NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 1,565 owner complaints for the 2016 Ram 1500. It has 3 open investigations that name this model year.
Recalled components: powertrain, air bags, engine and cooling, body structure, and 5 more. Most-described problem: power steering problems or locked steering (201 complaints, 13%). Most-reported area: steering (316 complaints, 20%; median mileage when it happened: 71,300).
More complaints than a typical Ram 1500 year
The 2016 drew 221 owner complaints in its first three years, against 210 for a typical Ram 1500 year.
Years to avoid: 2019; best year: 2023. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
16 safety recalls for the 2016 Ram 1500
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Powertrain 4 recalls
automatic transmission · lever and linkage · column shift
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
1,482,874 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
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.
30 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks.
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
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.
64 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
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.
61,859 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
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.
6,066 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
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.
212,373 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Components: Air bags: side/window, curtain; Air bags: side/window, curtain, inflator. Ram campaign Y55.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
1,021,279 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Components: Air bags; Air bags: side/window, curtain. Ram campaign T25.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
80,629 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
58,016 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Ram campaign W58.
exhaust system · emission control · gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
107,980 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
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.
1,149,223 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Components: Latches, locks and linkages: tailgate, latch; Body structure: body, tailgate. Ram campaign U74.
Risk: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
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.
138,645 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
4,815,661 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
1,103,209 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
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.
440 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire.
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.
253 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Ram campaign R58.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA also lists 1 equipment recall for parts sold for this vehicle, not the vehicle itself: Equipment (Chrysler (FCA US LLC), 16E-041).
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 4 investigations that name the 2016 Ram 1500; 3 are still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) failure
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… NHTSA's full summary
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.
NHTSA listing: 1500. Component: Steering (electric power assist system, gear box, mounting bracket, gear box (other than rack and pinion), rack and pinion, steering control module).
High pressure fuel pump failure
Engineering analysis EA23001Open since Mar 17, 2023
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)… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: 1500. Component: Diesel fuel system (delivery, fuel pump).
Vehicle rollaway
Preliminary evaluation PE16014Closed Jan 25, 2024 (opened Dec 16, 2016)
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: 1500. Component: Powertrain (automatic transmission, control module (TCM/PCM/tecm), gear position indication (PRNDL)).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 1,565 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Power steering problems or locked steering201 · 13%
Median 72,000 miles at failure, from 69 reports with mileage
Check engine light109 · 7%
Median 79,500 miles at failure, from 76 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode91 · 6%
Median 65,900 miles at failure, from 59 reports with mileage
Stalling or shutting off78 · 5%
Median 89,000 miles at failure, from 55 reports with mileage
Hesitation or slow acceleration66 · 4%
Median 50,000 miles at failure, from 55 reports with mileage
Suspension parts (struts, ball joints, control arms)54 · 3%
Median 58,000 miles at failure, from 23 reports with mileage
Steering rack problems: sticking, play or pulling49 · 3%
Median 69,500 miles at failure, from 15 reports with mileage
Shaking, shuddering or vibration34 · 2%
Median 60,000 miles at failure, from 29 reports with mileage
Median 71,300 miles at failure, from 104 reports with mileage
Engine292 · 19%
Median 60,000 miles at failure, from 177 reports with mileage
Brakes283 · 18%
Most named: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3); antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, abs warning light (3) · Median 71,000 miles at failure, from 56 reports with mileage
Powertrain204 · 13%
Median 32,000 miles at failure, from 147 reports with mileage
Electrical system194 · 12%
Median 32,700 miles at failure, from 78 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system193 · 12%
Median 51,500 miles at failure, from 82 reports with mileage
Speed control111 · 7%
Most named: cruise control (3) · Median 44,000 miles at failure, from 49 reports with mileage
Unknown or other127 · 8%
Median 27,400 miles at failure, from 65 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ram 1500 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2016 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2019 Ram 1500 drew the most (470) and the 2016 drew 221.
Owner complaints
2016: 1,565 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ram 1500
Model year
Complaints
2010
488
2011
689
2012
698
2013
1,283
2014
1,784
2015
1,461
2016
1,565
2017
886
2018
669
2019
1,501
2020
645
2021
690
2022
640
2023
207
2024
78
2025
380
2026
107
Safety recalls
2016: 16 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ram 1500
Model year
Recalls
2010
7
2011
6
2012
6
2013
11
2014
16
2015
17
2016
16
2017
13
2018
15
2019
29
2020
14
2021
15
2022
16
2023
11
2024
6
2025
8
2026
9
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 1,565 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ram 1500, the problems described most are power steering problems or locked steering (201), the check engine light coming on (109), and loss of power or limp mode (91). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2016 Ram 1500 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2016 Ram 1500 earns 4 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2016 Ram 1500?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 open investigations that name the 2016 Ram 1500: post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) failure (RQ25003, opened Jul 3, 2025), intermittent/comp loss of power steering (RQ23003, opened Aug 4, 2023), and high pressure fuel pump failure (EA23001, opened Mar 17, 2023). It has closed 1 other. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Ram 1500 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ram dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: 1500.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.