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 hw…
2016 ram 1500 powertrain problems
severe 187 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
187
Recalls
0
Crashes
34
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 KEY…
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 …
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 ram 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 187 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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