2016 Ram 1500. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 8
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | Auto 8-spd | RWD | 21 / 29 / 24 | Diesel | $3,950 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | Auto 8-spd | 4WD | 19 / 26 / 22 | Diesel | $4,300 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Auto 8-spd | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 | Regular | $2,950 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Auto 8-spd | 4WD | 16 / 23 / 19 | Regular | $3,300 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Auto 8-spd | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 | Midgrade | $4,200 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Auto 8-spd | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 | Midgrade | $4,200 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Auto 6-spd | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 | Midgrade | $4,450 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Auto 6-spd | 4WD | 13 / 19 / 15 | Midgrade | $4,750 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,000 and 80,000 miles. Median 47,000, from 984 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 65,000 | 42,000–96,000 | 139 |
| Engine | 55,000 | 33,000–88,000 | 211 |
| Brakes | 27,800 | 3,500–55,500 | 45 |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 30,000 | 9,500–55,000 | 199 |
| Electrical | 26,000 | 10,000–51,000 | 107 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 27% |
| Engine | 24% |
| Electrical | 13% |
| Fuel or ev drive system | 11% |
| Steering | 9% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,943 | 119 | 44 | 63 | 5 | 135 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 23
25V010000 Jan 2025 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain / Inflator
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.
Risk. 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.
23V411000 Jun 2023 Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
Risk. 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 cust
22V406000 Jun 2022 Fuel System, Diesel / Delivery / Fuel Pump
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.
Risk. 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 m
21V632000 Aug 2021 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain / Inflator
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.
Risk. 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.
20V475000 Aug 2020 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
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.
Risk. 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.
19V757000 Oct 2019 Engine And Engine Cooling / Exhaust System / Emission Control / Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
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.
Risk. 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.
19V347000 May 2019 Latches/Locks/Linkages / Tailgate / Latch
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.
Risk. 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 curren
19V021000 Jan 2019 Steering / Linkages / Drag / Link / Connection
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
18E096000 Oct 2018 Steering / Linkages
Defect. Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk. The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
18V486000 Jul 2018 Structure / Body / Tailgate
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.
Risk. 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.
18V332000 May 2018 Electrical System / Wiring
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 with
Risk. 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 d
17V824000 Dec 2017 Equipment
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable.
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall i
17V821000 Dec 2017 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Lever And Linkage / Column Shift
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 ped
Risk. 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.
17V562000 Sep 2017 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Risk. The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
17V499000 Aug 2017 Wheels
Defect. Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Risk. If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
17V302000 May 2017 Air Bags
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.
Risk. 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.
17V198000 Mar 2017 Power Train / Driveline / Differential Unit
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.
Risk. 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.
16V301000 May 2016 Power Train / Axle Assembly / Axle Shaft
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.
Risk. 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.
16E041000 May 2016 Equipment
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.
Risk. 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.
16V167000 Mar 2016 Steering / Electric Power Assist System
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.
Risk. 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.
15V663000 Oct 2015 Tires / Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
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.
Risk. 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 r
15V661000 Oct 2015 Power Train / Axle Assembly / Axle Shaft
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.
Risk. 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.
15V592000 Sep 2015 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
Risk. An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure | 2025 | – |
| Open | High pressure fuel pump failure | 2023 | – |
| Open | Intermittent/comp loss of power steering | 2023 | – |
| Closed | Steering loss due to linkage separation | 2019 | 2025 |
| Closed | Steering loss due to linkage separation | 2018 | 2019 |
| Closed | Vehicle rollaway | 2016 | 2024 |
Manufacturer communications 769
Ram filed 769 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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…
Crash ratings by version
| 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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
YouTube repair topics
96 videos about the 2009–2018 Ram 1500, 22.7M views.
| Topic | Videos | Views |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment, battery & electrical | 9 | 1.5M |
| Gauges, lights & wiring | 5 | 1.1M |
| Steering & suspension | 8 | 1.0M |
| Oil changes & service | 2 | 659K |
| Driveshaft, axles & 4x4 | 5 | 624K |
| Lifters, AFM & cam phasers | 1 | 613K |
| Intake, EGR & engine sensors | 4 | 498K |
| Fuel pump, filter & tank | 2 | 415K |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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