The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2016 RAM 1500 have filed 188 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 32,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
188
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 80 |
| 2014 1500 | 172 |
| 2015 1500 | 209 |
| 2016 1500 (this page) | 188 |
| 2017 1500 | 81 |
| 2018 1500 | 50 |
| 2019 1500 | 183 |
| 2020 1500 | 59 |
34crashes
4fires
15injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 188 powertrain 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 188 powertrain 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.
Among the 11 model years of RAM 1500 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2016 RAM 1500 owners describe a pattern of severe powertrain failures. The most dangerous: sudden, unannounced engine shutdown at highway speeds caused by crankshaft tone wheel delamination—identical to Recalls 20V-475 and 23V-411, yet many owners' VINs are excluded. Engine stalls create immediate loss of power steering and ability to restart; RAM blames owners for not using the parking brake instead of fixing the transmission.
Transmission problems are rampant. Vehicles shift violently out of gear, lurch forward when stopping (feeling like rear-end collisions), and refuse to hold park, causing roll-aways into parked cars, walls, and water. Some owners report their transmissions won't engage into drive without multiple restarts. Harsh downshifting creates back pain and loss of control in wet conditions.
The factory AEM emissions software update (V08), mandated for certain models, caused catastrophic problems owners say FCA promised wouldn't happen: 3–7 second throttle lag on acceleration, making highway merging and intersection crossing dangerously unpredictable. Dealers confirm the problem exists but claim it's "normal." ABS brake modules fail at 50k miles, and FCA won't manufacture replacement parts—owners report waiting years for backordered components. One EGR cooler fire-risk recall has an over 12-month parts wait. Additional electrical gremlins (wipers, climate, locks, mirrors) occur randomly. The common thread: dealers cannot replicate failures, manufacturers deny responsibility, and parts shortages leave owners driving unsafe vehicles.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Crankshaft Tone Wheel Delamination
Magnetic material on the crankshaft tone wheel delaminates or flakes off, causing the sensor to lose signal to the PCM. Engine loses ability to synchronize fuel injection and ignition timing, resulting in sudden stall, loss of power steering, and inability to restart. Occurs without warning at highway speeds.
When: Varies; reported at 17,800 miles, 50k miles, 75k miles; some within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine shutdown at highway speed without warning; Loss of power steering; Check engine light; Electronic throttle control warning; Unable to restart or prolonged inability to restart; Vehicle shuddering or bucking as if engine cuts out briefly
Codes mentioned: P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships report tone wheel replacement costs $1,600–$1,760. Parts reported as backordered or unavailable for extended periods.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V-475 (W68) and 23V-411 (66A/73A) issued for affected vehicles. Many owners report their VINs excluded from recall despite identical failure mode; RAM states affected VINs received 'good' tone wheels not subject to defect. Owners urged to use parking brake; manufacturer denies liability for out-of-recall VINs.
Transmission Shift Solenoid Failure / Sudden Gear Disengagement
Transmission suddenly pops out of gear or shifts unexpectedly while driving, particularly at highway speeds and cruise control. Vehicle may shift into neutral or lose all forward motion. Related shift solenoid and controller failures reported with diagnostic code P0984.
When: Reported at various mileages; one instance at 90,000 miles after recall service; some at 4,700–30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden violent pop or lurch out of gear at highway speed; Loss of power, requiring coasting to shoulder; Check engine light illumination (stored and active codes); Transmission remains in gear despite shifter position display; Transmission will not engage into desired gear
Codes mentioned: P0984 Shift Solenoid 5 Control Circuit Range/Performance
Repairs/costs cited: Shift solenoid 5 replacement and transmission valve body replacement attempted; software recalibration ('quick learn') performed with no lasting resolution in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V036000 issued for powertrain-related shifts. Owners report dealer claims inability to replicate issue when codes are 'stored' rather than 'active,' delaying repair authorization. RAM factory reps reportedly ignored owner instructions on when issue occurs.
Harsh Transmission Downshift and Forward Lurch
Transmission exhibits harsh, unpredictable downshifting—particularly 2nd-to-1st gear—causing vehicle to lunge forward suddenly as if rear-ended. Occurs during low-speed driving, stop-and-go traffic, and slowing to stops. Issue worsens as transmission heats up. Can manifest as violent shuddering in wet/slippery conditions.
When: Reported starting at 4,700 miles; escalates over first 5,000–10,000 miles; persists after 30,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh lunge forward when coming to stop or slowing in traffic; Violent downshift with severe jolt felt in driver's seat and cabin; Hesitation followed by jerky acceleration on throttle input; Erratic, unpredictable shifting in all driving conditions; Extreme discomfort and lower back pain from transmission impact; 'Service Shifter' warning message; Transmission shuddering or slipping when shifting from reverse to drive or park to drive; Loss of vehicle control in wet/slippery conditions due to unpredictable shifts
Codes mentioned: No trouble codes reported by dealer in multiple complaints
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission valve body and controller replaced without lasting resolution; firmware/CPU flashes attempted multiple times; potential defective driveshaft identified but repair status unclear. Dealers acknowledge problem but report no effective repair available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM factory representatives drove vehicle but reportedly did not observe issue or ignored owner's detailed description of when it occurs. RAM closed cases claiming harsh shifting is 'normal' after 5,000–6,000 mile break-in. No warranty repair coverage offered after initial factory involvement.
Transmission Failure to Hold Park / Unintended Vehicle Movement
Transmission fails to securely hold vehicle in park position. Vehicle rolls away, drifts, or creeps despite shifter clearly positioned in park and engine running or off. Occurs on level ground, slight inclines, and steep driveways. Rotary dial shifter may not engage park properly, or transmission disengages from park without driver input.
When: Reported across multiple mileages: 4,700 miles, 17,800 miles, 20,000 miles, 56,000 miles, 70,000+ miles; varies in timing and conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward or backward despite shifter in park position; Shifter indicator shows park but transmission does not hold; Vehicle creeps slowly downhill when parked; Vehicle moves from park to drive or neutral unexpectedly; Inability to fully shift into park; shifter returns to drive; Ice or debris buildup preventing park engagement (one instance); Key stuck in ignition; difficult to remove after parking; Electronic transmission indicator flashing or blinking abnormally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable or unwilling to replicate failures during service visits. One instance attributed to ice buildup around park mechanism. No parts replacement documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA sent inspectors to recover vehicle data via ORC (onboard recorder) but denied liability, citing owner's manual requirement to use emergency brake. RAM advised to always engage parking brake; declined responsibility for transmission malfunction. One dealer reported inability to diagnose without replication of failure.
AEM (Approved Emissions Modification) Software Update—Severe Throttle Lag and Performance Loss
Post-AEM V08 software update mandated by emissions consent decree causes severe and dangerous throttle response delay. Vehicles experience 3–7 second delay between accelerator pedal depression and engine response, especially after cold start or at low engine temperatures. Affects acceleration from stops, highway merging, passing, and intersection crossing. Update explicitly promised no performance or drivability changes; owners report opposite.
When: Began immediately after V08/AEM update completion; dates range June–September 2019; persists as of complaint dates 2019–2020
Symptoms owners cite: 3–7 second delay in throttle response from complete stop; Sluggish, weak acceleration even at full throttle; Dead or nearly non-responsive pedal when cold or not fully warmed; Vehicle barely moves forward or idles into traffic; Severe hesitation followed by abrupt acceleration after delay; Loss of fuel economy (2–5 MPG decrease reported); Engine struggles at 1,200–1,500 RPM as if in too high gear; Intermittent cruise control malfunction; Poor performance when towing
Codes mentioned: No engine/transmission codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: No repair parts made available by FCA. Dealers informed owners that issue is 'normal' post-update operation. Dealership technicians acknowledged problem but stated 'they all do it' and recommended waiting for FCA fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA issued V08/AEM update per class action settlement but claims no change in performance or drivability per update documentation. When owners complained, FCA stated this is normal post-update behavior. No remedy offered; cases closed without repair. One owner mentioned case manager stated parts not available to fix issue.
ABS and Brake System Electronic Control Module Failure
ABS light and brake service warning illuminate, indicating failure of ABS Electronic Brake Control Module and brake fluid pump assembly. Parts reported as backordered indefinitely—some for years. Owners report thousands of RAM owners (all model years since ~2012) waiting for replacement parts. FCA reportedly not manufacturing parts, citing 'engineering review' status.
When: Reported at 50,000 miles; parts unavailable as of May 2024 complaint; described as affecting vehicles across multiple model years since 2012
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Brake service warning light; 'Service ABS braking system' message; Reduced braking effectiveness or unpredictable brake behavior
Repairs/costs cited: NAPA reported need for ABS Electronic Brake Control Module and Brake Fluid Pump assembly replacement. Parts on backorder indefinitely; no ETA provided. No labor cost provided in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts listed as backordered or under 'engineering review' indefinitely. FCA stated parts no longer under warranty but did not provide timeline or commitment to supply. Owner reported FCA refused to answer when parts would be available. No recall or safety campaign identified in narrative.
Cold Start Throttle Response Degradation (Post-AEM)
Engine exhibits severely reduced throttle response when cold or not at full operating temperature following AEM V08 software update. Particularly dangerous during initial acceleration from stops when ambient temperature is cool or engine not fully warmed. Issue mitigated or absent once engine fully warmed.
When: Post-V08 AEM update (June–July 2019); persists throughout complaint period; worse in cooler ambient temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Complete dead pedal on cold start; Almost no throttle response until engine warms; Unsafe for highway merging or acceleration until fully warmed; Remote start required to pre-warm engine before safe driving; Takes 5+ minutes of idling to achieve normal response
Codes mentioned: No engine codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: No fix available. Dealers advised it is normal post-update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Dealership confirmed this is 'normal' post-update operation. No remedy offered.
Driveshaft Failure and Seizure
Rear driveshaft seizes or fails catastrophically while driving at highway speed. Vehicle experiences sudden violent deceleration, loud banging, and partial or complete separation of driveshaft. Driveshaft components ejected from vehicle, creating hazard to following traffic.
When: Reported at unknown exact mileage; incident occurred during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden violent lurch as if brakes applied hard; Loss of speed despite engine revving; Loud banging sounds under vehicle; Driveshaft or components separated from vehicle; Driveshaft components scattered across roadway; Rear differential spilling fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis: axle seized, destroyed differential and driveshaft. Rear assembly and driveshaft replacement required. Transmission and transfer case status unclear until work completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or manufacturer response documented in narrative.
Engine Fire and Low Oil Pressure Stall
Engine sudden loss of forward momentum accompanied by massive white smoke and flames visible at rear of engine. Low oil pressure light illuminates. Engine compartment fire involves smoldering plastic and wire harness. Vehicle disabled on roadside; fire/rescue response required.
When: August 22, 2019; after approximately 8-mile commute drive
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of forward momentum despite engine revving; Massive white smoke plume from engine and wheel wells; Low oil pressure warning light; Visible flame at rear of engine; Smoldering plastic and wire harness
Repairs/costs cited: Fire/rescue extinguished fire with water. Vehicle towed to dealership. Engine cover removed post-incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; vehicle at dealership for investigation.
Rotary Dial Shifter Design Defect / Accidental Engagement
Rotary dial shifter located too close to climate control knob, creating risk of accidental operation. Shifter can be inadvertently moved from intended position during routine in-cabin operations (adjusting A/C, reaching for door handle). Additionally, shifter may fail to properly engage or disengage selected gear, with indicator light flashing or showing wrong position.
When: Reported at 30,000+ miles; design flaw inherent to vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Accidental shifter movement while adjusting A/C or reaching for door; Shifter does not solidly engage selected gear; Indicator light flashing or showing incorrect gear position; Transmission does not engage into selected gear without multiple attempts; Shifter too close to climate control causing confusion; Transmission unexpectedly shifts or disengages
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented beyond design awareness. One owner suggested redesign or relocation of shifter.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA denied liability, citing owner's manual requirement to use parking brake and noting shifter design per specifications.
Electrical Gremlins—Wipers, Climate Control, Door Locks, Window Clips
Multiple electrical and mechanical failures including wipers activating full-speed without input, climate control switching between heat and A/C on its own, door locks locking and unlocking without warning, side-view mirrors folding in at highway speed, speedometer screen flashing, and power window regulators/clips failing and breaking repeatedly.
When: Reported across various mileages; window clip issues recurrent; wipers/climate/locks varied timing
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers activating at full speed in off position and clear weather; Climate control switching between heat and A/C automatically; Door locks engaging and disengaging without driver input; Side-view mirrors folding inward at highway speed; Speedometer screen flashing erratically; Power window regulator clips breaking repeatedly; risk of window falling into door; Park assist availability warnings appearing randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Window clips replaced multiple times. Other electrical issues generally not repaired; dealer unable or unwilling to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented for most electrical issues. Window clip replacements handled under warranty initially.
EGR Cooler Crack and Fire Risk
EGR cooler develops cracks, creating fire hazard. Recall 19V757000 issued October 24, 2019. However, critical parts shortage prevents timely repairs. Owners waiting up to 2 years for parts availability, forcing them to operate vehicles with known fire risk on public roads.
When: Reported 2020–2021; recall issued October 2019; parts unavailable for 12–24+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Potential for engine fire due to cracked EGR cooler
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler replacement required per recall. Parts backordered; some owners told to expect parts availability 12+ months after recall notification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V757000 issued but parts manufacturing delayed. Owner told parts not available until October–November 2021 (1+ year wait). NHTSA investigation encouraged due to overall pattern of safety recalls with parts availability delays.
Transmission Stuck in Gear or Unable to Shift
Transmission becomes stuck in single gear (3rd, 5th, or 1st gear reported) and refuses to upshift, downshift, or change gears. Vehicle stuck in one gear for extended periods, limiting safe operation. Issue occurs during idle and motion.
When: Reported at various mileages; one instance at 101 miles after previous identical repair
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in single gear; Inability to upshift or downshift; Refusal to engage different gears; Vehicle limited to single gear operation
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission repair/rebuild or replacement required. One owner reported transmission repaired at 101 miles and failed again with same issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement in process for one vehicle that failed after previous repair; transmission status unclear.
Total Engine Failure
Engine complete failure requiring replacement. One instance reported of engine failure repaired at 101 miles and failing again with same problem.
When: Reported; one instance of failure after previous repair at 101 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Total engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement under warranty; same issue recurred after previous repair at 101 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler in process of replacing engine for second time on same vehicle.
Multiple Transmission Control Module and Shifter Electronic Failures
Shift module and transmission control electronics fail, preventing gear shifting. Check engine light, 'Service Shifter,' and 'Service Transmission' messages illuminate. Vehicle stuck in one gear despite shifter input, flashing gear indicator lights, and multiple warning messages.
When: Reported at various mileages; one instance at 39,000+ miles with ongoing issues for 1+ year after initial diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: 'Check Engine' light; 'Service Shifter' message; 'Service Transmission' messages; Vehicle unable to shift into gears; Stuck in one gear (typically Drive); Flashing gear indicator lights; Random flashing of all four gear indicators (P, N, R, D); Multiple restarts required to restore shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Shift module replacement quoted at $1,000+. Dealerships unable to diagnose root cause or confirm repair will resolve issue. One vehicle at dealership for 1+ year with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM Care advised nothing can be done. First dealer gave up on diagnosis and referred to second dealer. Issues escalated per narrative but worsened over time.
Synthesized from 188 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 seconds loud banging under the vehicle was heard and half the drive shaft came out the back flipping end over end down the…
On dec 22 I pulled up to my fianc's school put the 2016 Ram 1500 in park my foot was still on the break. I took my seatbelt off and so did my fianc. Took my foot of the break and the truck went forward. Looked down verified the shifter was in park fiance verified also and the d light was blinking on my dial shifter but was turned to park. Put the emergency break on turned the key of turned the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. When the contact placed the vehicle in park, it reversed independently and struck a pole without warning. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was driven home. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
After putting truck into reverse then putting in back into forward gear the truck will not recognize the fact it is suppose to go forward. Not in 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. This has happened to us twice. I have found out you have to actually turn the truck off and then restart. First time I had to do this a couple of times this last time it then went into forward drive with the 4 wheel drive…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 188 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 131 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,000 and 54,300 miles, with the median around 32,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 54,300. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.