CarRecallWatchThe 2016 RAM 1500 has 16 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,554 complaints with NHTSA, including 92 crashes, 36 fires, 73 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (314 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2016 RAM 1500 recalls
Side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments
The left and/or right side curtain airbag inflators in certain Ram pickups may rupture because of a manufacturing defect.
Engine May Stall Due to Failing Crankshaft Sensor Part
A part called the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can delaminate, which may cause the engine to lose its ability to synchronize fuel injector pulses and camshaft timing.
Fuel pump failure can cause sudden loss of engine power
This recall covers certain diesel-engine vehicles with a 3.0L engine in which the high pressure fuel pump can fail and send internal debris through the fuel system.
Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Fail and Injure Occupants
Certain Ram pickups have a side curtain air bag inflator whose end cap can detach, or whose inflator housing can rupture.
Engine May Stall Due to Faulty Crankshaft Sensor Part
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel in certain diesel-engine vehicles may delaminate.
EGR cooler can crack and leak coolant, creating a fire risk
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler on certain trucks with the 3.0L Eco Diesel engine may crack.
Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving
A plastic limiter tab in the power tailgate actuator may crack or fracture.
Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving
Some pickup trucks with a power locking tailgate and a 5 foot 7 inch or 6 foot 4 inch bed may have a tailgate actuator limiter tab that can fracture.
Cruise Control May Not Shut Off, Raising Crash Risk
A short circuit in the wiring can stop the cruise control from disengaging, whether by pressing the brake pedal or switching the system off manually.
Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal
A brake interlock pin in the column-shift transmission can stick in the open position after the brake pedal is pressed for a long time while the vehicle is running and in Park.
Side Curtain Airbags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy
Certain pickup trucks may have a fault in their Occupant Restraint Controller triggered by a roll rate sensor.
Loose Differential Screw Can Cause Loss of Power or Control
On certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks, the screw that holds the differential pin in place may come loose while driving.
Front Axle Shafts May Break Without Warning
Some 2016 RAM 1500 trucks built between February 19 and March 3, 2016 may have front halfshafts that were incorrectly manufactured.
Loss of Power Steering Assist Can Increase Crash Risk
Contamination on the electric power steering (EPS) control circuit board can cause a short circuit, which may result in a loss of power steering assist.
Spare Tire Can Fail From Exhaust Heat, Risking Crash
Certain trucks may be missing a heat shield that protects the spare tire from the exhaust system.
Rear Axle Shafts May Break, Risking Wheel Separation
Certain 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks built between June 17, 2015 and September 28, 2015 may have rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated during manufacturing.
Most common 2016 RAM 1500 problems
Problem areas named in the 1,554 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 314 |
| Engine | 291 |
| Service Brakes | 246 |
| Power Train | 202 |
| Electrical System | 193 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 191 |
| Unknown Or Other | 126 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 111 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 81 |
| Suspension | 69 |
What owners report
The electronic power steering has failed. The system failed on 10/19/26. Also, the truck has stalled while driving on three different occasions in the last two years. It has never shown a code for the stalls.
On my son's 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, he was driving and as he was turning into a gas station, his Electronic Power Steering (EPS) stopped working and he had to use much force to turn the wheel into the gas station. The steering wheel warning light came up on his dash and after several attempts of turning off/turning on the engine and removing the battery cables and putting them back, the EPS would not come back on. We did check the fuse from the positive battery terminal with a multimeter and the cable to the EPS still had power, to include fuse 78 in the fuse box. We check the wire under the engine to the EPS and found no issues with the wires.
ANTIlock brakes module failure
Side curtain and front seat airbags deployed randomly, without impact or collision.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and multiple warning lights, including the check engine warning light, illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving and failed to accelerate beyond 60 MPH. The contact also stated that a burning smell was noticed coming from the rear filter of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and emissions system failed and required replacement. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was previously associated
2016 RAM 1500 safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.8% rollover risk) |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 3 (21.9% rollover risk) |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.8% rollover risk) |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 3 (21.9% rollover risk) |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.8% rollover risk) |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 3 (21.9% rollover risk) |
2016 RAM 1500 questions
Does the 2016 RAM 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls for the 2016 RAM 1500: Side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments; Engine May Stall Due to Failing Crankshaft Sensor Part; Fuel pump failure can cause sudden loss of engine power; Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Fail and Injure Occupants; Engine May Stall Due to Faulty Crankshaft Sensor Part. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?
Based on 1,554 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (314), Engine (291), Service Brakes (246).
How safe is the 2016 RAM 1500?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2016 RAM 1500 up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 RAM 1500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.