Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · 2020 · reported 08/13/2020
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
2016 Ram 1500 Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 3.2× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
1,502Complaints
17Recalls
90Crashes
35Fires
72Injured
5Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (20% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 3.2× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
5 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 1 rests on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 300 · 20% | Recalled | Recall 16V167000 |
| Engine | 291 · 19.4% | Recalled | Recall 20V475000 · Recall 19V757000 · Recall 23V411000 |
| Service Brakes | 221 · 14.7% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 199 · 13.2% | Recalled | Recall 17V821000 · Recall 17V198000 · Recall 16V301000 · Recall 15V661000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 187 · 12.5% | Recalled | Recall 22V406000 |
| Electrical System | 177 · 11.8% | Recalled | Recall 18V332000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 1,502 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 17 campaigns
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 2019 · reported 05/09/2019
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Structure:body:tailgate
NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 2018 · reported 07/27/2018
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Electrical System:wiring
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018 · reported 05/17/2018
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 2021 · reported 08/12/2021
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (EGR Valve)
NHTSA campaign 19V757000 · 2019 · reported 10/24/2019
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 2017 · reported 12/20/2017
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
NHTSA campaign 17V198000 · 2017 · reported 03/23/2017
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Air Bags
NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 2017 · reported 05/09/2017
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
NHTSA campaign 16V301000 · 2016 · reported 05/16/2016
A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire
NHTSA campaign 15V663000 · 2015 · reported 10/16/2015
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
NHTSA campaign 15V661000 · 2015 · reported 10/15/2015
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Steering:electric Power Assist System
NHTSA campaign 16V167000 · 2016 · reported 03/23/2016
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Equipment
NHTSA campaign 16E041000 · 2016 · reported 05/16/2016
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · 2022 · reported 06/09/2022
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Engine And Engine Cooling
NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · 2023 · reported 06/08/2023
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 2025 · reported 01/16/2025
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INADVERTENTLY JERKED TO THE LEFT AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10991637 — filed 05/25/2017 · STEERING
“SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS SEEMED TO BE SLIGHTLY OFF.”NHTSA complaint 10990919 — filed 05/22/2017 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER…”NHTSA complaint 10980084 — filed 04/24/2017 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 1500?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 300 of 1,502 NHTSA complaints (20%), followed by engine (291), service brakes (221), power train (199). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
1,502 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 90 involved a crash, 35 involved a fire, and 72 reported injuries. 5 deaths were reported.
Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes — 17 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V475000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Ram 1500's reported problems?
5 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
