2016 RAM 1500 brakes problems
moderate 154 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Of the 11 model years of RAM 1500 we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 154.
Owners have filed 154 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Ram 1500 has a widespread, documented ABS module failure affecting safety-critical systems with no parts available for repair and no recall for 2016 models despite identical failures in newer model years already under recall. Brake pad delamination at low mileage and unexplained brake pedal loss can also occur, leaving owners driving unsafe vehicles or stranded for months.
The ABS control module fails internally across the mileage spectrum, most commonly showing diagnostic code C2200-49. When it does, the truck loses ABS, traction control, cruise control, and sometimes electronic stability control all at once. The ABS warning light, brake system light, and traction control messages stay lit on the dash. Your stopping distance increases, and in snow or wet conditions, loss of ABS means the wheels will lock up.
Owners have documented this as a known widespread issue since at least 2018, with one owner noting almost 500 modules awaiting delivery and another stating thousands are affected. The OEM module (part numbers 68295368AA and 68295368AC) has been on national backorder for 6 months to well over a year. Dealers say parts are under "engineering review" with no ETA. Rebuild shops refuse the work because they can't source the electronics. Used salvage modules are near impossible to find and unreliable. Stellantis is not offering replacements, and the 2016 model year was excluded from recalls issued for 2017+ models with the identical failure and part number.
A few owners also reported brake pad friction material separating from the backing plate while 50–75% of pad material remained, suggesting a manufacturing defect rather than wear. In one case, the outer pad lost friction completely at 38,000 miles, causing the brake pedal to go to the floor on the first two applications with no braking effect—an immediate crash hazard.
One owner experienced unexpected vehicle shutdown, automatic shift to park, and inability to shift back into drive while the engine still ran, requiring dealer battery reset with no permanent fix identified.
Owners are stuck: dealers confirm the truck is unsafe to drive without ABS but tell you to keep driving it anyway; the manufacturer provides no timeline, no loaner, and no alternative solution.
Same RAM 1500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Control Module Electronic Failure
ABS module develops internal electronic failure, most commonly code C2200-49. Module becomes completely inoperative, disabling ABS, traction control, cruise control, and electronic stability control simultaneously. Dashboard warning lights (ABS, service brake system, traction control, service trailer brake) illuminate and remain on continuously. Module cannot be repaired; rebuild shops report required electronic components are unavailable.
When: Occurs across mileage range from 26,000 to 224,000 miles; no clear mileage pattern. Some reports spanning years from 2018 through 2025.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated and stays on; Service brake system light illuminated; Traction control light and service traction control message; Cruise control inoperative; Electronic stability control (ESC) disabled; Service electronic braking system message; Service trailer brake system message; Brake pedal pulsation when depressed; Extended stopping distances reported; Vehicle may limp to 35 MPH max speed; Vehicle can shift into park unexpectedly and refuse to shift back to drive
Codes mentioned: C2200-49 (ABS module internal electronic failure)
Repairs/costs cited: OEM replacement ABS module (part #68295368AA, 68295368AC) has been on national backorder for extended periods (6 months to 1.5+ years as of latest complaints). Dealers confirm zero OEM parts available in US. Rebuild companies cannot repair due to unavailable electronic components. Salvage/used modules extremely difficult to locate and unreliable. One owner paid $2,770 for replacement in August 2024 after 6+ month wait. Parts under 'engineering review' with no firm ETA. No aftermarket parts available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis/RAM/Mopar/FCA aware of widespread issue. Dealers have confirmed this is a known, common failure. Some complaints reference active recall for 2017+ models (NHTSA 24V653000) but 2016 VINs excluded from recall. One owner noted 2022 Ram received recall for identical issue but 2016 denied. Manufacturer states parts unavailable, offering no loaner vehicles, no alternative repair options, and no timeline for resolution. Engineering review initiated but no completion date provided. Manufacturer denies claims citing not being able to determine cause or that recall does not apply to 2016 model year despite identical part numbers and fault codes.
Brake Pad Friction Material Delamination
Brake pad friction material separates from backing plate prematurely, causing pad to become non-functional. Can affect inner or outer pads. Occurs while substantial pad material remains (50–75% in reported cases), indicating manufacturing defect rather than normal wear. One case involved outer pad losing friction material completely and inner pad about 50% delaminated at 38,000 miles.
When: 38,000 miles reported in documented case. Another case at low mileage (over 60% pad material remaining, details suggest early in pad life).
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from wheel area; Brake pedal goes to floor on first application without slowing vehicle; Brake pedal goes to floor on second application without slowing vehicle; Third brake application engages brakes (fluid/calipers compensate for missing friction material); Badly scored rotor in area where pad lost friction; Loss of braking function on initial pedal applications creating immediate crash risk
Repairs/costs cited: Affected brakes required replacement pads and rotor refinishing or replacement. One experienced mechanic (20+ years) replaced pads and cleaned surfaces after catching problem early. Owner concern that other pads on truck might fail similarly, creating future accident/injury risk.
Brake Pedal Loss of Function / Soft Pedal
Brake pedal goes to floor or becomes extremely soft, failing to slow or stop vehicle on initial application(s). In some cases multiple pedal pumps required to regain braking function. Occurs during normal driving, backing out of garage, or emergency braking situations. Not consistently linked to a single root cause in narratives but appears related to hydraulic system or caliper issues combined with potential pad delamination.
When: Reported at 38,000 miles and various other mileages; can occur suddenly during normal operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor on first application; Brake pedal goes to floor on second application; Vehicle does not slow on brake application; Vehicle does not stop on brake application; Brakes finally engage after multiple pedal pumps; In one case, vehicle nearly collided with traffic light intersection vehicles; In another case, backing out of garage and pedal went to floor without slowing vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved delaminated brake pads as root cause. In other cases, root cause not clearly determined in narratives. Repairs varied based on underlying cause.
Unexpected Vehicle Shutdown and Limp Mode
Vehicle experiences unexpected automatic shutdown, shifts into park without driver input, and refuses to shift back into gear. In one case vehicle automatically slowed to stop, shifted to park, and could not be shifted back to drive despite engine still running. Required dealer intervention and battery disconnect/reconnect to restore gear shift function. In another case, vehicle enters limp mode limiting speed to 35 MPH during emergency braking situations, creating safety hazard on highways.
When: One case at 26,000 miles. Another case reported vehicle in limp mode for 150+ days at dealership with no resolution.
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS indicator illuminates; Vehicle automatically slows and comes to complete stop; Vehicle shifts into park without driver action; Cannot shift vehicle out of park back to drive; Engine continues running but vehicle immobilized; Vehicle enters limp mode restricting speed to 35 MPH; Multiple warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: ABS-related fault codes confirmed (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer temporarily resolved one case by disconnecting and reconnecting battery; however, no permanent repair was identified and manufacturer could not determine cause. Another vehicle held at dealership for 150+ days in limp mode with no resolution possible due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated repair could not be repeated and cause could not be determined. Case was not escalated. Owner offered free tire rotation as compensation. Another case: Stellantis/MOPAR in communication for 150+ days with no resolution offered.
Vehicle Fire / Brake Failure During Fire
Vehicle caught fire while being driven at highway speed. Burning plastic odor detected, flames exited heat vents and side of hood. Brakes failed during fire emergency and driver had to use emergency brake to stop vehicle. Vehicle burned to the ground. One case involved smell of burning plastic and unknown indicator illumination before fire.
When: At 57,000 miles in documented case.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic odor while driving; Unknown indicator illuminated; Flames from heat vents; Flames from side of hood; Brake failure (brakes would not function); Had to use emergency brake to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle burned to the ground. Police report filed. Insurance company totaled vehicle. No repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued recall letter (NHTSA 19V757000 - Engine and Engine Cooling) the following day. However, claim was denied because manufacturer could not determine what caused the fire. Owner was not compensated toward replacement vehicle.
Synthesized from 154 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 154 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 56,000 and 108,289 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 108,289. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.