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2016 Ram 1500

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 1,549 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (553 complaints) and body (482 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 58% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 58% 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

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20136996526817374
2014651164262555143
2015468144159559127
2016482254123553137
20173189111728967
20181834314925336
2019564116320322167
20202403211621141
20211444212032256

By Category

Engine
553
Body
482
Brakes
254
Transmission
137
Electrical
123

By Severity

1
729
2
684
3
8
4
124
5
4

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2016 Ram 1500 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Electrical 1

On my son's 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, he was driving and as he was turning into a gas station, his Electronic Power Steering (EPS) stopped working and he had to use much force to turn the wheel into the gas station. The steering wheel warning light came up on his dash and after several attempts of turning off/turning on the engine and removing the battery cables and putting them back, the EPS would not come back on. We did check the fuse from the positive battery terminal with a multimeter and the cable to the EPS still had power, to include fuse 78 in the fuse box. We check the wire under the engine to the EPS and found no issues with the wires.

6d ago
Body 2

The electronic power steering has failed. The system failed on 10/19/26. Also, the truck has stalled while driving on three different occasions in the last two years. It has never shown a code for the stalls.

6d ago
Brakes 1

ANTIlock brakes module failure

7d ago
Electrical 1

Side curtain and front seat airbags deployed randomly, without impact or collision.

10d ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and multiple warning lights, including the check engine warning light, illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving and failed to accelerate beyond 60 MPH. The contact also stated that a burning smell was noticed coming from the rear filter of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and emissions system failed and required replacement. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was previously associated with a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

11d ago
Body 2

Electric power steering failure

12d ago
Brakes 1

ABS Control Module stopped working ,leaving traction control and anti lock brakes inoperable. Parts are not available from dealers or after market manufacturers. This has been an on going problem with multiple year vehicles.

15d ago
Engine 1

Component or System Failed & Availability for Inspection: High-pressure fuel pump and common rail fuel injection system under NHTSA Recall 22V-406 (Recall Z46). The vehicle and all removed/affected components are grounded and available for inspection at Peterson CDJR in Boise, ID under Repair Order #46751.  Safety Risk: Risk of sudden loss of motive power and engine stall while driving, creating collision hazards as defined under NHTSA Recall 22V-406. Chronological Timeline & Dealer Findings: July 5, 2024: Peterson CDJR performed Safety Recall Z46 (NHTSA 22V-406) Procedure A, replacing only the high-pressure fuel pump. September 2026 (RO #45520): Vehicle presented with an illuminated check engine light. Peterson CDJR diagnosed a faulty fuel pressure sensor and replaced the fuel rail and sensor for $2,809.45.  September 2026 (RO #46751): Following a 55-mile test drive, Peterson CDJR technician verified the diesel fuel from the fuel tank tested completely clean. Inspection of the newly installed fuel rail sensor documented internal metallic debris actively circulating through the fuel system.  September–October 2026: Peterson CDJR opened STAR Case #102997574. DealerCONNECT records and the technician notes from RO #45520 state that the entire fuel system requires replacement. Dealer requested authorization for Recall Z46 Procedure B (complete fuel system replacement kit ⁠CSSMZ46DAA⁠).  October 5, 2026: Stellantis corporate documented via DealerCONNECT that the fuel system requires replacement, but stated they will not authorize the repair under warranty because the recall was previously closed.  Inspections by Manufacturer / Others: Inspected by Peterson CDJR certified technicians and documented in STAR Case #102997574. Reviewed via DealerCONNECT by Stellantis corporate, who confirmed fuel system failure but refused remedy coverage under open Corporate Case #98257662.  I have not had followup from my Stellantis case manager. Dealer is responsive.

19d ago
Brakes 4

ABS and Brake lights on dash since October of 2024. No module available from any MOPAR source for a year. Had accident in July 2025. Truck slid as ABS did not engage which was direct cause of the accident resulting in damage to both vehicles. I have followed up monthly as to the availably and they continue to be on backorder and for a year it was showing Stellantis was investigating issue. Apparently this has been an ongoing safety issue that has not been address as a recall.

19d ago
Engine 1

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.

27d ago
Electrical 4

I hit a tree head on dodging a deer going between 35 and 40mph and none of my air bags deployed.

28d ago
Body 2

Driving 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.

28d ago
Body 2

After 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.

28d ago
Body 2

Rack 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.

1mo ago
Engine 2

I 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)

1mo ago
Brakes 2

The 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.

1mo ago
Body 2

Air Suspension malfunction - the truck lost suspension and was dangerous to drive

1mo ago
Brakes 2

ABS braking system malfunction

1mo ago
Body 2

The 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.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

The 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.

1mo ago

1549 total

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