Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 1500?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
15 fire-related complaints on the engine
Electrical system: 132 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 18,250–55,000 mi
Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2016 RAM 1500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 301 owner reports
· tends to show around 81,008 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 229 owner reports
· tends to show around 88,372 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 188 owner reports
· tends to show around 36,049 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
brakes — 160 owner reports
· tends to show around 83,260 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 88,372 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
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…
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…
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
Had a problem with your 2016 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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.
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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 1,502 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.
Should you avoid the 2016 RAM 1500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 1500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 15 fire-related complaints on the engine; Electrical system: 132 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 18,250–55,000 mi; Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 RAM 1500?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 301 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,008 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 RAM 1500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,502 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 81,008 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 301 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,008 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 40,735 miles. 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 1,502 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/RAM/1500.
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.
