2016 Ram 1500 Safety Report
2016 RAM 1500 Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Ram 1500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Ram 1500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (17) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1455) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 123 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Ram 1500 with 578 complaints and 13 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Ram 1500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 1500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 1500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ram 1500 | 823 | 13 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | 1399 | 18 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Ram 1500 | 622 | 15 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Ram 1500 | 1399 | 29 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 1500 | 578 | 13 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 625 | 14 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Ram 1500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Ram 1500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
241 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Ram onlyEngine
141 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ram onlyFuel/Propulsion System
104 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ram onlyService Brakes
103 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ram onlyPower Train
102 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlyUnknown Or Other
70 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ram 1500
Reliability Score
The 2016 Ram 1500 receives a reliability score of 88 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Ram 1500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Ram 1500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ram 1500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering System Failure Several reports indicate that the power assist in the steering system can fail, making it difficult to drive the vehicle, especially at moderate speeds. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Cooling System Issues Engine and cooling system failures have been reported, including issues with the diesel engine and exhaust system, which can lead to engine overheating and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System, Diesel Fuel system issues, particularly with diesel delivery and fuel pumps, have been reported, which can affect the vehicle's performance and safety. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Abs Module Failure ABS module failures have been reported, causing the ABS, traction control, and cruise control to become inoperable, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ram 1500:
Issues with the power assist in the steering system have been reported, making it difficult to drive the vehicle.
Engine and cooling system failures have been reported, including issues with the diesel engine and exhaust system.
Fuel system issues, particularly with diesel delivery and fuel pumps, have been reported.
ABS module failures have been reported, causing the ABS, traction control, and cruise control to become inoperable.
Recall Details for the 2016 Ram 1500
The following 17 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Ram 1500 by NHTSA:
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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 cust...
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.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 m...
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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 f...
Consequence: 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.
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 curren...
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
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 c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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 d...
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 op...
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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 r...
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Ram 1500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Ram 1500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact’s husband stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became inoperable and the vehicle unexpectedly veered to the left with no warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact’s husband collided with a car carrier vehicle. The contact’s husband suffered multiple injuries and was transported to a local emerge...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheels became inoperable. The ABS, traction control, 4WD, Hill Assist, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact associated the failure with the ABS control module. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w...
The power assist has gone out. It became very hard to drive the truck. I was coming home from work when it happened. It’s obviously a danger to cause an accident, it’s very difficult to steer the truck. It has not been to the dealer or mechanic yet. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the incident. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. The problem continues today.
Hello, so I have had my vehicle in the shop for over 2 weeks due to a failure toner wheel and even though there is a extention recall for my vehicle there not covering it even after telling fca and the dealer about the issues. There saying they won't be able to reimburse me even though I just bought the truck through carvana about 5 months ago and haven't even driven it over 4k miles.
Hello, my name is [XXX] , and I had a recall performed on my 2016 Ram Eco Truck 3.0L (FCA US Recall ID 66A) at Dewey Dodge Chrysler Jeep in [XXX] , following a recall notice dated June 28, 2023. On March 17, 2026, while driving on the interstate, I experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power, which nearly resulted in an accident; the dashboard displayed a "Service Electronic Throttle Cont...
My Truck has less than 60,000 miles have paid for the extended warranty and now have a infamous ABS module failure which is very dangerous because now My Truck is my only source of transportation and being a senior citizen. This is a hazard for my only vehicle that I have. I have done my research and there are tons of complaints for this issue and it has not became a recall, which is very alarming...
My 2016 Ram 1500 (4th‑gen) has a severely rusted and failed front fuel tank strap bracket, causing the tank to sag. This matches the defect described in Recall U04 / NHTSA 18V‑160 for 2009–2012 Ram 1500 trucks, but my VIN is not included. I believe the same safety defect affects ALL rust belt 4th‑gen Ram 1500s and request that NHTSA investigate expanding the recall’s model‑year coverage.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS system module failure warning light illuminated. The brakes, traction control, and power steering failed, and the speedometer ceased to display on the instrument panel. The electronic throttle control warning light also illuminated, causing the vehicle to fail to shift out of park. After turnin...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were intermittently illuminated, causing the 4WD and the traction control systems to become inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was scanned, and a DTC for the ABS module failure was found. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was in...
Hello, I am wanting to file a complaint regarding my 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel. As of April 2025 my vehicle's Air Suspension system has been a Safety issue for me. I have noticed that the Service Air Suspension Immediatley, Service Air Suspension system messages have been displaying on my vehicle's dashboard. I took my vehicle into the Mac Haik Dodge in Temple, TX in April 2025 for a diagnosis and no r...
The ABS control module has faulted and the ABS, Traction Control, and Cruise Control are off making them all inoperable, even though the truck is still able to be drive, albeit unsafely. There is a national backorder of parts and the units are no longer being manufactured.
ABS System failed when making a right hand turn. It cause my truck to fishtail into on coming traffic and wind up on the other side of the road going the opposite direction. We have not been to a dealership yet. Scared to drive it again. The traction control light and ABS light and brake lights are on all the time. No other warnings.The lights were on when I purchased the truck.
ABS Module failure, Brake warning light on, ABS warning light on and unable to use cruise control
My truck lost power steering while driving, a red flashing light came on saying power steering, pulled off and could not turn wheel. Managed to get it to a shop close by and upon scan for codes it came up C2217-00 electric power steering and shop verified that my truck came up with a recall regarding this same issue but when I called a dodge dealership they said I had no open recalls yet needed to...
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 D...
The ABS warning light is on. I took the vehicle to the dealership, and they advised that it is safe to continue driving.
Air suspension no good causes bad steering/control of truck very dangerous
Known issue with the abs module causing brake problems no abs no traction control very dangerous to drive especially in wet/slippery conditions
The drivers side seat belt is very difficult to latch.
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 ma...
Showing 20 of 1455 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Ram 1500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Opened 2025-07-03
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously b...
Component: Steering
Opened 2023-08-04
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver.On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehic...
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Opened 2016-12-16 · Closed 2024-01-25
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints...
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2023-03-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ram 1500
Has the 2016 RAM 1500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 RAM 1500 has 17 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 RAM 1500 have?
The 2016 RAM 1500 has 1,455 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 88 involved crashes. 71 injuries and 5 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 RAM 1500?
The 2016 RAM 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 RAM 1500 involve steering (241 complaints), engine (141 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (104 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, power train, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2016 RAM 1500 have?
There are 88 crash reports associated with the 2016 RAM 1500 out of 1,455 total complaints (6.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 RAM 1500 have?
There are 35 fire reports for the 2016 RAM 1500 out of 1,455 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 RAM 1500?
Yes, 5 deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 1500. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 RAM 1500?
71 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 1500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 RAM 1500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 1500 is extreme caution advised. It has 1,455 complaints, 17 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Note: 5 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 RAM 1500?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 RAM 1500 are: 1. STEERING (241 complaints), 2. ENGINE (141 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (104 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (103 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (102 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 241 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 RAM 1500?
Be cautious of potential steering and engine issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid safety hazards. The 2016 RAM 1500 has 1,455 NHTSA complaints and 17 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 RAM 1500?
The 2016 RAM 1500 receives a reliability score of 88/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1,455 owner complaints, 17 recalls, and 123 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering System Failure and Engine and Cooling System Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2016 RAM 1500?
Known issues with the 2016 RAM 1500 include: Steering System Failure, Engine and Cooling System Issues, Fuel System, Diesel, ABS Module Failure. These are based on patterns found across 1,455 NHTSA complaints. 17 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2016 RAM 1500?
Common issues include steering system failures, engine and cooling system problems, and ABS module failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 RAM 1500?
Yes, there are recalls for issues with the fuel system, diesel engine, and steering system.
What should I do if I experience steering or engine issues?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to address any potential issues promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential steering and engine issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid safety hazards.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ram 1500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ram 1500. The data includes 1455 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 17 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 88 reported crashes, 35 fire incidents, 71 reported injuries, and 5 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Ram 1500 an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16