2016 RAM 1500 Reliability & Recall Report
Based on 17 NHTSA recalls and 1,554 owner complaints. All data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — free, no signup required.
F
10/100
Very High Reported Activity — 2016 RAM 1500
The 2016 RAM 1500 shows very high recall and complaint activity in NHTSA data. Counts are raw and are higher for popular models, so see how we score this below. Review the issues and recalls carefully, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.
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17
NHTSA Recalls
17 recalls on record
1,554
Owner Complaints
Filed with NHTSA
92
Crash Reports
36 fire reports
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NHTSA Recalls — 2016 RAM 1500 (17)
All recalls listed below must be repaired by an authorized RAM dealer at no charge to the owner.
🔧 Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Diesel
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…
🔧 Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch
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…
🔧 Structure: Body: Tailgate
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…
🔧 Electrical System: Wiring
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,…
🔧 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator
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…
🔧 Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
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,…
🔧 Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever And Linkage: Column Shift
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…
🔧 Power Train: Driveline: Differential Unit
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…
🔧 Air Bags
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…
🔧 Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft
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…
Showing 10 of 17 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
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Most Common Problems — 2016 RAM 1500
Based on 1,554 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Bars show relative complaint frequency.
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RAM 1500 — Complaints by Year
A spike means more owner complaints were filed for that model year. The 2016 model year is highlighted.
→ Recently checked RAM 1500 VINs — free recall, safety and specs report for any VIN.
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✅ Best model years: 2010 — Lowest complaint rates for this model.
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Frequently Asked Questions — 2016 RAM 1500
Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 1500 has 17 recall campaigns and 1,554 owner complaints. This model year shows elevated recall or complaint activity — review the details and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2016 RAM 1500 have?
The 2016 RAM 1500 has 17 NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include: see recall details above. All recalls are repaired free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?
The most commonly reported problems for the 2016 RAM 1500 are: Steering, Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine. See the complaint breakdown above for full details.
Is the 2016 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
The 2016 RAM 1500 has some safety and reliability items to review before buying. Ensure all 17 recalls are completed at a dealer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended.
What year RAM 1500 should I buy?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the best years for the RAM 1500 are: 2010. These show the lowest complaint rates.
How we score this: The score starts at 100 and subtracts points for the number of NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints filed for this model year, and for complaints that report crashes or fires. Newer model years get a small bonus because they have had less time to collect reports. These are raw counts and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so popular models tend to have more recalls and complaints. Complaints are unverified owner reports. This grade is not a prediction about any individual vehicle and is not an inspection: check a specific car’s VIN for open recalls and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Data source: All recall and complaint data is sourced directly from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public API. Data is cached and refreshed every 7 days. Recall and complaint counts reflect data available at the time of last cache update.
For the most current recall status on a specific vehicle, enter the VIN above or visit
NHTSA.gov/recalls.