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KLUNK

2016 Ram 1500

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 1,526 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (548 complaints) and body (475 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ram 1500, consider the 2020 model year which has 59% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 59% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Ram 1500 dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 4

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

25V010000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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 ...

Risk

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 1-800-85...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

15V663000 TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

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...

Risk

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 i...

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 s...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

16V301000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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 fractu...

Risk

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. Chry...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

17V198000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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.

Risk

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 ...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20136856526817374
2014643158261551143
2015463137159554126
2016475246120548137
20173088811628866
20181784214825035
2019555112313314166
20202333210920840
20211394211732055

By Category

Engine
548
Body
475
Brakes
246
Transmission
137
Electrical
120

By Severity

1
720
2
673
3
8
4
121
5
4

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2016 Ram 1500 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Brakes 2

I 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.

11d ago
Body 1

When 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

11d ago
Body 1

Power steering failing intermittently while driving, usually at low speeds.

13d ago
Brakes 1

ABS 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

14d ago
Body 1

The 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.

17d ago
Transmission 1

ABS 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.

19d ago
Body 2

Loss of power assistance in steering

21d ago
Brakes 1

ABS warning light, traction control light and brake light are illuminated. Code reader indicates C2200-49, U0415 and U0147. ABS module needs to be replaced, however Mopar does not have and will not have the part available. Explored having the module rebuilt, however I found out that cannot happen as the chip that is needed is no longer available, thus the same reason why new replacements are not available. Called Mopar customer service and was given the run around to take it to the dealer. First of all it’s out of warranty, second the dealer can’t fix it anyway as the part is not available. This is a serious safety issue as the ABS is inoperable, the truck should not be driven and Mopar refuses to assist in a remedy.

22d ago
Body 2

I suddenly lost the power steering when I spoke to my mechanic he said the problem was intermittent and he has to replace a computer part that’s associated with it and had to replace the entire unit I saw there was an open recall regarding this matter

23d ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the towing suddenly failed. The contact was able to drive off the exit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the week before, while idling at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact cleared the code before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a tone wheel failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact learned that the vehicle was included in a recall in 2019, and the fix included updating the powertrain control module software. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the repair was no longer covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

25d ago
Brakes 2

Failure of ABS control module. Illuminated Brake, ABS, Traction control system lights are on the dash. The cruise control is inoperative as well. Code reader shows C2200-49 and C2200-47.

28d ago
Brakes 2

“Service ABS System”, “Service Electronic Braking System” and Traction Control warnings keep randomly occurring. Replacement ABS module is unavailable for this extremely widespread issue. Has anyone discussed a class action lawsuit for this issue? I’ve never had more problems with a vehicle than I’ve had with this truck. Ram should be embarrassed. I’ll be trading it in soon and I’ll never buy another one, that’s for sure.

28d ago
Brakes 1

The dealership said I need my ABS module replaced due to the lights on the dashboard and my ABS braking system and cruise control not working. I had them order the module and paid for it. I finally asked for a refund. where it has been on backorder for 18 months as of 8/13/2026, with no idea of when it will come in if it comes in at all. This is an extremely disturbing situation and safety issue of not having the anti-braking system in operative.

29d ago
Brakes 1

The brake module that has been recalled on other Ram trucks has failed in the listed 2016 Ram 1500. We have tried multiple times to get it replaced at the dealership however, because this vehicle doesn’t fall under the recall we have been on a waiting list for nearly 3 years. Due to this safety issue we are unable to tow our camper safely. Additionally, we are also unable to sell the vehicle at its actual value. This vehicle needs to be included in the already existing recall as it’s having the same issues that are already included in a recall.

29d ago
Brakes 1

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.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

"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.

1mo ago
Brakes 2

ABS module showing internal electrical failure. Service ABS, trailer brake, and electrical brake warning lights on. Traction control light on. Cruise control not working.

1mo ago
Brakes 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

1mo ago
Brakes 2

Z

1mo ago

1526 total

1/ 77
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