Complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 peaked in 2019, with 231 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 26, 2016 to Sep 29, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-010 | Jan 16, 2025 | Right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect | Airbags | 6,066 | Part replacement |
| 23V-411 | Jun 8, 2023 | Crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft… | Engine and cooling | 80,629 | Software update |
| 22V-406 | Jun 9, 2022 | High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation | Fuel system | 138,645 | Part replacement |
| 21V-632 | Aug 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… | Airbags | 212,373 | Part replacement |
| 20V-475 | Aug 13, 2020 | Crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft… | Engine and cooling | 58,016 | Software update |
| 19V-757 | Oct 24, 2019 | Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system | Engine and cooling | 107,980 | Part replacement |
| 19V-347 | May 9, 2019 | 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… | Latches and locks | 1,103,209 | Repair or modification |
| 18V-486 | Jul 27, 2018 | Tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving | Latches and locks | 1,149,223 | Repair or modification |
| 18V-332 | May 17, 2018 | These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging | Electrical system | 4,815,661 | Software update |
| 17V-821 | Dec 20, 2017 | Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin… | Powertrain | 1,482,874 | Software update |
| 17V-302 | May 9, 2017 | 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… | Airbags | 1,021,279 | Software update |
| 17V-198 | Mar 23, 2017 | Differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up | Powertrain | 30 | Part replacement |
| 16V-301 | May 16, 2016 | Front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning | Powertrain | 64 | Part replacement |
| 16E-041 | May 16, 2016 | These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015 | Equipment | 345 | Refund or buyback |
| 16V-167 | Mar 23, 2016 | Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist | Steering | 440 | Part replacement |
| 15V-663 | Oct 16, 2015 | Affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire | Tires | 253 | Part replacement |
| 15V-661 | Oct 15, 2015 | Affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated | Powertrain | 61,859 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1,545 complaints on file, page 1 of 78.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the messages "Service Emissions Control" and "Exhaust Filter 100 Percent Full - Service Required - See Dealer" were displayed, and there was a strong fuel odor coming through the vents while idling or while driving. Additionally, while attempting to refuel the vehicle at the gas station, fuel splashed out and the vehicle could not be refueled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and initially informed the contact that the vehicle was still covered under Emission Recall Number: V08 and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and Emission Recall Number: V08; however, the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not approved the recall repairs. The contact called the manufacturer was advised that she would receive a call back from a supervisor; however, the contact had not been contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint 11767670Driving down residential street and steering got stiff . Not safe at all . Message on screen power steering service. 2 mechanics said to would need to replace complete electric power steering gear assembly.
NHTSA complaint 11767610I hit a tree head on dodging a deer going between 35 and 40mph and none of my air bags deployed.
NHTSA complaint 11767578After driving approximately 30-45 minutes a message on the dashboard showed up saying "Immediate Air Suspension Service/Repair Required". The suspension locked up at this point. Driving down the interstate at speeds of 70 mph was not safe for the vehicle or the occupants. This problem was addressed by a licensed Ram mechanic/dealership and determined the compressor was bad as it had stored codes for overheating. A new compressor was added. A week later the same message appeared. A deeper dive was done to look for causes, and nothing could be determined. This has occurred a total of three times.
NHTSA complaint 11767330Rack and pinion has failed after 10 years. Luckily it went out a my wife was getting home. I've had a mechanic verify that it has failed completely and I am in the process of getting a new one.
NHTSA complaint 11766787I took my truck in to get the front end looked at and this local garage inspects the vehicle. They informed me the gas tank brackets and straps have corroded so bad that the gas tank is sagging and how serious it would be if it fell more or fell off completely. Obviously the gas tank falling off and possible exploding or catching fire is a serious safety issue. Upon my own research, there is a safety recall (U04) that did not include my specific truck for unknown reasons. Then upon further digging I found a safety warranty extension (X75) attached to my vehicle. When I took it in to get inspected and fixed, the dealership informed me this is a Canadian truck and they could not fix it under this X75 warranty extension. This truck was built in [XXX] and I purchased it used in [XXX] so I am not sure why the Canadian part has anything to do with this truck. The warranty extension letter even states unlimited miles and it doesn't matter if I am the original owner or not. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11765828The ABS module has failed. This ABS module failure is producing the following codes: The failure code in the ABS module is C2200–49 indicating a internal module failure when the ABS module goes off-line it sets communication codes in other modules, causing the transmission module to go into limp mode. This has been confirmed by an independent service center. There are multiple warning lights on the dashboard including the ABS light, the traction light, and the brake light. This failure is causing multiple failure codes and no communication within the engine. Please see attached pictures and documentation from garage.
NHTSA complaint 11765659The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11763558Air Suspension malfunction - the truck lost suspension and was dangerous to drive
NHTSA complaint 11763537ABS braking system malfunction
NHTSA complaint 11763536The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11763501It 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.
NHTSA complaint 11762352ABS 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!
NHTSA complaint 11762337Anti-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.
NHTSA complaint 11762178I 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.
NHTSA complaint 11761170When 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
NHTSA complaint 11761112Power steering failing intermittently while driving, usually at low speeds.
NHTSA complaint 11760661ABS 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
NHTSA complaint 11760370The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11759420ABS 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.
NHTSA complaint 11758939Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.