The Lemon Index2016 Ram 1500.
The 2016 Ram 1500 is worse than average by owner complaints: 681 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 139, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 23 recalls, and it gets 15 to 24 mpg combined. The best Ram 1500 year is 2000.
Covers the whole Ram pickup line (1500, 2500 and 3500): Ram reports their sales together.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 96 YouTube videos about the 2009–2018 Ram 1500, 22.7M views. The 2016 is the same truck.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.5M views
RAM Key fob Not Working / Responding **Quick Fix**- 2016 Ram 1500MJ Altairy · 431K views · 9 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring1.1M views
How to Adjust/Aim Headlights on a 2009–2018 Ram 1500/2500/3500 (DIY)LethalGarage · 484K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension1.0M views
How to Install a 2012-2014 Ram 1500 4-Inch Suspension Lift KitRough Country · 469K views · 8 videos - Oil changes & service659K views
100k Mile Service Ram 1500 Truck 4th Gen 2008-181A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 579K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Driveshaft, axles & 4x4624K views
How to Replace Front CV Axles 2011-2018 Ram 15001A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 357K views · 5 videos - Lifters, AFM & cam phasers613K views
How to Replace The Lifters and Camshaft on a 2013 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi (Every Step in 30 Minutes!)Jack Fletcher · 613K views - Intake, EGR & engine sensors498K views
How to Replace Camshaft Sensor 2011-2018 RAM 1500TRQ · 219K views · 4 videos - Fuel pump, filter & tank415K views
RAM 1500 Gas Tank REMOVAL - DIY - 2009-2018BoostedMotorsports · 361K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ram Truck 1500 4th Generation 2009-171A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 2.6M views
2010 Ram 1500 250,000 miles - reliability reviewReagan Hughes · 91K views
Top 5 Problems Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup 2003-2009 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 71K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 1,943 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ram 1500 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 80K miles on the car (984 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 42K–96K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 33K–88K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 3K–55K miles
Recalls 23
- airbags 2025
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- engine 2023
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.
- fuel system, diesel 2022
A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Show all 23 recalls
- airbags 2021
The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- engine 2020
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.
- engine 2019
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system.
- latches/locks/linkages 2019
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.
- steering 2019
The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
- steering 2018
Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
- body structure 2018
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- equipment 2017
A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
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.
- engine 2017
These water pumps may leak coolant.
- wheels 2017
The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
- airbags 2017
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).
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
- transmission & drivetrain 2016
The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
- equipment 2016
These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015.
- steering 2016
Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
- tires 2015
The affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire.
- transmission & drivetrain 2015
The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
- engine 2015
In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ram told dealers about
Ram sent dealers 769 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Flash: Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM) OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves updating the ASCM
- Flash: Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM) This bulletin involves updating the ASCM with the…
- Water Pump For JK Bodies ONLY: If replacing the water pump for a chirp, squeal or NVH, please…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenPost recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure2025
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- OpenIntermittent/comp loss of power steering2023
- ClosedSteering loss due to linkage separation2019–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Significant lag in engine response when accelerating from dead stop. Delay is approx 3-4 seconds from time accelerator pedal is depressed until truck responds.
2016 Ram 1500 owner · NHTSA complaint 10924901
More owner reports
I have two outstanding recalls on my truck. The diesel water pump recall and the brake transmission shift interlock both of these recalls were issued in 2017 and neither has a remedy.
NHTSA complaint 11112258
Transmission shifts very abruptly, sometimes violently, while driving. There is also a jolt when coming to a complete stop, during the transmission shift from 2nd to 1st gear.
NHTSA complaint 11258263
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Ram 1500 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 139; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ram 1500 year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2016 Ram 1500 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (27%), engine (24%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
23 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ram 1500 get?
15 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Ram 1500 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,000 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 47,000 miles, from 984 complaints.
Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 27% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Ram 1500 cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Ram 1500 year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2017 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works