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 prevalent during the winter months, especially in New York State. ABS, traction control, and brake lights are illuminated on…
2016 RAM 1500 electrical problems
critical 131 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
131
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
6crashes
5fires
3injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 131 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 131 electrical 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: Stay away from the 2016 Ram 1500 electrical system—ABS modules fail with no replacement parts available, trucks shut down without warning at highway speeds, and shifting electronics trap you mid-drive. Multiple owners report unsafe conditions that dealers refuse to fix and manufacturers won't recall.
Owners report three distinct electrical system failures in the 2016 Ram 1500:
ABS Module Failures dominate the complaints. Multiple owners describe the ABS control module failing internally (code C2200-49), triggering brake lights, traction control, and cruise control to stop working simultaneously. One owner's truck began losing traction on dry roads; another experienced brake lockup in a parking lot. Owners report the part is on nationwide backorder with no availability through March 2025 and beyond, despite being a safety system. Dealerships confirm the problem but tell owners to drive anyway—contradicting owner's manuals that say not to operate with the brake light on.
Full System Electrical Shutdowns occur while driving at highway speeds. Owners report the truck cutting power completely without warning—engine dies, no steering assist, no brakes, dash goes dark. In one case, a truck shut down at 65 mph on an interstate; another died three times while towing a trailer in mountains. Some vehicles restart after a few minutes; others require professional towing. One fatal crash narrative alleges a cruise control stuck active, though cruise control issues appear separately in other complaints.
Shifting and Transmission Electronics Malfunction, including transmission interlock solenoid failures that lock the truck in park mid-drive, forcing owners to restart repeatedly. Multiple error codes flash (Service Shifter, Service Transmission, Service Throttle Control). Dealership software updates addressing these codes have not resolved the underlying failures.
Same RAM 1500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Control Module Failure (Internal Electronic Fault)
The ABS control module suffers internal electronic failure, disabling anti-lock brakes, traction control, and cruise control simultaneously. Code C2200-49 is reported. The module is on nationwide backorder with no ETA; Stellantis has repeatedly delayed part release pending 'engineering review.'
When: Mileage ranges 40,000–88,000 miles; failures began as early as 2019 and continue through 2024.
Symptoms owners cite: Red brake light illuminated on dash; ABS and traction control lights on; Cruise control inoperative; 4WD options disabled; Brakes lock unexpectedly in wet/rain; Traction loss on dry and wet pavement
Codes mentioned: C2200-49
Repairs/costs cited: Part number 68295368AB (ABS/Hydraulic Control Unit). Repair cost quoted ~$700–$2,000. Part is on national backorder; dealerships refuse to install used modules. Owners report 160+ requests at single dealership location; 3,600 modules on backorder nationwide as of April 2025.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2017–2019 models only; 2016 owners excluded despite same failure mode. No recall issued for 2016. Dealer recommendation: disconnect battery nightly, accept unsafe driving, or wait indefinitely for parts.
Complete Electrical System Shutdown While Driving
Engine shuts off completely without warning during highway driving. All power lost—no steering assist, no brakes, no lights, dash goes blank. Vehicle sometimes restarts after minutes; sometimes requires towing. One incident involved a motorcycle fatality when truck could not deactivate cruise control.
When: Mileage varies; incidents at 65 mph, 70 mph, 30 mph, and while towing. Some owners report multiple occurrences.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies mid-drive without warning; Loss of all electrical power; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Dash goes dark/blank; Vehicle unable to restart immediately; Dashboard warning lights blink erratically
Codes mentioned: No Bus
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had PCM replaced; another had wiring harness diagnosed as needing replacement (no longer available per dealer). Causes cited: crankshaft tone ring lost magnetic material, defective vehicle control module, failing electrical harness. Repairs range from $1,700 to multiple failed attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall W58 and W68 exist for crankshaft tone ring issue but VINs excluded. Dealers tell owners the problem is 'their problem' if VIN not in recall database. No manufacturer response in most cases.
Transmission Interlock/Shift Electronics Malfunction
Transmission locks in park while vehicle is in drive or reverse, trapping driver mid-turn or mid-intersection. Multiple error codes flash simultaneously (Service Shifter, Service Transmission, Service Throttle Control). Rotary shifter switch failure suspected. Failures recur after software updates.
When: Occurred at 15,400 miles; failures continue across multiple service visits despite repeated software updates and part replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks in park while in drive or reverse; Multiple service error codes flash on dash; Engine shuts off unexpectedly at traffic lights; Dashboard flickering during failures; Key stuck in 'accessory' position, cannot turn off
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter, Service Transmission, Service Throttle Control, No Bus
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates applied three times; rotary shifter switch replaced. Latest software update (3 weeks prior to complaint) included automatic park-engage logic if door open, truck in gear, brake not pressed. Failures continued after this update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple software updates issued; problem persists. No root-cause repair identified.
Synthesized from 131 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Multiple times now my vehicle has been unable to start. After jumping the vehicle, it will stay running. I have taken it to the dealership and left it there for 3 days. (palmen motors kenosha, wi) there were unable to diagnose the problem. In the process, they charged the battery. Within a few weeks, the battery was back dead and the vehicle needs to be jumped to start. The dealership is unable…
In February 2022 while driving my ABS light came on and stayed illuminated. I pulled over emergently on the freeway worried that my brakes were out. That was not the case, but the light was on and I was not sure if the vehicle could be driven. I got home and called Cutter Pearl City asap and was told that appointments were months away for service/diagnostic (I can only assume that this was due to…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
It's a serious issue. 131 complaints have been filed, including 6 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,250 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 35,545. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,250; a quarter make it past 55,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.