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2016 RAM 1500
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2016 RAM 1500 — Safety Summary
The 2016 RAM 1500 has 17 NHTSA safety recalls and 1501 owner complaints on record. Transport Canada separately lists 18 Canadian recalls for this model. The most frequently reported complaint area is steering. It earned an NHTSA overall safety rating of 4 out of 5. Based on this public data we rate its risk profile as high. Enter your VIN above to confirm which of these apply to your exact vehicle, then get the Smart Buyer Report for AI analysis of this model's reliability, common issues by mileage, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
Government crash test results
NHTSA Recalls
17 recall(s) for this year/model
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
13/08/2020Chrysler (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.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
09/05/2019Chrysler (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.
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
27/07/2018Chrysler (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.
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
17/05/2018Chrysler (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.
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
12/08/2021Chrysler (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.
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:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
24/10/2019Chrysler (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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
20/12/2017Chrysler (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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
23/03/2017Chrysler (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.
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.
AIR BAGS
09/05/2017Chrysler (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.
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:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
16/05/2016Chrysler (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.
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.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
16/10/2015Chrysler (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.
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
15/10/2015Chrysler (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.
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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
23/03/2016Chrysler (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.
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.
EQUIPMENT
16/05/2016Chrysler (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.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
09/06/2022Chrysler (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.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
08/06/2023Chrysler (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.
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
16/01/2025Chrysler (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.
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.
Transport Canada Recalls
18 Canadian recall(s) from the official Transport Canada database
Accessories
2015-10-16On certain vehicles equipped with 5.7L engines and dual exhaust, the vehicle may have been built with a missing spare tire passenger side tire heat shield. This could allow thermal damage to the spare tire to occur. If a damaged spare tire were to be used, rapid air loss due to tread separation or side wall rupture could occur, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a passenger side spare tire heat shield. If the passenger side spare tire heat shield is not present, a heat shield will be installed.
Steering
2016-03-23On certain vehicles, the electric power steering (EPS) control circuit board may have been contaminated during manufacturing. This could result in an intermittent or permanent sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering effort may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the EPS rack and pinion gear assembly.
Accessories
2016-05-12*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** Certain Mopar canvas seat covers, sold as aftermarket parts, may not be compatible with vehicles equipped with seat thorax airbags and could impede deployment. This could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant in a side impact crash where seat thorax airbag deployment is warranted. Correction: FCA Canada will notify owners who may have purchased the Mopar Canvas Seat Covers, and advise them to remove the covers and return them for a refund.
Powertrain
2016-05-12On certain vehicles, some front halfshafts may contain a manufacturing defect related to the material hardening. This could result in a halfshaft breaking, potentially damaging underbody components. In addition, the halfshaft could separate and become a road hazard for other motorists. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace both front halfshafts.
Powertrain
2017-03-23Certain vehicles may have a loose differential pin retaining screw. This could damage or lock up the rear axle differential, resulting in a loss of motive power which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the differential pin retaining screw as necessary. If the inspection reveals that the retaining screw is loose or damaged, the rear axle assemble will be replaced.
Airbag
2017-05-10On certain vehicles equipped with Occupant Restraint Controllers (“ORC”) with roll rate sensing, under certain external conditions, a fault may be set relating to rollover sensing that will illuminate the airbag warning light and disable rollover sensing until the vehicle is restarted. A loss of airbags and seatbelt pretensioner deployment when warranted during a rollover crash may increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the ORC.
Powertrain
2017-12-21On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative. This could allow the steering column gear shifter lever to be shifted out of the PARK (P) position without depressing the service brake pedal or having the key in the ignition, which could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the BTSI as necessary. The Body Control Module (BCM) will also be updated.
Engine
2018-05-17On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated. If this occurs and the driver does not apply the brakes or shift the transmission to neutral, the vehicle could maintain speed or accelerate without warning, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software and perform an update as necessary. Note: In the interim, owners are advised not to use the cruise control until the vehicle is repaired.
Structure
2018-07-31Certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate may experience unintended opening of the tailgate. If this occurs while driving, unrestrained cargo could fall out of the box and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will modify the locking mechanism.
Structure
2019-05-10Issue: Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2019441. Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2019441">recall 2019441</a> for more information. On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate, the tailgate may open while driving. If this occurs, cargo that is not secured could fall out of the truck bed and onto the road. Note: This is an expansion of recall U74 (Transport Canada recall 2018-398). Safety Risk: Cargo that falls from the truck bed could create a road hazard for others. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their truck to a dealer to modify the tailgate locking mechanism.
Other
2019-08-21Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Structure
2019-08-30Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate, the tailgate may open while driving. If this occurs, cargo that is not secured could fall out of the truck bed and onto the road. Note: This is an expansion of recall U74 (Transport Canada recall 2018-398). Safety Risk: Cargo that falls from the truck bed could create a road hazard for others. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their truck to a dealer to modify the tailgate locking mechanism. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2019-221
Engine
2019-10-25Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a 3.0-L EcoDiesel engine, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler could crack internally and leak. If this happens, a driver may notice a low coolant level or a heater that does not work properly. Safety Risk: A cracked EGR cooler could create the risk of an engine fire. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the EGR cooler. Dealers will also inspect intake manifold and replace it as necessary.
Engine
2020-08-13Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L diesel engine, a problem with the engine tone wheel could cause a loss of signal to crankshaft position sensor. If this happens, the engine could stall and you may not be able to restart it. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the powertrain control module. This update will help maintain engine power if the crankshaft position signal is lost.
Airbag
2021-08-12Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators could be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could rupture unexpectedly. If this happens, small pieces of metal could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag and prevent it from inflating properly. Safety Risk: A side curtain airbag inflator that ruptures could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the side curtain airbags, as necessary.
Fuel System
2022-06-09Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L diesel engine, the high-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, you may notice a change in engine performance, a fuel leak, or a malfunction indicator lamp and/or service electronic throttle control tell-tale may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the high-pressure fuel pump. Additional fuel system parts may be replaced, if necessary.
Engine
2023-06-08Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L diesel engine, a problem with the engine tone wheel could cause a loss of signal to crankshaft position sensor. If this happens, the engine could stall and you may not be able to restart it. Note: Vehicles included in FCA recall W58 (Transport Canada recall 2020-371) are not part of this recall. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module. This update will help maintain engine power if the crankshaft position signal is lost.
Airbag
2025-01-16Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators may be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could rupture unexpectedly and metal fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Note: This recall also affects certain 2016 model year RAM 3500 chassis cab incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your truck to a dealership to replace the affected side curtain airbag(s).
Contains information sourced from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database, licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Data is provided "as is" from Transport Canada's monthly release and may not reflect real-time updates. Transport Canada does not endorse this service. Always confirm open recalls with the manufacturer or Transport Canada before purchase.
Owner Complaints
1501 complaint(s) filed with NHTSA
Top complaint categories:
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