2016 RAM 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 RAM 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine35018.1%
- Steering30315.7%
- Fuel system27714.3%
- Brakes26613.7%
- Powertrain (other)19910.3%
- Electrical1879.7%
- Driver assistance1306.7%
- Suspension663.4%
- Airbags472.4%
- Body & structure361.9%
- Exterior lighting180.9%
- Other / unspecified160.8%
- Seat belts130.7%
- Interior & seats130.7%
- Tires & wheels80.4%
- Visibility60.3%
- Transmission10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears to be an electric power steering (EPS) failure. I am concerned that this defect could lead to a crash or serious injury. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue because similar power steering failures have been reported by other Ram 1500 owners.
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to request your assistance regarding my 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the handling of a safety-related recall repair that has not resolved the original issue. My vehicle has been experiencing the following symptoms: •Check engine light •Hard starting •Engine struggling to start •Engine stalling These symptoms prompted me to bring the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership informed me that the vehicle qualified for Recall Z46, and the recall was subsequently performed. Unfortunately, after the recall was listed as completed, the vehicle continues to exhibit the exact same symptoms that existed prior to the repair. The check engine light remains, the vehicle still struggles to start, and it continues to stall. After further research I discovered that the entire recall was not completed based on the procedures listed on the NHTSA website. This is extremely concerning because these symptoms create a potential safety risk, particularly when the engine stalls unexpectedly. I have attempted to work through Ram Customer Care to resolve this matter. My experience has been disappointing. I have been unable to obtain meaningful assistance or authorization to have the vehicle evaluated by another certified Ram dealership despite my concerns that the original dealership did not successfully resolve the issue. At this point, I have lost confidence in the original servicing dealership's ability to properly diagnose and repair my vehicle. I have maintained detailed records of my repair visits and communications and am prepared to provide copies of repair orders and any additional documentation needed. My goal is simply to have my vehicle repaired correctly and safely.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted; however, the failure reoccurred while driving, and the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was first towed to a dealer, who denied service. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where metal shavings were found throughout the fuel system. The dealer cleaned the fuel tank and replaced the remaining fuel system components under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer stated that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) was full and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the instrument panel displayed that the DPF was 70 percent full, which contradicted the statement from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS Module control unit has gone out and we are being told by multiple mech that the module is on national back order and could be 6 months or more before the part can be secured. We can not go with our our vehicle for this long. We are willing to get it fixed but this back order has made it impossible to do so.
"Service Electronic Braking System", "Service Antilock Brake System" and "Service Trailer Brake" system lights coming on - affecting antilock brakes, traction control and cruise control. Appears to be a common issue and the parts to repair are not available.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. Additionally, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was common. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 96,000.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS module showing internal electrical failure. Service ABS, trailer brake, and electrical brake warning lights on. Traction control light on. Cruise control not working.
Z
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) Module has failed. ABS, cruise control, and traction control are disabled. A faulty ABS can cause an inability to stop suddenly to avoid a collision. My specific issue has been confirmed by a Ram dealer. Chrysler engineering has confirmed this is a widespread problem with multiple vehicles using the same ABS Module. It is not possible to get a replacement ABS Module. Auto parts stores and dealers do not have replacement parts. There is a waiting list for a redesigned ABS Module at my local Ram dealership. The first person on the list has been on the list for 3 years. A new module, installed and programmed, will cost over $1200. A faulty ABS is a safety issue. I recommend Ram/Chrysler issue a recall when parts are available.
Z
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I originally brought my vehicle into Mac Haik Dodge in April 2025 for issues with my Air Suspension and 4-Wheel drive control modules displaying on the dashboard of my vehicle. I was advised by Mac Haik's Service department in April 2025 that they were unable to replicate or address the issues with my vehicle after having my vehicle for the 2 days. On 12/29/2025 my vehicle once again displayed the same exact issues that were being shown on my dashboard of the vehicle and I brought my vehicle to the Mac Haik Dodge to have these issues addressed. I was advised by Mac Haik's Service department that one DTCM module would need to be ordered to correct the service Air suspension and Service 4-Wheel drive control modules. After the one DTCM module was ordered and repaired I was advised that an additional module would need to be ordered to address the Air suspension features of my vehicle. Mac Haik ordered the 2nd module and repaired my vehicle. My vehicle was recently picked up on 01/20/2026 after a month's long repair process of my vehicle being at Mac Haik Dodge to have these 2 repairs completed. What I do not understand is why Mac Haik was not able to address or repair these concerning issues in April 2025. I ended up paying $1,801.00 for these costly repairs to get my vehicle's issues repaired. Moreonever, during the time my vehicle was at Mac Haik Dodge I missed several days of work due to only having 1 primary vehicle to drive as a means of transportation. I was not offered any sort of rental or loaner vehicle to have to drive while these repairs were ongoing. I am reaching out to Chrysler to see if anything can be done to offer any sort of assistance for a full reimbursement of my repairs that I paid for. I am attaching the full repair bill of $1,801.00 that I paid on 01/20/2026.
Hello, I am wanting to file a complaint regarding my 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel. As of April 2025 my vehicle's Air Suspension system has been a Safety issue for me. I have noticed that the Service Air Suspension Immediatley, Service Air Suspension system messages have been displaying on my vehicle's dashboard. I took my vehicle into the Mac Haik Dodge in Temple, TX in April 2025 for a diagnosis and no repairs were completed. I then noticed once again in December 2025 that my vehicle was displaying the same dtc messages above. The vehicle once again was taken into the Mac Haik Dodge in Temple, TX for a diagnosis and it was recommended to have the Air Suspension Control module replaced to correct this issue. I paid to have this repair completed in January 2026. My vehicle was returned to me and I was advised that I would no longer have any further issues. As a result, in February 2026 3 weeks of having my vehicle back in my posession the same dtc messages were once again displaying on my vehicle's dashboard. My vehicle was brought to the Mac Haik Dodge in Temple, TX for another diagnosis and it was recommened to either have the Air Suspension compressor replaced or to completely remove the entire Air Suspension system and transition to a Coil / Springs conversion to prevent any further issues. My concerns are that due to not having my vehicle repaired correctly back in April 2025 and the ongoing issues I have experienced this is considered a Safety risk with operating a vehicle that has not been repaired correctly. I've driven my vehicle and have now experienced the Air Suspension drop completely in the rear of the vehicle causing a severe and bumpy type ride while driivng my vehicle to a place that the vehicle can be parked. I wanted to express my concenrs to NHTSA to see if this issue could be looked into further. I have noticed that several other Vehicle owners who's vehicles are equipped with the Air Suspension have experienced similiar issues with their vehicles.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was in a front end collision and the air bags never deployed. Approximate speed 40-45 mph
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V632000 (AIR BAGS), but the failure occurred. The inflator end cap failed in September 2024 and failed again in February 2025. Most recently, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the code was cleared; however, the failure persisted. The dealer retrieved a fault code for "Failure to Communicate with ABS Module". The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
i have 2016 ram 1500 p/u and tailgate has problem opening up and/or opening on its own. This problem ended up sending me to the hospital in an ambulance with a concussion, fractured pelvic bone and 4 broken ribs.
The tailgate on my 2016 Dodge Ram will not stay locked and falls open during cold weather. I've contacted the dealer but they said this particular vin is not included in a recall. I've accessed the inside panel on the tailgate several times to clean and lubricate, but it only works for a short time. It's been a continuous problem for the last 5 to 6 years...only when it is cold.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
RADIO SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, LOCKS UP AND WILL ONLY TURN BACK ON WHEN SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE AND RESTARTING IT. HEADLIGHT FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. HEADLIGHT FLICKER HAS DONE THIS FOR 3 MONTHS NOW
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FREMONT MOTOR CASPER (6101 E 2ND ST, CASPER, WY 82609, (307) 462-5508) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND HAVE AN INVESTIGATION STARTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,500.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was informed by a mechanic that the front passenger’s side wheel lug nuts and bolts were loosened and had detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the lug nuts were missing. The dealer stated that the wheel, lug nuts, bolts, and hub needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on March 19th, 2025, the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 75 MPH. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and became aware that the lug nuts had either sheared off or had detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to another dealer, who replaced three lug bolts and lug nuts. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 178,080.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and an ABS module repair was performed at the owner’s expense; however, the module failed to communicate with the computer system. The service ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was repaired for the same ABS module failure; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer advised the contact that the parts to perform the repair were on backorder and were scanned with the service anti-lock brake system error code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 224,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers side seat belt is very difficult to latch.
When putting on seat belt it won't stay secured, you have to constantly insert seat belt for it to stay, there's something wrong with it.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the tailgate unexpectedly opened. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over onto the side of the highway and closed the tailgate. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the lock actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, he heard the sound of the tailgate opening independently. When the contact stopped the vehicle, he observed that the tailgate was open and he was able to raise and secure the tailgate. The contact stated that later he was starting the vehicle and saw that the tailgate was again open, however, he was not able to secure the tailgate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that he would need to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic check. The contact asked if there was an open recall. The contact was advised by the dealer that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V486000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages) had been completed on the vehicle by a previous owner and he was no longer covered by the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 20–25 MPH, the steering became inoperable. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and crashed into the curb, and the passenger side tire popped. The driver continued to drive and parked. The contact changed the tire, and upon starting the vehicle, the tire and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed the passenger side fender and rim were scraped from the cement. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). There were no reported injuries, airbag deployment, or police report filed. The contact called the local dealer, who scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the ABS, TPMS, trailer brake control unit, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The contact later discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered and there were shards of glass falling from the roof of the vehicle. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE I DISCOVERED ON THE VEHICLE SEVERAL SMALL AREAS OF CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD IS THE ORIGINAL AND NEVER CHANGED SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE PAINT DEFECTS ALONG THE WINDSHIELD SEAM AREA SO THAT WHEN THE RUST GOES THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WILL BECOME UNSTABLE AND POSE A POTENTIAL HAZARD OR COULD FAIL ALTOGETHER. I SPOKE WITH A RAM DEALER WHO WAS UNINTERESTED IN THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALLED RAM COOPERATE HEADQUARTERS AND REPORTED THE ISSUE. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the ABS, TPMS, trailer brake control unit, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .