, pot… |
| 2016129 23 Mar 2016 | Steering On certain vehicles, the electric power steering (EPS) control circuit board may have been contaminated during manufacturing. This could result in an intermitte… |
| 2015476 16 Oct 2015 | Accessories On certain vehicles equipped with 5.7L engines and dual exhaust, the vehicle may have been built with a missing spare tire passenger side tire heat shield. This… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chrysler (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 rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
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.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ram told its dealers about the 2016 Ram 1500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011751 | "Dual EVAP System Extreme Duty Vapor Canister Filter Kit Customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single OE filter system and may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): P0441 - EVAP Purge System Performance. P062A - Fuel Pump Control Performance. Customers may also experience one or more of the foll |
| 11010205 | Plate - Planetary |
| 11005320 | "Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: Verify current warranty policy to determine if digital imaging pre-authorization is required or pre-approval is required from the Regional Office; depending on market. This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels." |
| 10251783 | Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On |
| 10248951 | Throttle Blade Icing Service Fix Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ? P2072 - Electronic Throttle Control System - Ice Blockage. ? P2110 - Electronic Throttle Control - Forced Limited RPM. ? P2118 - Electronic Throttle Control Motor Current Performance - Bank 1. The customer may also comment on the following: ? The vehicle may not start (below freezing conditions - typically -7 C (-20 F)) This bulletin involves remov |
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10247995 | Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: **Verify current warranty policy to determine if digital imaging pre authorization is required or Pre Approval is required from Regional Office depending on market.** This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels. |
| 10247967 | Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination (MIL). Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P203E ? Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent-Erratic Set. |
| 10247906 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
| 10247905 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
| 10244356 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10243209 | FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC |
| 10243208 | Warranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev. B) |
| 10243192 | Suspected engine coolant leak. |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10239957 | Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant |
| 10236933 | wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK |
| 10236873 | Ambient Air Temperature Missing, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Lamp On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open, P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High |
| 10236871 | Ambient Temperature Sensor Servicing. |
| 10235028 | Headlamp Bulb |
| 10234468 | Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: **Verify current warranty policy to determine if digital imaging pre authorization is required or Pre Approval is required from Regional Office depending on market.** This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels. |
| 10234440 | Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination (MIL). Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P203E ? Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent-Erratic Set. |
| 10234420 | Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On |
| 10234379 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
High pressure fuel pump failure
Vehicle Rollaway
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation