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2016 Ram 1500: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2016 Ram 1500 has 1,554 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, the second-highest count of any Ram 1500 model year we compared[1]. It also has 16 recalls, so check which ones apply to a specific truck[1].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 1,554 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ram 1500[2]. Of those, 92 mention a crash, 36 a fire, 73 injuries and 5 deaths[2]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component group.
The biggest groups are:
- Engine: 353 complaints, including 27 that mention a fire[5]
- Steering: 314 complaints[6]
- Brakes: 282 complaints[7]
- Power train: 202 complaints, including 34 that mention a crash and 15 injuries. The median mileage at failure is 32,000[8]
- Electrical system: 193 complaints[9]
- Fuel and propulsion: 191 complaints[10]
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold. We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups. In that sample, themes looked like this (counts are texts in the sample):
- Steering. In 8 of 12 texts, owners describe power steering assist cutting out or the wheel becoming hard to turn, often in turns at low speed[6]. In 3 of 12, owners say their truck was not covered by the power steering recall[6].
- Power train. In 4 of 12 texts, owners describe the truck rolling while the shifter showed park[8]. In another 4, they describe rough, slipping or refused shifts[8].
- Brakes. In 4 of 11 different texts, owners describe the pedal going to the floor or brake assist failing[7]. Two describe trouble with the trailer brake controller when towing[7].
- Engine. In 4 of 12 texts, owners describe a sudden loss of power, limp mode or a shutoff while driving[5]. Two mention fuel gauge or fuel sensor warnings[5].
This is a small sample, so it shows what kinds of problems owners report. It does not show how common they are.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this model year in our data[1]. Newest first:
- Side curtain air bags (25V010). Up to 6,066 vehicles[11]. The curtain air bag inflators can rupture and throw metal fragments at occupants. Dealers replace one or both curtain air bags for free[11].
- Crankshaft sensor, diesel (23V411). Up to 80,629 vehicles with 3.0L diesel engines[12]. A part on the crankshaft position sensor can break down and the engine can stall, which raises crash risk. Dealers update the engine computer software for free. This expands recall 20V475[12].
- High pressure fuel pump, diesel (22V406). Up to 138,645 vehicles with 3.0L diesel engines[13]. A pump failure can put debris in the fuel system and cut drive power. Dealers replace the pump and check or replace other fuel parts for free[13].
- Side curtain air bags (21V632). Up to 212,373 vehicles[14]. An inflator end cap can detach or the inflator can rupture and send parts into the cabin. Dealers inspect and replace the assemblies as needed, for free[14].
- Crankshaft sensor, diesel (20V475). Up to 58,016 vehicles with 3.0L diesel engines[15]. Same stall risk as 23V411. The fix is a computer software update, free of charge[15].
- EGR cooler, diesel (19V757). Up to 107,980 vehicles with 3.0L diesel engines[16]. The cooler can crack and let coolant vapor burn in the intake manifold, which raises fire risk. Dealers replace the cooler and, if needed, the intake manifold, free of charge[16].
- Tailgate latch (19V347). Up to 1,103,209 vehicles[17]. Covers trucks with the 8 foot bed and power locking tailgate[17]. A broken tab can let the tailgate open while driving and drop cargo on the road. Dealers repair the latch for free[17].
- Tailgate latch (18V486). Up to 1,149,223 vehicles with a power locking tailgate and a shorter bed[18]. Same latch problem, repaired for free[18].
- Cruise control (18V332). Up to 4,815,661 vehicles[19]. A wiring short may keep cruise control from switching off, so the truck could hold speed or speed up. Dealers update the software for free. The recall says to stop using cruise control until then[19].
- Column shifter (17V821). Up to 1,482,874 vehicles[20]. A pin can stick, letting the transmission be shifted out of park without the brake pedal or key, which risks rollaway. Dealers update software and inspect or replace the part for free[20].
- Rollover air bag sensor (17V302). Up to 1,021,279 vehicles[21]. Off-road driving or debris can trigger a fault that disables the rollover curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners. Dealers update the software for free[21].
- Differential screw (17V198). Up to 30 vehicles[22]. A retaining screw can come loose and the differential can break or lock up. Dealers inspect and replace the retaining pin for free[22].
- Front halfshafts (16V301). Up to 64 trucks built February 19 to March 3, 2016[23]. The shafts can fracture without warning. Dealers replace both halfshafts for free[23].
- Power steering (16V167). Up to 440 trucks built January 22 to September 13, 2015[24]. A contaminated circuit board can cause loss of power steering assist. Dealers replace the steering unit for free[24].
- Spare tire heat shield (15V663). Up to 253 trucks with a 5.7L engine and dual exhaust, built August 3 to 10, 2015[25]. A missing heat shield can let exhaust heat damage the spare tire. Dealers install the shield and replace some spares, free of charge[25].
- Rear axle shaft (15V661). Up to 61,859 trucks built June 17 to September 28, 2015[26]. Poor heat treatment may let the axle fracture and a wheel separate. Dealers inspect and replace axle assemblies as needed, free of charge[26].
Several of these cover only certain engines, build dates or bed types, so a recall may not apply to every truck.
Fuel economy
EPA lists several engine and drive combinations. Annual fuel cost is based on EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the truck was new.
| Engine and drive | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L turbo diesel, HFE 2WD[3] | 21 / 29 / 24 | $4,000 |
| 3.0L turbo diesel, 2WD[27] | 20 / 27 / 23 | $4,150 |
| 3.0L turbo diesel, 4WD[28] | 19 / 26 / 22 | $4,350 |
| 3.6L gasoline, HFE 2WD[29] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L gasoline, 2WD[30] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 3.6L gasoline, 4WD[31] | 16 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| 5.7L 8-cylinder, 8-speed, 2WD[32] | 15 / 22 / 17 | $4,450 |
| 5.7L 8-cylinder, 8-speed, 4WD[33] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $4,450 |
| 5.7L 8-cylinder, 6-speed, 2WD[34] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,750 |
| 5.7L 8-cylinder, 6-speed, 4WD[35] | 13 / 19 / 15 | $5,050 |
The 3.6L gasoline engine has the lowest estimated yearly fuel cost, from $3,200 to $3,550[29][31]. The 5.7L 8-cylinder costs the most, from $4,450 to $5,050[32][35]. The 5.7L is listed as using midgrade fuel[34].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2016 Ram 1500 an overall rating of 4 stars in every cab and drive layout it lists[4][36]. Frontal is 4 stars and side is 5 stars[4][37].
Rollover differs by drive. Two-wheel drive trucks get 4 stars with a 19.8% rollover risk[4][38][39]. Four-wheel drive trucks get 3 stars with a 21.9% risk[37][40][36].
Engine and size
EPA lists three engines for this model year[41][42][43]:
- 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 hp[41]
- 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp[42]
- 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 390 hp[43]
Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.
How 2016 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1,279 | 11 |
| 2014 | 1,775 | 16 |
| 2015 | 1,459 | 17 |
| 2016 | 1,554 | 16 |
| 2017 | 883 | 13 |
| 2018 | 665 | 15 |
| 2019 | 1,492 | 29 |
| 2020 | 640 | 14 |
| 2021 | 683 | 15 |
| 2022 | 627 | 16 |
| 2023 | 203 | 11 |
| 2024 | 77 | 6 |
| 2025 | 365 | 8 |
| 2026 | 101 | 9 |
Among Ram 1500 model years on file, 2016 has the second-highest complaint count at 1,554[1]. Only 2014 is higher at 1,775[1]. The next closest are 2019 with 1,492 and 2015 with 1,459[1].
For recalls, 2016 has 16[1]. That matches 2014 and 2022. Only 2019 (29) and 2015 (17) have more[1]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2016 Ram 1500?
The record is mixed. The 2016 model year has the second-highest complaint count of the years we compared, and a long recall list[1]. Steering, brakes and power train complaints in our sample describe safety-related symptoms such as lost power assist, brake loss and rolling in park[6][7][8].
Each recall in our data lists a free dealer remedy[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Several apply only to certain engines or build dates, so check the specific truck against NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for repair records.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 1500?
- NHTSA lists 1,554 complaints[2]. Engine (353), steering (314) and brakes (282) are the largest groups[2][5][6][7]. These are unverified owner reports.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this model year in our data[1]. They cover air bags, diesel engine parts, tailgate latch, cruise control, shifter, axle, differential, steering and spare tire parts[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Ram 1500?
- EPA combined ratings run from 15 mpg (5.7L 4WD) to 24 mpg (3.0L diesel, HFE 2WD)[35][3]. The 3.6L gasoline engine is rated 19 to 21 combined[31][29].
- What safety rating does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall[4]. Rollover is 4 stars for 2WD[4] and 3 stars for 4WD[37].
- Is 2016 a bad year for the Ram 1500?
- Its 1,554 complaints are second to 2014's 1,775, and its 16 recalls are behind only 2019 and 2015[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is not a verdict on any single truck.
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ram 1500 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 1,554 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ram 1500 (92 mention a crash, 36 a fire, 73 injuries, 5 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for 1500 HFE 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 353 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 27 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 314 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,667). NHTSA vehicle records
- 282 complaints name the brakes component group (11 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 202 complaints name the power train component group (34 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 193 complaints name the electrical system component group (10 crashes, 7 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,666). NHTSA vehicle records
- 191 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V010, filed January 16, 2025: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V411, filed June 8, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V406, filed June 9, 2022: Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V632, filed August 12, 2021: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V475, filed August 13, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V757, filed October 24, 2019: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V347, filed May 9, 2019: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Tailgate › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V486, filed July 27, 2018: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Tailgate › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V821, filed December 20, 2017: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V302, filed May 9, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V198, filed March 23, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V301, filed May 16, 2016: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V167, filed March 23, 2016: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V663, filed October 16, 2015: Tires › Temporary / Emergency Spare Tire. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V661, filed October 15, 2015: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 HFE 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ram 1500 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ram 1500 with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ram 1500 with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 390 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 5.7-FT BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,949 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 5.7-FT BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 79 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 5,150 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 6.4-FT BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 149 in, curb weight 5,192 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov