2016 Ram 1500 · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 36owner reports
- 62,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report May 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
351 of the 1,544 complaints on this car are about the engine. 36 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Engine failure on other 1500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (31 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
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.
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.
All 17 recalls on the 2016 Ram 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 43,985 and 98,385 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The common hemi tech where lifter bearing seize up and eats the come. So common you can buy top end rebuild kits just for tha reason.”
Filed Dec 15, 2025
“Due to low oil pressure vehicle engine seized while driving on freeway. After having it towed to local dealer, I was quoted $19,000 to replace the engine because it could not be repaired.”
Filed Jun 1, 2025
“My hpfp failed causing metal to get into the fuel rail and affecting the injectors causing a hot spot on a piston causing piston slap and engine failure was told about recall z46 dealership they didn't fix stellantis will not fix will not support the need for a engine replacement”
Filed Mar 14, 2025
“Power Steering System Failure Complete Engine Failure Complete Lack of Power Check Engine Light came on March 19, 2024 and the Engine failed within 5 min of it coming on.”
Filed Mar 22, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 36 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 278 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 235 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 138 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 97 reports
- Diesel fuel system or injector problems 80 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 68 reports
- Fuel pump failure 50 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 48 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 44 reports
- Rolls away in Park or will not shift out of Park 37 reports
- Vehicle fire 35 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 31 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 29 reports
- Delay or no response when I press the gas 27 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 26 reports
- Fuel smells, leaks, or the gauge reads wrong 25 reports