2016 RAM 1500 cruise control problems
moderate 55 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Of the 10 model years of RAM 1500 we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 55.
Owners have filed 55 cruise control 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 significant documented issues with the ABS control module (which also controls cruise control and traction control), throttle response after emissions updates, and brake/cruise control interaction—some resulting in accidents. The ABS module problem is especially concerning because replacement parts have been on extended back-order with no resolution, leaving owners driving unsafe vehicles.
The 54 complaints cluster around a handful of serious failures. The ABS control module is the most frequent culprit: it fails outright, taking cruise control, traction control, and electronic stability control with it. Owners see warning lights (ABS, brake, traction control) stay on continuously, and dealers tell them the replacement part is on an "engineering hold" with no availability date—some back-orders have stretched from August 2023 through February 2025. One owner reported the part costs $1,000–$2,000 to replace when available, and a couple owners mentioned the module failed again within months of replacement. Without it, the truck will enter limp mode randomly, brakes can lock up in wet weather, and the vehicle fails inspection.
Second major issue: throttle lag following the EPA emissions recall (AEM update). Owners report a 3–5 second delay between pressing the accelerator and the engine responding, making highway merging and intersection crossing hazardous. One owner described near-misses at roundabouts; others said the lag is worse in cold weather and the sudden response can cause wheel spin. Dealers say the update cannot be reversed and there is no fix.
Third: brake and cruise control malfunctions. One owner's cruise control would not disengage during rain on I-95 at 75 mph—brakes didn't work either—leading to a crash with $13,600 in damage. Others report cruise control buttons that don't respond, require multiple presses, or refuse to cancel. Steering column wiring harness damage has been mentioned as a cause in at least one case.
Unintended acceleration and throttle sticking round out the complaints, along with electronic throttle body failures that trigger check engine lights and temporary loss of power.
Same RAM 1500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Failure with Cascade Losses
ABS control module fails, disabling ABS braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and cruise control simultaneously. Owners report warning lights (ABS, traction control, brake, electronic braking system) remaining on constantly. The module controls multiple safety systems; when it fails, all are lost. Replacement parts are on extended back-order with no resolution timeline.
When: Varies; one owner at 82,000 miles; failures reported across model years with some appearing after several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights illuminated; Cruise control inoperative; Electronic stability control lost; Loss of traction control in wet/adverse conditions; Vehicle enters limp mode intermittently; Transmission shifting issues requiring shutdown/restart; Brakes feel engaged while driving; Speedometer goes blank intermittently
Codes mentioned: C0051-28, C006A-62, U0415-00
Repairs/costs cited: OEM replacement module; however, parts unavailable on engineering hold since at least August 2023, with estimated availability pushed repeatedly (August 2023 to March 2024, then extended through February 2025). Repair cost $1,000–$2,000 per module replacement. Multiple owners report dealer inability to source replacement parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engineering hold on replacement parts; no recall issued for 2016 models (2017+ models have recall); manufacturer reportedly aware but parts withheld pending engineering review
Cruise Control Failure—Button/Engagement Issues
Cruise control becomes intermittent or completely inoperative. On/off button does not respond reliably; takes multiple presses (6–7 times) to activate. Once engaged, cancel button may not disengage cruise control, leaving vehicle locked at set speed even when brakes are applied.
When: Between 31,000–36,000 miles; one owner noticed onset around April 2018 at approximately 34,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: On/off button does not respond consistently; Cruise control operates intermittently—works some days, fails others; Cancel button fails to disengage cruise control; Vehicle maintains speed despite brake application; Requires multiple button presses to activate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service noted previous unknown recall performed on some vehicles; no repair completed on others. One report mentions steering column wiring harness as cause, with dealer noting this is a widespread issue in RAM trucks.
Throttle/Acceleration Lag After Eco Diesel Emissions Update (AEM)
Following mandatory EPA emissions recall update (AEM), owners report severe throttle lag and delayed acceleration response, particularly at cold start and when pulling into traffic or merging onto highways. Delay ranges from 3–5 seconds after pedal depression. Once throttle engages, response is sudden and unpredictable, sometimes causing wheel spin. Owners state vehicle performance was normal before the update and dealers confirm the lag is present but cannot reverse the modification.
When: Immediately after emissions recall/firmware update; owners purchasing used trucks after update also affected
Symptoms owners cite: 3–5 second delay between pressing accelerator and throttle response; Especially severe at cold start and in cold weather; Vehicle moves ~4 mph for extended period before power engages; Unpredictable throttle engagement, sometimes cutting power at random; Sudden acceleration once throttle finally responds, causing wheel spin in adverse weather; Significant MPG drop reported; Dangerous during highway merging and traffic intersection entry
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers state the AEM update cannot be reversed and confirm 'no fix' available. One dealer noted receiving many complaints but having no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall literature claims AEM will not change vehicle attributes; owners report literature is false. Chrysler/RAM responded 'working as intended' when owners reported hazardous conditions.
Unintended Acceleration and Throttle Sticking
Vehicle accelerates independently or throttle becomes stuck when pedal is released. Engine revs uncontrollably, sometimes to full throttle. Braking does not stop the acceleration; owners must shift to neutral or turn off engine to regain control.
When: Various; one at 48,711 miles during highway passing; one at 164,000 miles; one during light approach at moderate speed
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Throttle sticks or remains in acceleration mode after pedal release; Engine revs to full throttle and redlines; Brake pedal ineffective at stopping acceleration; Check Engine light illuminates; Vehicle becomes undrivable until shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to determine cause or complete repairs; one owner reports dealer suggested simultaneous brake/accelerator depression as cause (unconfirmed).
Brake Pedal Malfunction and Loss of Braking Effectiveness
Brake pedal becomes difficult to depress, requiring excessive force to stop vehicle. In one critical case, brake pedal went to floor without effect while cruise control remained engaged at highway speed, resulting in crash. Electronic stability control warning remains illuminated.
When: Variable; one case at 78,000 miles; one at highway speed after extended cruise control use
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires excessive force to depress; Brake pedal travels to floor without stopping vehicle; Cruise control cannot be disengaged via brake application; Electronic stability control warning illuminated; Loss of acceleration capability after brake system event; Vehicle difficult to control, especially in wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's post-crash inspection revealed codes C0051-28, C006A-62, U0415-00 indicating cruise control malfunction. Repair costs exceeded $13,600 for crash damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner had vehicle serviced under recall 18V332000 in November 2018 prior to failure; manufacturer informed after crash
Electronic Throttle Control / Throttle Body Failures
Check Engine light illuminates with 'Service Throttle Body' message; electronic throttle control fails, causing loss of power and acceleration. Vehicle loses ability to accelerate or power. Codes indicate high-speed communication bus failure or throttle sensor malfunction.
When: One at 1,300 miles (very early); one at 40,000 miles; one at 46,000 miles (sixth recurrence); one at 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light and 'Service Throttle Body' message appear; Vehicle loses acceleration and power; Vehicle stalls at low speed (20–25 mph); Electronic throttle control warning illuminates; Engine completely shuts off without warning; Failure code erases and problem temporarily resolves, then recurs
Codes mentioned: High-speed communication bus failure, Throttle position sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner brought truck to dealer six times for same failure since April 2018; only temporary fix was code erasure. Throttle position sensor replacement attempted on some vehicles. One vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign 19V757000 (engine/cooling).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case number S171800032 issued for recurring throttle body failures
Cruise Control Engaged with Brake Failure
While cruise control is actively engaged, brakes fail or brake pedal becomes unresponsive, trapping vehicle at highway speed. In the most severe case documented, driver could not disengage cruise control or apply brakes effectively, resulting in loss of vehicle control and crash.
When: One critical incident on I-95 at 75 mph after ~1 hour of cruise control use in rain
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control will not disengage when brake pedal depressed; Brakes do not slow vehicle; Vehicle locked at cruise control speed despite brake application; Vehicle loses control in wet conditions
Codes mentioned: C0051-28, C006A-62, U0415-00
Repairs/costs cited: $13,600+ damage from resulting crash; post-accident mechanic confirmed codes indicated cruise control failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V332000 had been completed prior to incident
Synthesized from 55 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 cruise control problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 55 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 30,000 and 56,000 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 56,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.