NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ram 1500. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
I was driving down the highway at 75 mph and my truck died in the middle of the highway luckily I pushed it off to the shoulder and it wouldn’t restart had it towed to a shop where I was told the crankshaft tone ring needed to be replaced but no parts to fix it due to “back order” this has been recalled but doesn’t show a fix on my vehicle and it needs to be fixed immediately.
The driver side window continues to not work properly in cold weather until it completely fell down into the door frame area. It was 7° outside when this finally happened. Driving with the window down at the drivers side is dangerous and can lead to us wrecking. And we have small children (a 1 year and 8 year old). Fortunately our children were not in the truck, but now the window will not work properly and we have to fear it will fall again while our children are in the truck. Our baby’s car seat is behind the driver seat and would definitely have freezing air blasting on her. We live in Wyoming with extreme winter weather. We should be able to feel safe while driving and be able to depend on our vehicle. I have read numerous reports about this same issue happening, but apparently Dodge/Ram has done nothing to help it’s customers with this factory default.
My EPS is cutting out intermittently Driving some time power steering is there and some times not looked it up on line and other vehicle from same year and manufacturer have the same problem and they have been recalled but for some reason not others
2 out of 3 bolts that connect the DPF to the SCR have rusted and failed at 108,000 miles (111,000 on the vehicle now). When the final bolt fails the exhaust heat destroys the DEF system resulting in several thousand dollar repairs. This should be covered under a recall for the emmissions control systems. It is a common issue on RAM trucks with the RAM ECODIESEL 3.0L engine.
Air suspension system failure, while driving at highway speeds the rear end of the truck dropped into entry and exit mode no warning light came on until I came to a full stop after hitting a bump in the road and getting knocked off the road, temperature outside was 13 degrees farenheight. The truck remained in a sagged position until the temperature rose above 35 degrees. Dealer states I need to replace the entire system because they cannot find a leak and there is no way to drain the system of any moisture
Shortly after starting my 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 truck on January 27 2023 I was beginning to leaving my driveway and accelerate down the road when I noticed a check steering warning light displayed on my dash. Then I noticed my steering was quickly beginning to fail just a few meters from my driveway. I noticed I had very limited steering so I decided to return the vehicle back to my driveway. There was a high pitch winding and grinding sound every time I tried to correct the steering wheel to the left or right. I barely managed to return home into my driveway where I parked it for the tow truck. After doing some research I discovered there was a safety recall May 12, 2016 on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit. S19 / NHTSA 16V-167 Electric Power Steering which applies to certain 2015 and 2016 model year 1500 series RAM trucks. I have scheduled an appointment to tow my truck to Bayview Chrylser dealership in Sarnia Ontario to replace the Rack and Pinion / Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit . I feel this is an extremely serious safety concern on all 2015/2016 Trucks and these vehicles should be recalled to have this part inspected and replaced by Chrysler free of charge ASAP before lives are lost! I was on the highway the day before and I consider myself very lucky this incident didn't happen at that moment where I would have had no time to react on the faster moving highway. This loss of steering control could have easily resulted in a crash or a fatality. PLEASE address the steering fault before it's too late. I look forward to hearing from a representative from Chrysler to discuss a future recall on these affected trucks. A Very concerned Dodge Truck owner
I had the AEM for mission controls performed. Since then, I have experienced a reduction of 5 miles per gallon in fuel efficiency. Additionally, and more importantly, there is a lag in acceleration from a stopped position that is a safety issue. This has caused a number of near accidents due the the lack of acceleration at a stop sign or intersection. I have contacted my RAM dealer on a number of occasions, but I am always informed that there is no repair issued for this by RAM. I was assured by RAM that the AEM would not cause a degradation of performance but it clearly has as there are thousands of other owners who have reported this as well. I have tried to get this resolved throught Chrysler cares, but they continue to tell me that what I am experiencing is not a result of the AEM. However, there are thousands of the same complaints online from other RAM 1500 owners. Please let advise me what recourse I may have or if your agency has addressed this issue previously as it is a severe safety concern.
Starting in late winter of 2021, I began to experience several momentary instances of loss of power steering and steering fault messages in the cluster, the steering wheel was nearly impossible to move. In January of 2022, I brought the vehicle to Chrysler/Ram dealership for service of the intermittent power steering. At that time my 2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x2 had 17,000 miles of use. Dealership stated the fault was a dirty EPS connection. After service, the vehicle operated normally until nearly one year later(January 2023) when the power steering completely failed(steering fault warning on cluster) while on the interstate sixty miles from home. It was dark and raining that evening and I was forced to wrestle the vehicle home as I had no means of calling for help. It was stressful and incredibly unsafe. The first appointment available on January of 2023, I returned my truck to a Chrysler/Ram dealership for service. The dealership service department indicated that only a complete replacement of the EPS module/rack and pinion steering assembly would correct the issue. I addressed the 2016 steering recall for Ram 1500s several times with the service department , but was told that the recall did not affect my truck nor was it related to my current problem with the truck. At this time my 2016 Ram 1500 had only 20820 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to decelerate and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illumined. The contact stated that upon research, he discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not yet been repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ABS Control Module is throwing a code. I have spoke with my mechanic and countless others along with representatives of Mopar/Chrysler and this ABS Control Module has been on back order know for 2 years that I know of. From research I have done the part has been on back order longer than that. In my research I have also found that Mopar/Chrysler does not seem to be manufacturing this part anymore. This issue is effecting 100s if not 1000s of people who have spent a lot of money on these pickups and Mopar/Chrysler could seem to care less about it. 2 years of being on back order is absolutely ridicuous.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating from a stationary position. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
My 2016 Ram 1500 Sport developed an exhaust leak originating from the exhaust manifold like many other Rams. I noticed it because I could hear a ticking noise upon starting the vehicle, specifically coming from the passenger side front wheel-well. The vehicle was brought to a local Ram dealer and was diagnosed as having multiple sheared studs on the passenger side exhaust manifold. Due to the truck being over 5 years old, the power train warranty no longer covers this. Ram is well aware of this issue but still refuses to initiate a recall. This issue presents a safety concern and has a potential to endanger myself and any other passengers who get in the vehicle due to raw engine exhaust fumes being released within the engine bay while the vehicle is running which could enter the cabin of the vehicle while in operation causing potential injury.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the emission system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was able to start the vehicle after three attempts the next day. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle started to decelerate independently. The contact stated that the service throttle position sensor warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and the vehicle failed to start properly. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the tone wheel to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
There was a factory recall to replace high pressure fuel delivery pump. Dodge dealership will not replace my pump. My truck stalls and loses power due to this faulty pump. All I get is the run around. Clearly from the recall description this is also a safety issue. I have ask the dodge dealership to do the repair and they said no money or orders are given from parent companies.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
1 year only electric power steering rack. Its is starting to leak fluid. Failure is imminent.
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 hwy. The shaft struck the grill of a jeep following me but no damage was seen upon inspection. The truck came to a relatively calm stop on the side of the road. Both halves of the drive shaft were recovered, one from the middle of the road, the other about 20 yards into the ditch. Rear diff was spilling fluid. All casings and covers seemed to be intact. Towed to Dealer, inspected and they said best they figure is the axle seized up, destroyed the diff, and shaft. They do not believe the transmission or transfer case were affected but can't be sure until new rear assembly and shaft installed. No one was injured in this event, although if the speed and height of the axle shaft flipping end over end down the hwy into the jeep was different serious injury could have occurred. Additionally, if a component of the rear assembly came off the truck could have come to a violent stop.
Fuel Level Sensor & Pump Fail
Factory 4 corner air suspension empties and truck lowers when cold. The suspension will drop in cold temps while driving. This then cause a very hard drive that is hard to control especially in snow. Truck suspension was fixed 6 months ago to the best of the dealerships ability. The suspension has dropped 3 times this December during snow storms and almost caused me to ditch the truck and loose control. Dealership is giving me the run around. This is not an uncommon issue the the air suspension according to different dodge forums on the internet. Their is something wrong with entire air system including the electrical system that controls the suspension. So the system could be in normal range but it is actually lowered to the ground.
The ABS control module and pump failed. ABS Light, Traction / Stabilitrak light / Brake Light on Vehicle was diagnosed by the dealership Dec 16, 2022 was given quote to repair but the parts were not available and back ordered. Been reaching out since to have truck repaired multiple dealerships but ABS module is not available no ETA been driving vehicle as is Currently ABS module is still not available no ETA now and vehicle is rendered in operable due to the ABS Module failure There have been multiple complaints of this issue, yet nothing is being done.
Driving 40 mph and suddenly motor died warnings for throttle and other flashing but coming around a curve was difficult to steer and stopped on curve and had to be pushed out of the way tried to start to no avail and had it towed to a local dealership where they determined it was a common problem with the tone wheel/ reluctor plate that apparently delaminates and loses part of a magnet on the outside which apparently they is a warranty expressly for this problem for 2014-2018 ram 1500 3.0 eco diesels which I’m being told by the dealership that chrysler says my vehicle is not covered ? Why I don’t understand.
The contact's company owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been operable for five months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that before the failure occurred, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Ourisman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Baltimore (124 North Point Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224) and was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The contact stated that the dealer has been unable to fix the issues therefore the vehicle is not in use.
As my understanding is the the fuel pump compones are damaged. Vehicle does now run for too long it turns off. When I was driving it the vehicle turned off. I contacted my insurance to get it towed. It's been at the Dodge dealership since the day it cut off in the highway.
The electronic steering in this truck seemed to have malfunctioned in December 2022. The truck had approximately 60,000 miles on the odometer. It seems that the power steering is failing to assist with steering efforts, making it more difficult to safely steer the truck. The steering wheel does not return to center on its own, takes more effort to move the wheel, and at some degrees of the steering wheel, seems to not work at all. Sometimes the steering wheel seems to "skip" as well, depending on the position. It happened randomly but the only difference was after a big snow storm. The truck did not travel through deep snow but the roads were wet from clean up/salt. The only things that seem to maybe help are wiggling the plug on the ESC or getting a car wash - but then it still does not go back to normal, just seems like its getting a tad bit more power. But then it goes back to failing to assist. It is described just like the recall that is out there for these trucks, but my VIN does not fall under the recall, even though the symptoms are the exact same. The dealership and Ram Cares have been no help in this either. I have tried a few things including replacing the battery, fuses, steering components - everything rather than replacing the whole rack and ESC. Nothing seems to help.
There are thousands and thousands of cases involving exhaust manifold cracks and bolts breaking. This should be a recall 1000% as the aluminum heads heat and cool at one temperature and the cast iron exhaust manifold heat and cool differently, This causes the bolts to break or manifolds to crack creating a leak and a very expensive repair. Please look into this, it is not fair and the manufacturer is well aware of this.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The service electronic throttle control keeps coming on despite efforts to correct. The sensor was cleaned but the throttle control warning light continues to come on. The vehicle emissions are too high and impacting the power train. The vehicle loses power significantly and will not accelerate and the electronic throttle control warning light will come on. This issue is dangerous to the wellbeing of drivers as the loss of acceleration could increase risk of collision. Based on reading forums about the 2015-2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is notorious for this occurring. This is endangering the lives of all owners as there is no indication that this is going to occur, and no recall has been issued.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted but failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) in August of 2020 and was relating the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic tests or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and seized intermittently. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had an electrical steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel inadvertently became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
I experienced a loss of power while driving roughly 2 months ago while driving on the highway. I took my truck to an independent shop, who diagnosed the problem as a premature failure of the High Pressure Fuel Pump. They informed me that the fuel pump is under recall warranty, and I should take my truck to the dealer to have the recall fulfilled. The dealer informed me that the recall could not be performed on my vehicle, due to a lack of recall parts. I have called Chrysler Customer care, who informed me there is no way for Chrysler to help me until the recall parts become available which could take months or years to produce. I also called Ram Customer care and received a similar solution to fulfilling the recall. At this moment in time, my truck is completely immobile. I am without a vehicle to commute to and from work or school. I am a college student that cannot afford to dish out the money necessary to fix my truck, when the problem should be fixed under recall warranty.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The contact managed to coast the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and called for a tow truck. While waiting for the tow truck, he discovered that his vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the recall but stated that they were unaware of anyone who had experienced the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Repair made to address Safety Recall VB1/NHTSA 19V-757 failed after 2.5 years. FCA is unwilling to reimburse nor cover the repair saying it was outside of the two year window. This was a SAFETY recall, shouldn't the repair to address last longer?!?
2016 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
Interesting enough there was a recall for 2022-2923 rams for issues with backup camera. My 2016 has an issue where the backup camera screen gets all covered on multiple colored lines.
2016 RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL. *LD
The frame mount where the front fuel tank strap slides into has corroded out causing my fuel tank strap to release from the frame and allowing my fuel tank to sag in the front.
Said there will not be any recall fixed anytime soon
I was driving down the highway when my truck suddenly throws its self into park while traveling at 55 mph. My stuck started spinning causing me to bounce off the safety rails on both sides of the highway. My truck took a front end hit to a concrete wall and my airbags did not deploy. Once my truck came to a stop sideways in the middle of the highway it wouldn’t come out of park because it was shut off. I started the truck and placed it in drive and was able to move a few feet from the center of the highway. The truck was towed. No warning lights had went off nothing. I’m having bad neck pain from the residual effects of the accident.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 44,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm without warning. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Overtime, the failure became more frequent with an abnormal, clicking noise coming from the steering column. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Fuel pump leaking. Gasoline leaked in garage. I park in a garage and the smell of gasoline extremely strong. Water heater located in garage. Fuel pump replaced on 8/27/2022. No warning lamps or messages.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, oil was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked engine oil cooler housing. The dealer replaced the engine oil cooler housing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle shook, a warning chime sounded, and the vehicle failed to start up as needed, without warning. An independent mechanic was able to inspect the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by the fuel pump. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ABS light came on a long time ago and I have been unable to get it repaired due to availability of the part and demand due to so many owners having an issue with this ABS module failing. This is not a wear and tear part, this module should not have failed when it did. I see there have been recalls on other Ram trucks and 2016 has been left out. This issues is present for so many owners and is a safety issue.