RoadVitals

2016 RAM 1500 Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
350
Latest Jul 20, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
23%
of 1,517 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
29
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
8

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 RAM 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 350 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 350, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the "Drive to Park" and "Pull Over and Shift Gear" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where repairs were performed, including recall repairs and the replacement of an emissions system fan; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off and failed to restart, and the vehicle remained in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11751651
Incident
May 20, 2025
Mileage
170,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500 The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, occupied with her husband in the vehicle they could hear a knocking and shatter noise coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure, and they informed her they will give her cash value for the vehicle and they can run a report until warranty in cancel. The approximate failure mileage was 161,292.

NHTSA ID
11739278
Incident
May 19, 2026
Mileage
161,292 mi
Engine
Filed May 19, 2026

The vehicle was driving down the highway at highway speed when it began to shut down. This put myself & other drivers at serious risk as I had to navigate several lanes of traffic with a dead vehicle. When I took it to the dealer, the dealer stated that the vehicle crankshaft position magnetic tone sensor had broken off and was no longer sending the tones to the crank shaft position sensor. The vehicle has a 66A recall on it where it mentions a 73A recall which states for certain vehicles the tone wheel can be replaced. But for some reason our vehicle and vin number is not included. The 66A recall makes a statement about having a software update but we were never given an information about this recall prior to having this issue.

NHTSA ID
11738791
Incident
May 14, 2026
Engine
Filed May 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving at 75 MPH, the engine seized. In addition, several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was seized in the middle of a busy highway. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a delaminated tone wheel. The contact was informed that the tone wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID
11738787
Incident
May 14, 2026
Mileage
125,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 11, 2026

While driving my 2016 RAM 1500 Eco diesel, the vehicle suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond 40 mph. The malfunction occurred while driving under normal road conditions and created a safety concern because the truck was unable to maintain normal traffic speed. Prior to failure, a warning light appeared on the dashboard related to emissions/exhaust system. The truck entered into a reduce power/limp mode and became difficult to operate in traffic. The truck has been at the Folsom Lake Dodge dealership since March 22, 2026 awaiting a replacement part related to a recall/manufacturer issue. I was informed the part may be available around May 22, 2026.

NHTSA ID
11737165
Incident
Mar 21, 2026
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed May 8, 2026

My 2016 RAM 1500 has had an issue with the Anti-lock Brakes since August 2025 that is under the manufacturer extended warranty. I am the original owner. The ABS module and other sensors have been replaced and the problem persist. In the last few weeks, the traction control light energizes intermittently (flashes) and the engine loses power-does not stall out, but does not accelerate. The light goes out and normal operations resume. A few seconds after the light extinguishes, the Service Anti-Lock Brake warning comes on. If I have my family in the truck and enter a highway and loose power, I could be at fault for causing a wreck and injury my family. As a professional engineer, I would like to have this concern investigated before someone loses their life or cause injury to someone. The local dealership replaced the part after 4 months on back order but the problem did not go away. They then replaced other parts and the problem persists. Another ABS module is on order with a 6 month backlog. I feel unsafe but need my truck for work and family! How do I get this evaluated properly as the dealer does think it is happening!

NHTSA ID
11736552
Incident
May 6, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 5, 2026

Within 24 hours of buying the vehicle back in February, the truck has not run red Lightning bulbs, electronic throttle control system Lights all started coming on that system was replaced by a certified mechanic. The system then did it again, literally, 1 day later. Now I'm not certain about the new part, which has been discontinued. It's some sort of pigtail off of that. And again the wiring pigtail or whatever it is called. I am uncertain is defective in has been discontinued. I'm into the truck for over $10000, including the purchase price. It has not run 1 day since But after the incident, my mechanic did the car fax on it. The odometer had been rolled back over 100000 miles or replaced whatever the situation, the car facts did not match up with the actual truck information that was sold to me contacted the individual and sold me the truck. He has ghost meat, will not return. Calls will not give me back. The money will not even answer my calls. Any longer longer only through the national highway transportation safety association did I find out that this could be defective parts possibly covered by the manufacturer. So again , i'm not sure where I stand on this uncertain i have contacted several state and federal government agencies. That's how I ended up here, trying to go through the process of getting this taken care of but I got the Attorney General national highway, safety transportation board involved along with the state police, I guess here in Massachusetts have a division for this so. I'm filling out the form and doing what i'm supposed to trying to get myself reimbursed , or at least this truck fixed , because again pots have been discontinued and nobody including dodge dealerships , do not want to work on it the truck is currently sitting in a mechanic shop.All receipts of work done and affected parts is in the truck at mechanic so I have receipts for all of this

NHTSA ID
11735874
Incident
Feb 3, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 27, 2026

I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle has been in and out of Rydell Jeep & Ram dealership over 3 times in the last few months for fuel pump issues. It has been at the dealership for over a month total (in and out). Each time I have had to pay for towing and rental cars. I have not been reimbursed for any rental or towing costs. On April 11, 2026, immediately after picking up the truck from the dealership (where it had just been serviced for a previous fuel pump issue), the vehicle suddenly lost all power while I was driving on the freeway and would not restart. It was towed back to Rydell. On April 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM, Bruce (service advisor) and Mike (mechanic) at Rydell verbally admitted to me that their original diagnosis was wrong. They had initially said a gear inside the engine that turns the CP4 fuel pump had come loose or failed. They now admit that diagnosis was incorrect, but they refuse to provide that admission in writing. They are now trying to charge me for the repair. I believe the actual root cause is that the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump seized internally. That seizure would have placed extreme resistance on the engine's drive gear for the pump, causing the gear or its retaining bolt to fail as a secondary consequence. The pump seizure is a known safety defect in these EcoDiesel vehicles. Because the dealership has admitted the original diagnosis was wrong, and because this failure happened immediately after fuel pump-related service, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this as a safety defect. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds is extremely dangerous. I also request that any existing recall or investigation (such as NHTSA Campaign 22V406000 a INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11733977
Incident
Apr 11, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 26, 2026

The vehicle turned off on the freeway and qould lnt start right after it came out from the dealership for a fuel pump cp4 installation recall, they said they misdiagnosed the issue with the truck on 4/23/26 930am from Bruce service advisor and mike the mechanic at rydell with my fuel pump off the truck. They said the gear that turns the fuel pump may have come loose That gear that turns the fuel pump does not turn, they showrd me. Also im thinking that the fuel pump seized and caused this issue. Why would the inner gear not work after yhis situatio

NHTSA ID
11733860
Incident
Apr 11, 2026
Mileage
161,097 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2026

During a routine oil change test drive, a code for Crankshaft Loss of Position appeared on my truck and as a result, the autoshop I took it to (a Kerry's Car Care) recommended that I do not drive it. This is an active Recall from the FCA from the NHTSA (Safety Recall W68 / NHTSA 20V-475 Loss of Crankshaft Position), but Dodge is insisting the recall was repaired (66A/NHTSA 23V-411) but only an update to the software as issued, without replacing the actual faulty part, the tone wheel. This problem was discovered and inspected by the Kerry Car Care, but I anticipate that Dodge Chrysler will deny the repair, even though it is a safety recall issued by the FCA. There were no signs of failure prior to the test drive done at Kerry's.

NHTSA ID
11733455
Incident
Apr 21, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a coolant flush was needed, the brake lights, and a camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID
11732692
Incident
Apr 5, 2026
Mileage
145,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2026

Hello, so I have had my vehicle in the shop for over 2 weeks due to a failure toner wheel and even though there is a extention recall for my vehicle there not covering it even after telling fca and the dealer about the issues. There saying they won't be able to reimburse me even though I just bought the truck through carvana about 5 months ago and haven't even driven it over 4k miles.

NHTSA ID
11725670
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the engine warning light illuminated. While driving a short distance later, two unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message “Exhaust Filter 100% FULL - Safely Drive at Highway Speeds” was displayed. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine manifold, catalytic converter, and the air intake had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that since the remedy was not available when the recall was issued, the delay created additional damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repairs were already completed. No assistance was provided. However, a claim was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

NHTSA ID
11718933
Incident
Oct 18, 2025
Mileage
204,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 11, 2026

On September 29, 2025, my vehicle overheated. Smoke was coming from the interior vents as well as from under the hood. I pulled over shortly after and had my vehicle towed to a repair shop. I got an estimate for radiator repair. That did not fix the issue, so more repair was needed related to a heating and evaporator core. I have attached the invoices for those repairs. I just wanted to note this for my records.

NHTSA ID
11717159
Incident
Sep 29, 2025
Mileage
130,524 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 9, 2026

Recall for intake manifold for our ecodiesel 2016 Ram and you do not show a recall for our specific truck. Which, GM service has verified we need to replace the intake manifold. Hesitation, drag, engine light, etc...

NHTSA ID
11709943
Incident
Jan 9, 2026
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2026

The 3.0 eco diesel has a known defect involving the oil pickup tube clogging up with soot and diesel particles which then causes catastrophic damage to the engine and they blow up due to engine bearing failure which could lead to a safety issue while operating the vehicle on the roadways there are numerous videos online regarding this issue and it needs address and mopar needs to correct this and recall all the trucks and replace the engines and redesign the oil pickup tube to prevent the oil pickup tube from clogging up it’s unfair to the owners of the trucks and so many of the trucks are being scrapped due to the engine failure issues new engines cost $11-$18,000 to replace

NHTSA ID
11708635
Incident
Dec 29, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 15, 2025

The common hemi tech where lifter bearing seize up and eats the come. So common you can buy top end rebuild kits just for tha reason.

NHTSA ID
11705144
Incident
Dec 3, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered and then lost motive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic stated that an error code was present, but had not provided the code to the contact. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired at that time. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.

NHTSA ID
11702265
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Mileage
216,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2025
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle went into limp mode. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a nearby driver honked the horn, and the contact was informed that fire was coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact called the fire department. The contact had a fire extinguisher in the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire prior to the fire department's arrival. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the dealer does not repair the engine; the dealer only replaces the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in November 2024. The contact stated that the failure descriptions. The contact stated that the failure was diagnosed as a failed intake manifold and oil in the turbocharger. The intake manifold, the EGR valve, and the turbocharger were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ID
11688405
Incident
Dec 19, 2024
Mileage
123,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 9, 2025

My Ram 1500 will randomly loose power while driving then pick back up, I have had several issues with electrical including lights flickering or going our for a minute then back on while driving at night, steering wheel controls not working, key fob issues, it also shifts hard at times others its normal. I was told all recalls have been done but personally can not confirm, had it looked at by several mechanics and cant find anything that they say would cause these issues.

NHTSA ID
11686162
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 28, 2025

I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle is covered under the EcoDiesel Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) Settlement extended warranty. Since the update in January 2025, the truck has suffered repeated EGR system failures and related warranty failures. The EcoDiesel lawsuit itself was based on EGR cooler defects that could leak coolant and cause fires. My truck has experienced the same failure pattern, with coolant leaks, overheating, and unsafe breakdowns. On [XXX], the vehicle shut off in the middle of the road while I was driving, creating a serious hazard. The cause was traced to a covered emissions component. This was not an isolated incident. The vehicle has been in dealerships for over 60 cumulative days since January 2025, mostly for repeated EGR codes and fuel system issues, but the root problem has never been properly repaired. On [XXX], the low-pressure fuel pump failed after it had already been replaced. The premature failure left me stranded and required a $500 tow. This failure also presented a risk of sudden power loss in traffic. Despite repeated visits to authorized dealers, repairs are incomplete or improperly billed, including installation of non-OEM parts that failed again. The repeated stalling, coolant leaks, overheating, and sudden no-start conditions show that this truck remains unsafe to operate on public roads. I am reporting this as a safety defect because the emissions system failures and improper repairs have caused the vehicle to shut off while driving and continue to present a risk of fire, engine damage, and sudden loss of power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11683573
Incident
Feb 26, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2025

2016 RAM Ecodiesel in shop with crankshaft position sensor error. Vehicle available for inspection at Sarasota RAM. Vehicle shut down on highway. Restarted but only would operate in limp mode which enabled me to drive to dealer. Warning lights indicated crankshaft position sensor issue. I had W58 recall performed but not selected for W68 fix. I spoke to Phil (844-378-0573 Ext: 4060587) at RAM customer care, who stated "Our primary focus is your satisfaction" (customer care case #[XXX]). This problem is very evident by the many 1500 drivers complaints. Action to reimburse me for the repairs is required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11680522
Incident
Aug 7, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2025

In September 2016 I purchased a new RAM 1500 echo diesel. On [XXX], I driving along [XXX] in southern Indiana. I lost all power, smoke started coming thru the dash vents, I get off the road, shut the engine off, raise the hood, a little smoke was coming from under the engine cover, popped it off didn't really see anything burning, I opened the air filter lid and and there was smoke, I blew the smoke out of it and replaced it. I got back in the truck, it started but still had no power. It idled fine. I called and towed it to John Jones Auto Group in Corydon, IN, this was all on [XXX]. I was contacted 30 June 2025 that the Intake Manifold had failed and needed to be replaced. I gave them the go ahead to replace it. They called me and told me it was ready. the following week and told the Intake Manifold failed and needed to be replaced. I gave them go ahead to repair it. They told me the Intake manifold replaced and ready for pick-up. When I went to pick it up, on 22 July 2025. The Tech showed me the intake manifold; it looked like it had melted. He also said the water pump was leaking and should be replaced. I paid for the repair for the intake manifold, left the truck and drove my car home, intending to have someone run me there and I would drive the RAM home. After thinking about a day or 2 I called John Johns and told them to go ahead and replace the water pump and took the key back to them. I didn't want it to fail when I was least expecting it. AT this point I've spent $4,750.20. They called I went and picked the truck up on 23 Jul 25, drove it home (20 miles) on [XXX] I just pulled out of my driveway, check the rearview mirror and saw all this white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I pulled over smelled the fumes it wasn’t diesel fumes, but it smell sweet. I turned around took the RAM back home and drove my car to work. I call John Jones Auto. After the advisor talked to the mechanic he told me it was normal and it was okay to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA ID
11678779
Incident
Jun 28, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 4, 2025

The HPFP that has an unfixed recall on it went out and caused the engine to grenade itself

NHTSA ID
11678318
Incident
Aug 2, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2025

The engine on this vehicle has failed, it has 51,000 miles on it and involved in a class action lawsuit that closed in 2022. This truck was bought in 2023 with dealership not disclosing all of the failures in the vehicle. It is at a local shop requiring $16,000 worth of engine repair and we are demanding from Dodge to have help with repairs. We had and have a record of regular maintenance completed on this vehicle and is in immaculate condition.

NHTSA ID
11675665
Incident
Jul 21, 2025

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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