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 Sep 9, 2026
351 of the 1,534 complaints on this car are about the engine. 36 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
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.
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 2014-2018 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.
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.
Other problems on this car
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 275 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 233 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 138 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 97 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 66 reports
- Fuel pump failure 50 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 47 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 44 reports
- Vehicle fire 35 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 31 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 25 reports