DS/DJ
2016 Ram 1500
The most reported problem on the 2016 Ram 1500 is brake wear, with 278 complaints, usually around 75,000 miles.
- 1,544owner complaints
- 17recalls
- 91involved a crash
- 55,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your 1500 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
- Brake wear278 reports
- Power steering loss235 reports
- Stalling138 reports
- Misfire97 reports
- Diesel fuel system80 reports
- Suspension68 reports
- Fuel pump50 reports
- Airbag48 reports
- Driver assist44 reports
- Rollaway37 reports
- Engine failure36 reports
- Fire35 reports
- Infotainment31 reports
- Overheating29 reports
- Gas pedal delay27 reports
- A/C failure26 reports
- Fuel tank problems25 reports
Is the 2016 Ram 1500 reliable?
The 2016 Ram 1500 has 1,544 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 5.6 times the median of 278 for 2016 pickups on this site. Of the 13 1500 model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 140 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (88). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Brake wear has 278 complaints and power steering loss has 235, out of 1,544 in all. A quarter of the 76 owners who gave a mileage for brake wear saw it by about 45,000 miles, and half by about 75,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 135 of the 1,544 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 91 reports mention a crash, 36 mention a fire and 73 people were hurt. The reports record 5 deaths. The most crash reports, 31 of 91, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Power steering loss and stalling each have a recall on the same system (16V-167; 19V-757, 20V-475 and 23V-411). Brake wear has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 231 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 228. So far in 2026, 137 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 278 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
1,544 complaints is 6.1 times the median 2016 model on this site and 5.6 times the median 2016 pickup. Among the 13 1500 model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Ram 1500
Ram filed 604 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Ram 1500. 26 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 278 complaints
CALIPER ASSEMBLY Disc Brake, Front For an issue with drift ONLY when braking, please replace the complete front caliper assemblies including adapters and pads as a unit, unbolting them from the knuckle. Also replace both front rotors, labeling right (RT) and left (LT).
Brake Pedal Sensor For DS, WD & WK bodies ONLY; Prior to replacing the brake sensor; Please call Salma Al Ryahi at cell (519) 992-7293.
1 more on this problem
Incorrectly Installed Rear Brake Caliper This bulletin involves inspecting both rear brake caliper hoses for being kinked or rubbing.
ABS light on 2 bulletins · 239 complaints
Brake Pedal Sensor For vehicles with DTC's P0572 or C0042, or complaints of brake lights staying on or cruise control not setting, please use wiTech to check the Brake Pedal Home Position setting and actual pedal resting position under brake pedal status in ...
2016 DS ABS Module Before replacing the ABS module for a wheel speed sensor fault(s) listed below, please call Brittany Potton at cell (248) 494-1087.
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 1 bulletin · 235 complaints
Electric Power Steering Gear With Low Assist This bulletin involves replacing the electric power steering gear assembly. The customer may notice a low assist or excessive steering effort at lower speeds or parking lot maneuvers.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 138 complaints
Fuel Tank Issue Description: Ram 1500 built between 7/1/16 and 8/15/16 with concern of "hard to fill" or "premature shut off", please remove the Canister line and Recirculation Line and retest. If the condition continues, tank replacement may be required.
Check engine light or misfire 12 bulletins · 97 complaints
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) C006A-49 Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Internal Electronic Failure And C10CC-00 ESC Sensors.
Ambient Air Temperature Missing, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Lamp On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open, P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
10 more on this problem
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
Perceived Low Power/Acceleration Lag, And/Or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0299 Turbocharger Underboost And/Or P026D ? Fuel Injection Quantity Higher Than Expected, Set.
Customer concern includes Mil-On/Check Engine Lamp-On. There also may or may not be driveability-related concerns that accompany the Mil-On condition. Upon further investigation, there may be a fault code for P062A-FUEL PUMP CONTROL PERFORMANCE.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION: Some customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, a technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the TCM memory: P0731 - Gear Ratio Error In 1st.
Camshaft Position Sensor If replacing a camshaft position sensor for P0340 and/or P0344 fault codes, please review information below and contact Andrew Action on his cell phone: (248) 421- 4130.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Before replacing this part due to a P0335 fault code, please contact Andrew Acton at cell (248) 421-4130.
Camshaft Position Sensor If replacing a camshaft position sensor for P0340, P0344, P0345, P0349, P0365, P0369, P0390 or P0394 fault codes, please review information below and contact Tom Nies on his cell phone: (248) 494-0187.
Diesel fuel system or injector problems 1 bulletin · 80 complaints
(Revision A): P2463-00-DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER - SOOT ACCUMLATION
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 4 bulletins · 68 complaints
Air Suspension Inoperative And Or Compressor Freeze Up Or Sticking In Cold Weather.
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.
2 more on this problem
SUBJECT: Flash: Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM) OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves updating the ASCM with the latest available software.
Vehicle Drifts To The Right This bulletin involves properly diagnosing and correcting a lead/pull condition due to inaccurate alignment settings from the plant. The customer may describe the vehicle pulls or leads right.
Fuel pump failure 2 bulletins · 50 complaints
Intelligent Power Distribution Center If the PDC requires replacement due to a failed internal fuel pump relay, the relay can now be serviced as a separate component. Please use relay replacement KIT part number: 68510768A$.
Power Distribution Center If the PDC is being replaced due to a failed internal fuel pump relay, the relay can now be serviced as a separate component. Please use relay replacement KIT part number: 68510768A$.
Complaints filed by year
231 complaints came in 2019, 2.6 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Intermittent/comp loss of power steering. Open.
NHTSA summary
High pressure fuel pump failure. Open, led to recall 24V-957.
NHTSA summary
Vehicle rollaway. Closed jan 25, 2024.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Ram 1500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with a 5.7L engine and dual exhaust manufactured August 3, 2015, to August 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a spare tire heat shield if the vehicle is missing one. Vehicles that have already been sold with an excess of 50 miles will also have their spare tires replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R58.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.
All 17 recalls on the 2016 Ram 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Ram 1500?
Brake wear, with 278 of the 1,544 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 75,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 1500 problems start?
Of the 796 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 32,000 miles and half by about 55,000.
Is the 2016 Ram 1500 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 140 a year against 88.
How many 2016 Ram 1500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
135 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2016 Ram 1500?
No recall on file for the 2016 Ram 1500 is on the same system as brake wear. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.