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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-RAM-1500
2016 · ram

ram 1500 problems

6 safety recalls. 1,471 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.4 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
293 reports · avg $700
moderate
engine
225 reports · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
187 reports · avg $2,500
severe
brakes
150 reports · avg $450
moderate
electrical
129 reports · avg $850
critical
fuel system
71 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
suspension
62 reports · avg $900
moderate
cruise control
54 reports · avg $600
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 1500 · other
Approximately five times over six years, my 2016 Ram pickup engine will shut off on its own with no warning. It has always happened on the highway at high speed. This puts others at risk as I must put on hazard lights and coast to a stop with minimal control of the vehicle while…
12/31/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562801.0
2016 1500 · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V757000 (ENGINE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2019. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH FIVE STAR CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM…
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292334.0
2016 1500 · electrical
ABS Code C2200-49, anti-lock brake module internal electronic failure. Have not been able to source a new ABS control module for my vehicle. Apparently Dodge/Mopar/Chrysler has stopped producing this part. No ABS makes it dangerous to drive in the snowy/wet conditions…
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633175.0
2016 1500 · powertrain
Traveling at hwy speeds the vehicle lurched as if the brakes were suddenly slammed on then removed. Speed was reduced to 60 mph, no sounds or vibrations noticed so began accelerating back to hwy speeds. RPM kept building but speed was not increasing as normal. Within a few…
12/30/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499484.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 3 of 6

severe NHTSA 16V167000 23/03/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
severe NHTSA 15V663000 16/10/2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with a 5

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 increased risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 spare tires replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R58.
severe NHTSA 16V301000 16/05/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016

A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
View all 6 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 1,471 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 RAM 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 293 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my RAM 1500 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 RAM 1500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,471 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ram. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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