2016 Ram 1500 recalls and problems

16 recalls and 1,554 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Ram 1500.

16
recalls
1,554
owner complaints
92
complaints mentioning a crash
36
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Ram 1500 recalls

Air bags: side/window, curtain, inflator

NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · reported January 16, 2025 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 6,066 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · reported June 8, 2023 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 80,629 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Fuel system, diesel: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · reported June 9, 2022 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 138,645 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Air bags: side/window, curtain, inflator · Air bags: side/window, curtain

NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · reported August 12, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 212,373 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel

NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · reported August 13, 2020 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 58,016 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)

NHTSA campaign 19V757000 · reported October 24, 2019 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 107,980 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.

Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate, latch

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · reported May 9, 2019 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,103,209 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix
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.

Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate, latch · Structure: body, tailgate

NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · reported July 27, 2018 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,149,223 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: software · Vehicle speed control: cruise control · Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · reported May 17, 2018 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 4,815,661 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · reported December 20, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,482,874 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix
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.

Air bags: side/window, curtain · Air bags

NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · reported May 9, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,021,279 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
The fix
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.

Power train: driveline, differential unit

NHTSA campaign 17V198000 · reported March 23, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 30 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Power train: axle assembly, axle shaft

NHTSA campaign 16V301000 · reported May 16, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 64 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 16V167000 · reported March 23, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 440 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire

NHTSA campaign 15V663000 · reported October 16, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 253 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Power train: axle assembly, axle shaft

NHTSA campaign 15V661000 · reported October 15, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 61,859 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

Oct 20, 2026 · Steering

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.

Oct 19, 2026 · Service brakes

ANTIlock brakes module failure

Oct 16, 2026 · Air bags

Side curtain and front seat airbags deployed randomly, without impact or collision.

Oct 15, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 14,700 miles

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…

1500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 111,2817210
2014 161,7779924
2015 171,4597958
2016 161,5549236
2017 138848016
2018 15667258
2019 291,4947611

Across all years, the 2014 1500 has the most complaints (1,777). All Ram 1500 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2016 Ram 1500, the most recent reported on January 16, 2025 (Air bags: side/window, curtain, inflator). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 1500?
Owners have filed 1,554 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (314 complaints), followed by engine (291).
How many 2016 Ram 1500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
92 of 1,554 complaints report a crash and 36 a fire; 73 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 20, 2026.