LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 RAM 1500 suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 RAM 1500 have filed 62 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 58,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
62
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 36 |
| 2014 1500 | 92 |
| 2015 1500 | 50 |
| 2016 1500 (this page) | 62 |
| 2017 1500 | 41 |
| 2018 1500 | 19 |
| 2019 1500 | 24 |
| 2020 1500 | 13 |
1crash
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 62 suspension 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 9 model years of RAM 1500 in our records for suspension problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
Air Suspension Inoperative And Or Compressor Freeze Up Or Sticking In Cold Weather.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Air Suspension Inoperative And Or Compressor Freeze Up Or Sticking In Cold Weather.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Air Suspension Inoperative And Or Compressor Freeze Up Or Sticking In Cold Weather.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system. Replace only the part deemed failed by the diagnostics performed. Individual parts include: - Compressor - Valve block - Individual hoses - Temp sensor - Shield - Air line clips NOTE: in most situations when a new compressor is needed, the compressor as a separate part is the correct repair, and the assembly would not be required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 RAM 1500 air suspension system shows multiple failure patterns across electrical, environmental, and physical components. Most common: dashboard messages ("Service Air Suspension," "Immediate Air Suspension Service/Repair Required") tied to defective control modules and compressors. Owners cite repeated replacements of the same parts—compressor, control module, airbags—only to experience failure again within days to weeks. Electrical faults include blown 40-amp fuses and valve blocks that bind or stick.
Cold-weather operation is severely problematic. When temperatures drop below freezing, the suspension deflates partly or completely, dropping the truck onto bump stops and creating a harsh, bouncy ride that makes winter driving unsafe—especially on icy roads. This happens annually for owners in northern climates, and the only remedy is warming the truck indoors.
Specific component failures include torn airbags, broken suspension fittings (elbows), and asymmetric collapse where one side (often left rear) sags while the other remains normal, causing steering pull and loss of control. Some owners report wheel bearing failure and tire detachment at highway speed.
Dealers acknowledge the problem is "common" and "widespread," with parts chronically on backorder. Many refuse warranty coverage and push owners toward $4,000–$10,000 aftermarket suspension conversions. RAM customer service has declined to investigate or issue a recall.
Same RAM 1500 suspension reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Air Suspension System Failures - Control Module & Electrical
Dashboards display 'Service Air Suspension' and 'Immediate Air Suspension Service/Repair Required' messages. Failures traced to defective air suspension control modules, electrical faults in the compressor/valve block, blown fuses (40 amp), and binding/sticking valve blocks. Modules replaced multiple times but failures recur within hours to weeks of repair. Some owners report the system defaults to 'Entry/Exit Mode' (completely deflated).
When: Across all mileages; earliest at 16,568 miles, typical around 30,000-108,000 miles. Can occur with or without warning light; messages may appear intermittently or not at all.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning messages: 'Service Air Suspension' and 'Immediate Air Suspension Service/Repair Required'; Suspension does not inflate or inflate fully; System stuck in Entry/Exit Mode (airbags fully deflated); Blown 40 amp fuse for air suspension; Compressor motor makes noise but fails to inflate driver side only; System resets by dealer but message reappears within days
Codes mentioned: Service Air Suspension (unspecified DTC codes referenced but not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Air Suspension Control Module replacement ($1,801 total for two modules in one case); compressor replacement; fuse replacement; dealers cite parts on backorder. Multiple replacement attempts fail to resolve issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM dealer networks acknowledge widespread issue; some dealers refuse warranty coverage or push owners toward aftermarket 'air delete' suspension conversion ($4,000-$10,000). FCA assigned case managers in some instances but offered no permanent fix or recall. Dealers report manufacturer awareness but no directive to address root cause.
Air Suspension Cold-Weather Failures
Air suspension system fails to inflate or completely deflates when ambient temperature drops below freezing (0–20°F range). Compressor replaced in 2018 but failures recur annually in winter. System normalizes when temperature warms above freezing. Owners report the truck sags to the frame or bounce stops, creating harsh ride and poor vehicle control, especially on icy roads. Some failures occur while driving at highway speed.
When: Annually during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing; several instances per season reported by some owners. First cold-weather incident as early as January 2018; recurring annually thereafter.
Symptoms owners cite: Suspension drops to frame or bump stops in cold weather; Vehicle bounces harshly on rough roads when suspension fails; Warning message sometimes displayed, sometimes not; Truck sags asymmetrically (front low, rear high, or single-side collapse); Steering becomes sloppy and difficult to control; Loss of traction and stability on icy/snow-covered roads; System returns to normal once temperature warms above freezing
Codes mentioned: Service Air Suspension
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor replacement (cost ~$600–$2,800 reported); dealers reset computer and keep truck in warm shop temporarily; no permanent fix identified. Repeated replacements fail to prevent recurrence. One dealer recommended aftermarket 'air delete' conversion; another told owner vehicle 'not suitable for cold climates.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer technicians state cold-weather failures are 'common' and 'known issue'; RAM customer service refuses to acknowledge or investigate. No recall issued despite thousands of forum complaints. Warranty does not cover air suspension. Manufacturers advised owners to contact NHTSA.
Air Suspension Physical Component Failures - Bags & Fittings
Individual airbags fail or leak, causing uneven suspension collapse. One owner reported a broken 'elbow' (fitting/connector) on right front suspension, causing rear to sag to near ground. Another owner experienced torn airbag discovered after independent shop diagnosis ($600 to replace). Left rear airbag failures reported by multiple owners. Manufacturer/dealership cannot locate OEM parts; backorders are chronic.
When: Can occur at any mileage; 'Right Front Broken Elbow' failure noted on high-mileage truck (~185,000 miles). Airbag tears confirmed by independent shops; timing variable.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle sagging asymmetrically (rear low, front high); Truck bottoming out on bumps; bumpy, uncontrolled ride; Headlight aim affected (front too high); Multiple air suspension error codes displayed; Visible suspension imbalance between sides; Torn or leaking airbags detected by independent shop
Codes mentioned: Multiple air suspension error codes (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Broken elbow fitting (~$10 part) cannot be sourced; dealership claims no stock in U.S., parts on backorder. Manufacturer refuses third-party parts; airbag replacement ~$600. Full system replacement estimate $3,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships refuse to use aftermarket parts and require official Mopar components, which are unavailable. No timeline provided for backorder parts. Manufacturer not responsive to escalation requests.
Rear Air Suspension Collapse While Driving
Rear suspension suddenly drops completely during highway operation (35–75 mph), causing truck to lose most of its suspension support and lean heavily. Vehicle becomes difficult to control; rear end sags or bounces violently. Failures unpredictable; sometimes a warning light appears, sometimes none. Can cause owner to leave roadway or become stranded.
When: Mid-range mileage (~50,000–70,000 miles typical); can occur without warning at any highway speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of rear suspension while driving; Truck leans or sags to one side; Bouncing and loss of control, especially during turning or accelerating; Steering pull to deflated side; Vehicle drops onto bump stops; harsh, uncontrolled ride; Tire blowouts caused by excessive suspension drop; Dashboard warning light may or may not illuminate
Codes mentioned: Service Air Suspension (context-dependent)
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor and control module replacements cited; one owner stranded 3 hours and unable to change tire due to extreme suspension drop. Multiple repair attempts fail to prevent recurrence (failures within 1–4 weeks of repair).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosis often inconclusive. One owner stated truck became stranded after repair recurrence and refused to drive it further due to safety concerns. Manufacturer has not issued recall or mandatory service campaign.
Front Suspension Collapse & Wheel Bearing Failure
Front suspension collapses or becomes unstable due to component failure (wheel bearing, broken knuckle at tie rod, or other front-end structure). One incident involved complete wheel detachment at highway speed caused by wheel bearing failure. Brake lines ruptured and fire ignited. Another involved a broken tie rod knuckle entering a highway turn, causing spinout and collision with semi-truck.
When: Occurrence mileage: ~185,000 miles for wheel bearing failure; tie rod knuckle failure at highway speed (no mileage specified).
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from passenger-side front end; Front end collapse or sagging; Tire detachment or wheel lockup; Brake line leakage; Fire underneath front end (wheel bearing failure case); Loss of steering control during turn (tie rod knuckle fracture); Vehicle spinout and collision risk
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel bearing failure diagnosis confirmed by towing shop. Vehicle not repaired due to cost. Tie rod knuckle fracture required tow recovery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in wheel bearing case; no documented response.
High-Speed Vibration (Non-Air Suspension Suspension Component)
Vehicles vibrate abnormally at highway speeds (55–75 mph), with vibration intensifying as speed increases. Vibration felt in seats, floor, and console but not transmitted to steering wheel. Tire balancing, rotation, road-force balancing, and front driveshaft replacement do not resolve issue. Dealership diagnostics inconclusive; multiple dealers unable to identify root cause. Owners report thousands of similar complaints online but no manufacturer response or recall issued.
When: Can occur as early as 380 miles (break-in period); typical failures at 24,600–71,000 miles. Vibration persistent and recurrent despite multiple repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at 55–75+ mph (worsens with higher speed); Abnormal buzzing noise in some cases; Vibration felt in seats, floor, console; No abnormal steering wheel vibration; Persists after tire maintenance, tire balancing, tire rotation, road-force balance; Persists after front driveshaft replacement; No warning lights (most cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Tire work (balancing, rotation, road-force balance) unsuccessful. Front driveshaft replacement unsuccessful (4x4 model). No root cause identified by multiple dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. One owner notes thousands of complaints posted on online forums with no recall action from Chrysler/RAM.
Abnormal Suspension Vibration & Instability (General)
Vehicle experiences shaking or vibration while driving, unrelated to tires or wheels. Some vehicles shake at rest or during acceleration. In one case, extensive parts replacement (rear shocks, rotors, springs, tires, and rims) did not resolve the issue. Dealership unable to diagnose root cause despite multiple visits.
When: Occurred early in ownership (2–3 months post-purchase for one owner); mileage ~108,000 at time of complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking or vibration while driving; No warning lights illuminated; Persists despite rear shock replacement; Persists despite rear rotor replacement; Persists despite rear spring replacement; Persists despite tire replacement and rotation to different axles; Persists despite complete tire and rim exchange; Persists despite dealership diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Owner performed extensive DIY repairs: rear shocks, rear rotors, rear springs replaced without success. All four tires and rims exchanged; failure continued. Dealership unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no documented response or investigation.
ABS & Brake System Failures
ABS warning light illuminates without warning. In one case, ABS light came on during wet road conditions (slush/puddles), causing brake lockup and loss of steering control; tire locked up and vehicle swerved into opposite lane near bridge. In another case, ABS light simply illuminates and cruise control disables; dealer states ABS module has failed and parts unavailable. One complaint mentions brake line leakage (tied to suspension collapse incident).
When: Timing varies; one case at 71,000 miles; another during winter wet road conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates without warning; Brake lockup in wet/slushy conditions; Tires lock and vehicle skids or swerves; Loss of steering control; Cruise control disables when ABS light is on; Brake line leakage (in suspension collapse case)
Codes mentioned: ABS module failure
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required but parts on backorder; no estimated delivery date. Brake rotors show excessive wear in one case (turned or replacement recommended).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states manufacturer unaware of availability timeline for recall repair parts (NHTSA Campaign 22V406000 referenced for fuel system; parts not yet available). One owner reports manufacturer 'has no idea when parts will be available.'
Synthesized from 62 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My pickup rebel "leans". My driver side will be down 2 inches (entry mode) on the stops while my passenger side is in (area mode). It's really unsafe to drive. Has left me stranded a handful of times. Brought it into the mechanics with no prevail. Does it when it is below 32 degrees.
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2016 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 62 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 32,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.