2016 Ram 1500 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,541 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ram 1500, filed between 2016-02-26 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the steering (310, 20%), engine (291, 19%) and service brakes (243, 16%). Owners reported 90 crashes, 36 fires, 72 injuries and 5 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 17 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Ram 1500 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 310 | 20% | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| Engine | 291 | 19% | 2 | 24 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 243 | 16% | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 202 | 13% | 34 | 5 | 15 |
| Electrical system | 192 | 12% | 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 190 | 12% | 2 | 5 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 126 | 8% | 11 | 7 | 12 |
| Vehicle speed control | 111 | 7% | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 80 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 67 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 61 | 4% | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Air bags | 47 | 3% | 30 | 0 | 43 |
| Structure | 36 | 2% | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 31 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 21 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Steering: 310 complaints
- 310 complaints of 1,541 (20%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 26 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ram 1500; the recall, campaign 16V167000, says: “Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.”
Engine: 291 complaints
- 291 complaints of 1,541 (19%) name the engine.
- 56 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; owners reported 2 crashes, 24 fires and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Ram 1500; the latest, campaign 23V411000, says: “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.”
Service brakes: 243 complaints
- 243 complaints of 1,541 (16%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 61 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 8 crashes and 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ram 1500 covers this system.
Power train: 202 complaints
- 202 complaints of 1,541 (13%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 55 of them also name the engine; owners reported 34 crashes, 5 fires and 15 injuries in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Ram 1500; the latest, campaign 17V821000, says: “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.”
Electrical system: 192 complaints
- 192 complaints of 1,541 (12%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 61 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 10 crashes, 7 fires, 4 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ram 1500; the recall, campaign 18V332000, says: “These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 190 complaints
- 190 complaints of 1,541 (12%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 56 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ram 1500 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2018 | 88 |
| 2019 | 231 |
| 2020 | 136 |
| 2021 | 99 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 183 |
| 2024 | 208 |
| 2025 | 228 |
| 2026 | 134 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names 1500, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Ram 1500 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 1500?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Ram 1500's most common problem areas are the steering (310 of 1,541 complaints), engine (291 of 1,541 complaints) and service brakes (243 of 1,541 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA has 1,541 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ram 1500, including 90 reported crashes and 36 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ram 1500's problems?
NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2016 Ram 1500; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.