Reliable Auto DB

2016 Ram 1500 reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 1,541 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 74 per year. That is more complaints per year than most 1500 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 58. NHTSA has 17 recalls on file, including Inflator, Engine and engine cooling, and Fuel pump.

2013 Ram 1500
Photo by Kevauto, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

1,541

Per year

74

Recalls

17

Years on the road

11

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (310 of 1,541), then Engine (291) and Service brakes (243). Those filings include 90 that report a crash, 36 that report a fire, 52 that report an injury, and 4 that report a death.

Next to 2015 and 2017

The 2015 1500 has 1,448 complaints, 65 per year, and the 2017 has 878 complaints, 66 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Ram 1500. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (17)

Recall air bags, side and window, curtain, inflator 2025-01-16 · NHTSA campaign 25V010000
Summary 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.
Remedy Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Recall Engine and engine cooling 2023-06-08 · NHTSA campaign 23V411000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall diesel fuel system, delivery, fuel pump 2022-06-09 · NHTSA campaign 22V406000
Summary 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.
Remedy Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Recall air bags, side and window, curtain, inflator 2021-08-12 · NHTSA campaign 21V632000
Summary 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.
Remedy Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Recall engine and cooling, engine, diesel 2020-08-13 · NHTSA campaign 20V475000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall engine and cooling, exhaust system, emission control, EGR valve 2019-10-24 · NHTSA campaign 19V757000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall latches, locks, and linkages, tailgate, latch 2019-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Recall structure, body, tailgate 2018-07-27 · NHTSA campaign 18V486000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2018-05-17 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shifter 2017-12-20 · NHTSA campaign 17V821000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Recall Air bags 2017-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 17V302000
Summary 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). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Recall powertrain, driveline, differential 2017-03-23 · NHTSA campaign 17V198000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Recall Equipment 2016-05-16 · NHTSA campaign 16E041000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Recall powertrain, axle assembly, axle shaft 2016-05-16 · NHTSA campaign 16V301000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
Recall Electric power steering 2016-03-23 · NHTSA campaign 16V167000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
Recall tires, temporary spare tire 2015-10-16 · NHTSA campaign 15V663000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a spare tire heat shield if the vehicle is missing one. Vehicles that have already been sold with an excess of 50 miles will also have their spare tires replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R58.
Recall powertrain, axle assembly, axle shaft 2015-10-15 · NHTSA campaign 15V661000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.

Complaints by component (1541 total)

Steering
310
Engine
291
Service brakes
243
Powertrain
202
Electrical system
192
Fuel and propulsion system
190
Speed control
111
Diesel fuel system
80
Suspension
67
Engine and engine cooling
61
Air bags
47
Structure
36
Hydraulic brakes
31
Forward collision avoidance
21
Exterior lighting
18
Wheels
14
Seat belts
13
Latches, locks, and linkages
11
Tires
8
Electronic stability control (ESC)
7
Fuel system, gasoline
7
Air brakes
5
Visibility and wipers
5
Equipment
3
Fuel system, other
3
Back-over prevention
2
Seats
2
Parking brake
1
Traction control
1
Visibility
1
Show 22 more Show less
Crash-flagged

90

Fire-flagged

36

Injury reports

52

Death reports

4

Complaints filed per year

5120168220178820182312019136202099202110120221832023208202422820251342026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Rack and pinion has failed after 10 years. Luckily it went out a my wife was getting home. I've had a mechanic verify that it has failed completely and I am in the process of getting a new one."
    Steering · filed 2026-09-24
  • "I took my truck in to get the front end looked at and this local garage inspects the vehicle. They informed me the gas tank brackets and straps have corroded so bad that the gas tank is sagging and how serious it would…"
    Fuel and propulsion system · filed 2026-09-21
  • "The ABS module has failed. This ABS module failure is producing the following codes: The failure code in the ABS module is C2200–49 indicating a internal module failure when the ABS module goes off-line it sets…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-20
  • "ABS braking system malfunction"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-11
  • "The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while pulling out of the garage and onto the driveway, the steering wheel seized, and the message "Power Steering Needs to Be Serviced" was displayed. The…"
    Steering · filed 2026-09-11

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
1500 two-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 17 25 20 MPG $3250
1500 two-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 15 22 17 MPG $4350
1500 two-wheel drive 3L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 20 27 23 MPG $4100
1500 two-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 6-speed Rear-wheel drive 14 20 16 MPG $4600
1500 four-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Four-wheel drive 16 23 19 MPG $3400
1500 four-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 6-speed Four-wheel drive 13 19 15 MPG $4950
1500 four-wheel drive 3L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Four-wheel drive 19 26 22 MPG $4300
1500 four-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 8-speed Four-wheel drive 15 21 17 MPG $4350
1500 HFE two-wheel drive 3L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 21 29 24 MPG $3950
1500 HFE two-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 8-speed Rear-wheel drive 18 25 21 MPG $3100

Specs and fitment

DS generation (fourth gen), 2013–2018
Body styles Pickup
Oil FCA MS-6395 5W-20 (Pentastar V6; see manual for HEMI/diesel) , 6 qt capacity
Tire size 275/60R20, 265/70R17, 285/45R22, 285/70R17 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 10,620 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Owner complaints for mid-generation years (especially 2014) concentrate on steering. Safety recall 15V-459 covers certain 2012-2014 Ram 1500 trucks among other Rams with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center: the steering-wheel wiring harness can rub the driver air-bag retainer spring and short so the frontal air bag may deploy unexpectedly; dealers inspect, secure the harness, and add protective caps. Safety recall 17V-302 covers certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500 trucks: off-road driving or debris can fault the Occupant Restraint Controller so rollover curtain air bags and pretensioners will not deploy; dealers update ORC software. Safety recall 20V-475 (later addressed again under 23V-411) covers certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 trucks with the 3.0L diesel whose crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate and stall the engine; dealers update powertrain control module software. Those diesel campaigns apply only to EcoDiesel-equipped trucks, not the gasoline majority.

Compare

Previous year 2015 Ram 1500 Next year 2017 Ram 1500 See every Ram 1500 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Ram 1500 reliable?

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 1,541 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 74 per year. That is more complaints per year than most 1500 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 58. NHTSA has 17 recalls on file, including Inflator, Engine and engine cooling, and Fuel pump.

What are common problems with a 2016 Ram 1500?

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (310 of 1,541), then Engine (291) and Service brakes (243). Those filings include 90 that report a crash, 36 that report a fire, 52 that report an injury, and 4 that report a death.

Is the 2016 Ram 1500 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2015 1500 has 1,448 complaints, 65 per year, and the 2017 has 878 complaints, 66 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Ram 1500 been recalled?

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 17 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Ram 1500?

Owners have filed 1541 complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2016 Ram 1500 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2016 Ram 1500 is 19.4 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What engine oil does a Ram 1500 use?

FCA MS-6395 5W-20 (Pentastar V6; see manual for HEMI/diesel)

What does NHTSA recall 15V-459 cover on the Ram 1500?

Safety recall 15V-459 covers certain 2012-2014 Ram 1500 trucks among other Rams with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center: the steering-wheel wiring harness can rub the driver air-bag retainer spring and short so the frontal air bag may deploy unexpectedly; dealers…

What generation is the 2014 Ram 1500?

DS generation (fourth gen) (2013-2018).