RAM 1500 · model year

2016 RAM 1500

1971 NHTSA complaints, 120 crash reports, and 17 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016RAM1500 carries 1971 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 120 crashes, 59 fires, 98 injuries, and 7 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 1500 is steering with 285 filings, followed by engine (281) and service brakes (203). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 17 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2016 1500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1971
Complaints
120
Crashes
59
Fires
98
Injuries
7
Deaths
2016 RAM 1500 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 RAM 1500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

1971 filings

Crashes Reported

120 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING285
ENGINE281
SERVICE BRAKES203
POWER TRAIN197
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM180
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM171
UNKNOWN OR OTHER121
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL96
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL77
SUSPENSION63
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING51
AIR BAGS46
STRUCTURE:BODY30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC16

Recalls (17)

18V48600027/07/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

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.

19V75700024/10/2019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

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 manifol

17V19800023/03/2017

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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.

16V16700023/03/2016

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

17V82100020/12/2017

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

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.

18V33200017/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

15V66300016/10/2015

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

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.

16V30100016/05/2016

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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.

16E04100016/05/2016

EQUIPMENT

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.

25V01000016/01/2025

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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.

15V66100015/10/2015

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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.

20V47500013/08/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

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, p

21V63200012/08/2021

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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

22V40600009/06/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

19V34700009/05/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

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

17V30200009/05/2017

AIR BAGS

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).

23V41100008/06/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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,

Recent Complaints

20260218FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the engine warning light illuminated. While driving a short distance later, two unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message “Exhaust Filter 100% FULL - Safely Drive at Highway Speeds” was displayed. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine manifold, catalytic converter, and the air intake had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that since the remedy was not available when the recall was issued, the delay created additional damages to the vehicle. The manuf

Mileage: 204,000

20260218ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the engine warning light illuminated. While driving a short distance later, two unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message “Exhaust Filter 100% FULL - Safely Drive at Highway Speeds” was displayed. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine manifold, catalytic converter, and the air intake had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that since the remedy was not available when the recall was issued, the delay created additional damages to the vehicle. The manuf

Mileage: 204,000

20260217SERVICE BRAKES

The ABS warning light is on. I took the vehicle to the dealership, and they advised that it is safe to continue driving. ✅

20260215SERVICE BRAKES

Known issue with the abs module causing brake problems no abs no traction control very dangerous to drive especially in wet/slippery conditions

20260215SUSPENSION

Air suspension no good causes bad steering/control of truck very dangerous

20260214SEAT BELTS

The drivers side seat belt is very difficult to latch.

20260212SERVICE BRAKES

My abs, traction control, trailer brake lights are on. Error code C2200-49. What is worse; there are no parts! As I tow a camper it is a serious issue! I cannot understand why this issue is common with this vehicle but ram doesn’t have remedy. (Rebuild option or shock- have someone make spare parts for it) I will be forced to fix it myself with junk yard parts. Why is it so hard to get competent designers when the trucks have been made for 20 years or more. If they would standardize more on parts and quit changing things every year maybe we could get better and safer vehicles. And spare parts may be easier to get.

20260212SERVICE BRAKES

k my abs and traction control and brake light came on my truck has 86k miles well took it and got it scanned said abs control module internal short so went on line to order one on back order and no date when available so went to dealer and they said no can’t get one nationwide back order so now my trucks brakes are not safe and i contacted ram with no response so idk wat to do and i thought car manufacturers had to keep parts available for so many years and the part i need also fits newer ones also so it should be available instead every time i have to drive it’s possible to not be able to stop without sliding i would jus trade it in but will be a loss because of the brakes and all the lights on also i purchased this truck new

20260212ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

k my abs and traction control and brake light came on my truck has 86k miles well took it and got it scanned said abs control module internal short so went on line to order one on back order and no date when available so went to dealer and they said no can’t get one nationwide back order so now my trucks brakes are not safe and i contacted ram with no response so idk wat to do and i thought car manufacturers had to keep parts available for so many years and the part i need also fits newer ones also so it should be available instead every time i have to drive it’s possible to not be able to stop without sliding i would jus trade it in but will be a loss because of the brakes and all the lights on also i purchased this truck new

20260211STEERING

My power steering went out on my vehicle in mid January 2016. My temperature guage was also not working properly. I took it to my local Ram dealership to get it looked at. They drew up an estimate and I approved some repairs. My extended warranty covered majority of it. After picking up my vehicle, I noticed my steering wheel still had some resistance to it. I felt it shouldn't have that much resistance knowing the amount of work that just got done. My temperature gauge was still not the greatest. It never got directly into the middle of being the right temperature, but being off a bit maybe isn't the worst thing. I notice my temeperature and steering wheel icons light up when I start my vehicle, but researched and found that that is normal and it goes away after my vehicle is started. I called to make another appointment to be seen, but later cancelled it after learning the information about the icons and my steering wheel resistence loosened up and feels "normal" again. I just wanted

20260211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My power steering went out on my vehicle in mid January 2016. My temperature guage was also not working properly. I took it to my local Ram dealership to get it looked at. They drew up an estimate and I approved some repairs. My extended warranty covered majority of it. After picking up my vehicle, I noticed my steering wheel still had some resistance to it. I felt it shouldn't have that much resistance knowing the amount of work that just got done. My temperature gauge was still not the greatest. It never got directly into the middle of being the right temperature, but being off a bit maybe isn't the worst thing. I notice my temeperature and steering wheel icons light up when I start my vehicle, but researched and found that that is normal and it goes away after my vehicle is started. I called to make another appointment to be seen, but later cancelled it after learning the information about the icons and my steering wheel resistence loosened up and feels "normal" again. I just wanted

20260211ENGINE

On September 29, 2025, my vehicle overheated. Smoke was coming from the interior vents as well as from under the hood. I pulled over shortly after and had my vehicle towed to a repair shop. I got an estimate for radiator repair. That did not fix the issue, so more repair was needed related to a heating and evaporator core. I have attached the invoices for those repairs. I just wanted to note this for my records.

Mileage: 130,524

20260211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On September 29, 2025, my vehicle overheated. Smoke was coming from the interior vents as well as from under the hood. I pulled over shortly after and had my vehicle towed to a repair shop. I got an estimate for radiator repair. That did not fix the issue, so more repair was needed related to a heating and evaporator core. I have attached the invoices for those repairs. I just wanted to note this for my records.

Mileage: 130,524

20260211VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

-My ABS module failed over a year ago and is available for inspection. -My ABS, anti-lock, cruise control does not work. -The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and dealer said the part is no longer available. -The component has been inspected by a dealer. -There were warning lights when it failed and they have been on ever since.

20260211SERVICE BRAKES

-My ABS module failed over a year ago and is available for inspection. -My ABS, anti-lock, cruise control does not work. -The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and dealer said the part is no longer available. -The component has been inspected by a dealer. -There were warning lights when it failed and they have been on ever since.

20260211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

-My ABS module failed over a year ago and is available for inspection. -My ABS, anti-lock, cruise control does not work. -The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and dealer said the part is no longer available. -The component has been inspected by a dealer. -There were warning lights when it failed and they have been on ever since.

20260210SERVICE BRAKES

ABS Module failure, Anti-Lock Brake system failure.

20260209STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left. Additionally, while making a turn, the steering wheel jerked to the opposite direction. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. The message "Check Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact borrowed a screwdriver to access the power steering electrical wires. The contact discovered that the power steering wiring and electrical plug wiring were burned and melted. The contact purchased a new rack and pinion, but had become aware that the rack and pinion replacement would not repair the vehicle due to the burned electrical wiring. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately

Mileage: 75,000

20260205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My abs module has an error code and I can't find the part I need.

20260205SERVICE BRAKES

My abs module has an error code and I can't find the part I need.

Compare 2016RAM1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 RAM 1500 have?
The 2016 RAM 1500 has 1971 NHTSA complaints, 120 crashes, 59 fires, 98 injuries, and 7 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 RAM 1500?
The 2016 RAM 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 RAM 1500?
Yes, the 2016 RAM 1500 has 17 recall(s). The most common affected component is STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2016 RAM 1500 is STEERING with 285 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2016 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 RAM 1500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.