PartMatchup

2016 Ram 1500

Counts come from unverified consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and cannot be compared between models — how to read them.

Common problems reported on the 2016 Ram 1500

Share of the 1,179 complaints on file that name each component group. A complaint can name more than one group, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Component group Complaints Share
Engine 260 22.1%
Steering 217 18.4%
Power Train 189 16.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System 159 13.5%
Electrical System 128 10.9%
Service Brakes 115 9.8%
Unknown or Other 110 9.3%
Fuel System 80 6.8%
Vehicle Speed Control 78 6.6%
Suspension 51 4.3%
Engine and Engine Cooling 50 4.2%
Air Bags 38 3.2%

1,179 complaints filed between February 26, 2016 and December 30, 2024.

At what mileage the Ram 1500 failed

Mileage at which owners reported the failure. The bar spans the middle half of the reports (25th to 75th percentile); the line inside it is the median. Shared scale within this page only.
Component group Median Reports
Engine 60,000 172
Steering 69,750 84
Power Train 31,000 143
Fuel/Propulsion System 51,000 81
Electrical System 29,000 75
Service Brakes 44,771 37
Fuel System 104,500 42
Vehicle Speed Control 43,216 48
Suspension 50,000 29
Engine and Engine Cooling 98,500 35

Across all components, half the reported failures happened before 48,756 miles, with the middle half falling between 24,000 and 79,000. Based on the 684 complaints (58%) that record a mileage.

A low figure does not mean the car stops working at that mileage. It means the reported failures clustered early, which most often points to a fault built into a production batch — usually the kind of thing a warranty repair or a recall campaign addresses.

How this mix compares with other model years

Share of this model year’s complaints naming each group, against the median share across all 276 model years on this site. The tick marks that typical share.
Component group Here Typical
Engine 22.1% 16.6%
Electrical System 10.9% 13.4%
Power Train 16.0% 10.2%
Unknown or Other 9.3% 10.2%
Service Brakes 9.8% 6.4%
Steering 18.4% 6.2%
Air Bags 3.2% 5.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System 13.5% 4.5%

This compares the subjects of the complaints, not how many there are. A share needs no denominator, so unlike a count it can honestly be held against a norm — but a group sitting above the typical share means people complained about that part more often relative to everything else on this car, not that the car is worse than another.

How serious the complaints were

Reported across all complaints on file: 68 injuries and 5 deaths. These shares sit within this model’s own complaints — they say nothing about how it compares to another model.

Recall campaigns

16 campaigns. A recall repair is free at a dealer regardless of how many owners the car has had. Check the car’s own VIN — a campaign listed here may already have been carried out on it.

25V010000 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator January 16, 2025

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 6,066 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

23V411000 Engine and Engine Cooling June 8, 2023

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 80,629 vehicles across model years 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

22V406000 Fuel System, Diesel: Delivery: Fuel Pump June 9, 2022

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 138,645 vehicles across model years 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

21V632000 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain · Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator August 12, 2021

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 212,373 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

20V475000 Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine: Diesel August 13, 2020

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 58,016 vehicles across model years 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

19V757000 Engine and Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR Valve) October 24, 2019

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 107,980 vehicles across model years 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

19V347000 Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch May 9, 2019

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 1,103,209 vehicles across model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

18V486000 Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch · Structure: Body: Tailgate July 27, 2018

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 1,149,223 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

18V332000 Electrical System: Software · Electrical System: Wiring · Vehicle Speed Control: Cruise Control May 17, 2018

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 4,815,661 vehicles across model years 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

17V821000 Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever and Linkage: Column Shift December 20, 2017

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.

Consequence: 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.

Campaign covered 1,482,874 vehicles across model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

17V302000 Air Bags · Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain May 9, 2017

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.

Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

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 covered 1,021,279 vehicles across model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

17V198000 Power Train: Driveline: Differential Unit March 23, 2017

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.

Consequence: A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.

Campaign covered 30 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

16V301000 Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft May 16, 2016

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.

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 covered 64 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

16V167000 Steering: Electric Power Assist System March 23, 2016

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.

Consequence: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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 covered 440 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

15V663000 Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire October 16, 2015

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.

Consequence: Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash.

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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R58.

Campaign covered 253 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

15V661000 Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft October 15, 2015

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.

Consequence: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.

Campaign covered 61,859 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

NCAP crash-test ratings

Variant Overall Frontal Side Rollover
2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD 4 4 5 4
2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD 4 4 5 3
2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD 4 4 5 4
2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD 4 4 5 3
2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD 4 4 5 4
2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD 4 4 5 3

Ratings are out of 5 stars.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

Written and checked by someone who does this work; it is not derived from the data. The complaint counts decide only the order: the assemblies this model’s owners complain about most come first.

Engine and cooling system

Related complaint groups: Engine (260), Engine and Engine Cooling (50)

Come to a cold car. A warmed-up engine hides a hard start, smoke and knocking. If the car is already warm, that is a yellow flag: ask for 30–40 minutes to let it cool. A refusal to let it cool is a red flag.

With the car parked

On the road and after

Red flags

Suspension, control arms, steering

Related complaint groups: Steering (217), Suspension (51)

With the car parked

On the road

Red flags

Cost if it needs work: Low to moderate. Depends on what turns out to be the source. Plus an alignment after the replacement.

Automatic transmission

Related complaint groups: Power Train (189)

Checking the fluid level during an inspection is usually not possible — many cars need a lift, some have no dipstick at all, and Honda’s procedure differs from the rest. So this assessment is built on behavior, not on fluid.

With the car parked

On the road

Questions for the seller

Red flags

Cost if it needs work: Expensive. The most expensive of the likely assemblies; a repair is often comparable to the value of the car.

Axles and CV joints

Related complaint groups: Power Train (189)

With the car parked

On the road

Cost if it needs work: Relatively low. A good indicator of how the car has been treated overall.

Electrical system

Related complaint groups: Electrical System (128), Exterior Lighting (18)

With the car parked

On the road

Red flags

Brakes

Related complaint groups: Service Brakes (115)

With the car parked

On the road

After the drive

Red flags

Cost if it needs work: Moderate. Confirm actual cost against local prices at the time of purchase.

Airbags and the VIN recall check

Related complaint groups: Air Bags (38), Seat Belts (10)

The most reliable procedure in this library — it does not depend on hearing, experience or inspection conditions.

Required procedure

Inspection

The Ram 1500 year by year

Model year Complaints Median mileage Recalls
2013 1,039 59,000 11
2014 1,467 60,000 16
2015 1,202 62,000 17
2016 (this page) 1,179 48,756 16

Read the mileage column down this table with care. A newer year has simply been driven less, so its median sits lower for that reason alone — the figure is censored from above by how long the cars have been on the road, not only by how they were built. The same applies to the complaint counts: an older year has had more years in which to collect them.

Where the mileage figure does compare cleanly is between different models of the same year, which have had the same time to accumulate miles.

Other Ram model years

All model years