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2016 Ram 1500 Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1547

Total

92

Crashes

36

Fires

73

Injuries

5

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ENGINE
467
STEERING
292
BRAKES
277
FUEL SYSTEM
195
OTHER
104

Owner Complaint Reports

Showing 25 of 1,547 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.

ODI #11769628Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/07/2025

ABS and Brake lights on dash since October of 2024. No module available from any MOPAR source for a year. Had accident in July 2025. Truck slid as ABS did not engage which was direct cause of the accident resulting in damage to both vehicles. I have followed up monthly as to the availably and they continue to be on backorder and for a year it was showing Stellantis was investigating issue. Apparently this has been an ongoing safety issue that has not been address as a recall.

ODI #11767578Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/24/2026

I hit a tree head on dodging a deer going between 35 and 40mph and none of my air bags deployed.

ODI #11762352Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/09/2026

It appears to be a fuel leak. The incident happened less than 200 miles after having a dealer perform the NHTSA recall 22V-406, FCA recall Z46. The truck caught fire while pulling a travel trailer. The only way we were aware of it was a passing motorist saw flames shooting out from under the right side. As soon as we pulled over the truck immediately filled with smoke and the fire spread as the fuel puddled below the truck. Chrysler sent an inspector to look at the truck, not enough of the engine, passenger cabin, or front of the truck was left to make a conclusive cause. There was no indication we had an issue and if not for the fortunate timing of the passing motorist this could have turned out much worse. I was relating this story in a restaurant to my nephew when a passing waiter asked if it was a ECO diesel and I said yes, he related his story which was identical including the recall. I attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher we kept in the truck but it was too big by the time we pulled over. We were traveling at less than 50MPH stop and go traffic which had just started moving.

ODI #11746444Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/24/2026

Vehicle was in a front end collision and the air bags never deployed. Approximate speed 40-45 mph

ODI #11731831

STRUCTURE — Filed 10/25/2025

i have 2016 ram 1500 p/u and tailgate has problem opening up and/or opening on its own. This problem ended up sending me to the hospital in an ambulance with a concussion, fractured pelvic bone and 4 broken ribs.

ODI #11731840Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/14/2026

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 p/u and it will let me shut key off without it being all the way in park and then it just rolls, rolled backward out of my driveway ran into parked car. I am able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal without a key in the ignition and when the vehicle is running causing it to stick in the open position and i can shift out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

ODI #11726661Crash

STEERING — Filed 03/24/2026

The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact’s husband stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became inoperable and the vehicle unexpectedly veered to the left with no warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact’s husband collided with a car carrier vehicle. The contact’s husband suffered multiple injuries and was transported to a local emergency room. The contact 's husband suffered injuries included a contusion to the nose, a head injury, broken ribs, and damage to his lower teeth. The contact’s husband also had lower broken teeth that required surgical removal. The contact’s husband stated that the airbags did deploy during the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene and deemed totaled by the towing company. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN and License plate were not available.

ODI #11719628Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/21/2026

ABS System failed when making a right hand turn. It cause my truck to fishtail into on coming traffic and wind up on the other side of the road going the opposite direction. We have not been to a dealership yet. Scared to drive it again. The traction control light and ABS light and brake lights are on all the time. No other warnings.The lights were on when I purchased the truck.

ODI #11712697Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 12/24/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS, the traction control and the brakes warning lights had illuminated. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop upon depression of the brake pedal and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated before and after the crash. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle remained operable. No further information was available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer due to the brake failure, and the contact was informed that there would be a charge for the diagnostic test; however, the contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that there was an active recall for brake failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

ODI #11704085Crash

STEERING — Filed 11/10/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while in reverse (R) and moving at approximately 4 MPH, the steering wheel had frozen, and he was not able to turn the wheel. The contact stated that he had crashed into his other vehicle. The contact stated that the front end of the other vehicle was not damaged; however, the vehicle he was driving in had damage to the bumper and tailgate. The contact stated that the traction warning light had illuminated after the crash. The contact stated that his insurance company had the vehicle towed to a collision shop. The contact was advised by the collision shop that, before he could get the collision damage repaired, the power steering failure needed to be repaired. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed, and he needed to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to an open NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

ODI #11700982Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/14/2025

2016 Ram 1500. Abs system malfunction. Brakes lock up randomly. Abs, brake light, traction control light come on randomly causing brake issues. Very dangerous. Called multiple dealerships. No control module available. No date for part to be available. This is huge safety issue and Ram/fiat are not seeming to care. No sense of urgency from any of the dealerships or manufacturer. Lawsuit could be happening sense this is huge safety problem. Code c2200-49

ODI #11700543Fire

SUSPENSION — Filed 11/17/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the ABS warning light was illuminated, and the contact decelerated to 40 MPH and drove a mile. The contact stated that the passenger's side front end made an abnormal sound and collapsed, and the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact then noticed that the front passenger's side tire had detached, the brake lines were leaking, and the front axle was fractured. And there was fire underneath the passenger's side front end of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. It was unknown whether a fire department report was filed. The police officers arrived at the scene, but it was unknown whether a report was filed. The vehicle was pulled to James Towing mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side wheel bearing had failed and caused the wheel to detach. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

ODI #11688405Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 12/19/2024

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle went into limp mode. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a nearby driver honked the horn, and the contact was informed that fire was coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact called the fire department. The contact had a fire extinguisher in the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire prior to the fire department's arrival. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the dealer does not repair the engine; the dealer only replaces the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in November 2024. The contact stated that the failure descriptions. The contact stated that the failure was diagnosed as a failed intake manifold and oil in the turbocharger. The intake manifold, the EGR valve, and the turbocharger were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

ODI #11687869Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/27/2025

The contact owned a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn onto a main road, a passing vehicle crashed into the front driver's side quarter panel of the contact's vehicle. No property damage was reported, the vehicles came to a stop upon impact, and the air bags did not deploy. The speed of the other vehicle at the time of the crash was unknown. The contact's vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact, seated in the driver's seat, and a passenger seated in the front passenger seat were both injured. No one outside the vehicle was reported to be injured. The contact sustained injuries to her face, a broken nose, a hematoma to the left eye and left cheek, and severe headaches accompanied by various bruises across the left arm, and the passenger sustained bruises across their arms. Medical treatment was needed for the injuries. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

ODI #11685356Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/27/2025

Driver hit a tree at 55mph, air bags did not deploy, insurance company determined vehicle was total loss, and body shop (Caliber Collision at 3061 US-42 Delaware OH 43015, phone # 740-430-2869) questioned why the air bags did not deploy.

ODI #11681276Crash

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/29/2024

I was involved in a crash that resulted in a fatality on [XXX]. My truck was towed to Five Star Collision Center in Hurst, TX. The repairs were made to the body of my truck. I picked up the truck and ABS warning lights came on. I called Fove Star Collision Center and spoke to my point of contact- Nathan Hultquist. Nathan advised that I should drive the truck back immediately. I took the truck my to Nathan. He advised that I should drive the truck to the closest Dodge dealership. I did so. My ABS Module is out on my 2016 Ram.The warning lamps came on- service brake system, service trailer brake, ABS light stayed illuminated. This appeared 150 days ago. It has been at Grapevine Dodge for over 150 days. It is in limp mode and has been declared unsafe to drive. I have been in communication with Stellantis/MOPAR for the 150 days. There is no resolution. They claim there is no material to manufacture the part? It appears to be made of plastic? I feel that this is a safety concern due to the fact that if the brakes are applied in an emergency situation, the ABS fails and the brakes lock up. The truck can go into limp mode which is at 35 MPH. On a state highway, moving at that speed- that is NOT safe. There are plenty of these trucks out on the road that could have this same problem and cause serious accidents including a death. I ask for your assistance in this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11644404Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/20/2024

The brakes stopped working on September of 2024. I had to slam the emergency brake pedal to come to a stop. I slid into a ditch which caused autobody damage. A mechanic told me the ABS no longer works on my truck. He gave me this code: C2200. He said it defines the ABS module has failed. He said Mopar currently had no ABS modules in stock because they are constantly being replaced. I cannot drive the truck until the ABS module gets replaced.

ODI #11626351Crash

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES — Filed 11/16/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 20–25 MPH, the steering became inoperable. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and crashed into the curb, and the passenger side tire popped. The driver continued to drive and parked. The contact changed the tire, and upon starting the vehicle, the tire and traction control warning lights illuminated.  The contact noticed the passenger side fender and rim were scraped from the cement. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). There were no reported injuries, airbag deployment, or police report filed. The contact called the local dealer, who scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

ODI #11616275Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/16/2024

Exhaust flange before the DPF, bolts sheared off and melted my DEF line, dealer replaced the DEF line $826 but made noone aware of the failed flange gasket or bolts

ODI #11608797Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/14/2024

The contact owned a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, her vehicle was crashed into on the passenger side front by a vehicle that had run a red light. The contact stated that the impact threw her into the driver's side door. The contact stated that she was knocked unconscious. The contact stated that she was transported by ambulance to a hospital and was treated for lacerations on her left ear and left side of her face. The contact stated that she had suffered a concussion and damage to her neck vertebra. The contact stated that the police were on scene and had written a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that she when she saw the vehicle none of the air bags had deployed. The contact stated that her insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 116,118.

ODI #11584778Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 04/21/2024

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact discovered the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and the contact was informed that the recall was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost acceleration and there was smoke coming from the engine. The low oil pressure and service throttle control warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and when the hood was lifted the engine was on fire. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher at the scene. No fire department was contacted. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle with ERG failure and a melted hole through the intake manifold. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

ODI #11575242Crash

STEERING — Filed 02/22/2024

Turning left out of my neighborhood, the truck veered right instead. I lost control and ran up into a yard. Mechanic diagnosed rack and pinion. There is a recall but MOPAR States my VIN isn't affected. I beg to differ as we almost lost our lives.

ODI #11558341Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/01/2023

The vehicle has a faulty ABS module, which has resulted in my truck losing traction on dry roads and wet roads, however the “wet” roads are a result of a minimal sprinkle. The vehicle is beyond a vital component of my ability to make a living, i work in construction and have to be able to safely move equipment and supplies to sites; as of right now I am unable to drive the vehicle. The faulty ABS module caused my brakes to lock while pulling out of a park space with a slight incline in my place of employment, resulting in the sliding backwards towards a company vehicle and to avoid hitting it I moved the steering wheel to collide with a brick wall. The brakes and rotors were replaced a few months earlier this year as well as the truck being serviced regularly, however, the truck has continued to have parts fail throughout this year. From the starter to the fuel injection system, pump, gaskets between the engine and fuel intake, and now the vehicle is literally completely unsafe to drive and operate on the road! The traction control regulator is apart of the ABS system control module! I have looked everywhere (Firestone, DARCARS, Ect.) to find a replacement part and have been told that there are none available until sometime in March of 2024! There are no other options for me to reach out to. The vehicle can be inspected if requested, the issue appeared 3-4 weeks ago before being brought into the firestone shop before being serviced for faulty gaskets and fuel injection issues. The vehicle is under 100,000 miles, and I purchased it with just over 43,000 miles. I am in the process of contacting my insurance company and collecting the various service charges from different repair shops resulting in the inability to get the part.

ODI #11539766Crash

STEERING — Filed 08/19/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at at 25 MPH, the steering wheel tightened without warning. The contact used excessive force to untighten the steering wheel; the power steering assist returned to normal operation. The contact replaced the ball joints, inner tie rods, and several other parts in the vehicle after the failure. A year after the initial failure, the contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the same failure occurred again without warning. Due to the failure, the contact hit a a curb and damaged the front end of the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy; the contact was not injured. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to his home where it remained in his possession. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); however, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

ODI #11537136Crash

STEERING — Filed 12/16/2020

The Traction control flashed immediately before the wreck so my assumption is there was a traction lock malfunction. The road was wet due to rain. My husband was driving 55 mph when the truck's steering locked and we ended up in the right side ditch where we hit an electric power pole. My husband had several fractured ribs. My right lower arm was broken, required surgery and a week long stay in the hospital. They put a rod with screws into my arm. The truck was totally destroyed according to our insurance company.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov