2016 Ram 1500 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1564 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500. The most-reported areas: Steering (316), Engine (292), Service Brakes (287).
Key takeaways
- 1564 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 92 involve a crash, 36 a fire, 73 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 316 | 20% |
| Engine | 292 | 19% |
| Service Brakes | 287 | 18% |
| Power Train | 204 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 194 | 12% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 193 | 12% |
| Unknown Or Other | 127 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 111 | 7% |
| Fuel System | 92 | 6% |
| Diesel | 82 | 5% |
| Suspension | 68 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 63 | 4% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2016 Ram 1500
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Unknown Or Other,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-11-05
In Nov 2020, we had a Ram recall repair for the EGR Cooler/VB1. This was a safety issue that could potentially cause the truck to catch on fire. Nov 2026, we are getting a code for the same issue with our VB1 egr cooler valve. We've contacted Ram and have an email stating that our repair is out of warranty since it...
Steering - filed 2026-11-04
ELECTRIC STEERING RACK FAILURE. The truck requires tremendous strength to steer manually, risking accident and injury to passengers and other vehicles. Emmett's Auto in Klamath Falls, OR has ordered a new steering rack. RAM Corporate advised the truck is not on recall. Other trucks manufactured the same year have t...
Power Train,electrical System,service Brakes - filed 2026-11-04
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a widespread defect in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2016 Ram 1500. The ABS system on my vehicle has suffered an internal failure, resulting in an active ABS dashboard warning light, total loss of traction...
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More for the 2016 Ram 1500
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.