Worst 2016 RAM 1500 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Brakes
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 RAM 1500.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 291 | 6 | 1 | 80,826 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 282 | 2 | 24 | 66,315 mi | |
| Brakes | 211 | 8 | 2 | 39,268 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 197 | 34 | 5 | 34,827 mi | |
| Fuel System | 181 | 2 | 4 | 55,753 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 174 | 10 | 7 | 35,166 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 96 | 6 | — | 47,285 mi | |
| Diesel Fuel System | 77 | — | — | 105,602 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 64 | 1 | 1 | 48,536 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 51 | — | 3 | 105,143 mi | |
| Airbags | 46 | 29 | — | 41,040 mi | |
| Body Structure | 30 | 4 | 3 | 50,305 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 19 | 1 | — | 102,669 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 17 | 1 | — | 21,016 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 12 | 3 | — | 49,500 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 12 | 1 | — | 35,681 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 8 | 1 | — | 47,002 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 7 | — | — | 63,332 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 84,803 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 5 | — | — | 31,646 mi | |
| Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Abs Warning Light | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Abs Warning Light | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 3 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 RAM 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 RAM 1500
16 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~10,238,601 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
+ 6 more recalls
Other RAM 1500 Years
2016 RAM 1500 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 RAM 1500?
How safe is the 2016 RAM 1500?
Does the 2016 RAM 1500 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 RAM 1500?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full RAM 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 RAM 1500
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99