2016 Ram 1500
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 351 of 1,535 complaints (23%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 1,443 in 2015 to 1,535 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–4,800 | 2,950–4,800 | 2,950–4,800 | 3,100–4,800 | 3,100–5,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–23 | 15–24 | 15–24 | 15–23 | 14–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–20 / 19–27 | 13–21 / 19–29 | 13–21 / 19–29 | 13–20 / 19–27 | 13–20 / 18–27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 426–578 | 426–580 | 426–581 | 448–580 | 448–614 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,760 | 1,443 | 1,535 | 870 | 659 | |
| Recalls issued | 17 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 15 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 98 | 79 | 90 | 80 | 25 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 24 | 58 | 36 | 16 | 8 | |
| Injuries reported | 88 | 52 | 72 | 77 | 25 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
17 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Ram 1500?
Engine: 351 of 1,535 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ram 1500 get?
EPA rates it 15–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Ram 1500?
EPA estimates $2,950–$4,800 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 (low) | 426 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $4,500 | 558 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,200 | 513 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 451 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $3,750 | 428 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 581 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $4,050 | 461 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,200 | 527 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,900 | 442 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 475 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 351 | 2 | 27 | 8 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 202 | 34 | 5 | 15 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 278 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 192 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Brakes | 281 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 308 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 86 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 55 | 30 | 0 | 43 | 4 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 129 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 44 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 128 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 1 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (17)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR · Campaign 25V010000 · Jan 16, 2025
Defect: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Campaign 23V411000 · Jun 8, 2023
Defect: 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 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 · Campaign 22V406000 · Jun 9, 2022
Defect: 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 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; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR · Campaign 21V632000 · Aug 12, 2021
Defect: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · Campaign 20V475000 · Aug 13, 2020
Defect: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) · Campaign 19V757000 · Oct 24, 2019
Defect: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · Campaign 19V347000 · May 9, 2019
Defect: 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.
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 currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · Campaign 18V486000 · Jul 27, 2018
Defect: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 18V332000 · May 22, 2018
Defect: 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.
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 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 · Campaign 17V821000 · Dec 22, 2017
Defect: 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.
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.
Show 7 earlier campaigns
AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · Campaign 17V302000 · May 10, 2017
Defect: 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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · Campaign 17V198000 · Mar 24, 2017
Defect: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · Campaign 16V301000 · May 16, 2016
Defect: 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.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 16E041000 · May 16, 2016
Defect: 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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 16V167000 · Mar 23, 2016
Defect: 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.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · Campaign 15V663000 · Oct 16, 2015
Defect: 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 recall is R58.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · Campaign 15V661000 · Oct 15, 2015
Defect: 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.