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Your vehicleHome›Ram›1500› 2016
Ram · Large Pickup truck

2016 Ram 1500

Gas Diesel
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
10 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
28 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 4 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls4 critical 16
Complaints92 crash · 36 fire · 73 injured · 5 died reported 1,554
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 24 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Ram 1500 is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel large pickup truck with 10 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 1500 HFE 2WD, is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 1554 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Ram Pickup — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ram Pickup · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
1500 HFE 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl182521$3,200
1500 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl172520$3,350
1500 4WDGas4WD3.6L 6-cyl162319$3,550
1500 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,450
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,450
1500 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl142016$4,750
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl131915$5,050
1500 HFE 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212924$4,000
1500 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202723$4,150
1500 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192622$4,350

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36486, 36544, 36598, 36543, 36548, 36542, 36546, 36545, 36597, 36547.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
1500 2WD, 1500 4WD, 1500 HFE 2WD6 / 10Bin 4All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
1500 2WD, 1500 4WD, 1500 HFE 2WD5 / 10Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 / California LEV-II LEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement5.7 L

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Laramie, Rebel, SLT, ST). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length205.9–235.0 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.1 in
Height74.4–78.0 in
Wheelbase120.5–149.2 in
Track, front68.1–68.5 in
Track, rear67.7 in
Curb weight4,511–5,386 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear57/43

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 10 configurations: Ram Crew Cab 5.7-FT Box 2WD, Ram Crew Cab 5.7-FT Box 4X4, Ram Crew Cab 6.4-FT Box 2WD, Ram Crew Cab 6.4-FT Box 4X4, Ram Quad Cab 6.4-FT Box 2WD, Ram Quad Cab 6.4-FT Box 4X4 …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 1500
Other years The 2027 1500 Recalls Ram recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Ram 1500 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (16)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Air Bags

05C, 09C, 10C
6,066 vehicles 33% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V010000 reported Jan 16, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

66A
80,629 vehicles 72% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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 exp
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V411000 reported Jun 8, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Diesel

Z46
138,645 vehicles 59% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V406000 reported Jun 9, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

Y55
212,373 vehicles 47% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V632000 reported Aug 12, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

W58
58,016 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V475000 reported Aug 13, 2020 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

VB1
107,980 vehicles 92% reported repaired built Jun 12, 2013 – Oct 23, 2019
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V757000 reported Oct 24, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

V44
1,103,209 vehicles 59% reported repaired built Jun 20, 2012 – Mar 31, 2018
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V347000 reported May 9, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

U74
1,149,223 vehicles 76% reported repaired built Jul 31, 2014 – Dec 15, 2017
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V486000 reported Jul 27, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

U49,U59-U65,U68,U73
4,815,661 vehicles 77% reported repaired built May 15, 2013 – May 24, 2018
Problem 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 within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depress 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. Fix 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 transmissi
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 reported May 17, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

T79
1,482,874 vehicles 59% reported repaired built May 28, 2008 – Dec 31, 2016
Problem 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 pedal or having the key in the ignition. 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V821000 reported Dec 20, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

T25
1,021,279 vehicles 68% reported repaired built Jun 20, 2012 – Jul 10, 2015
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V302000 reported May 9, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

T20
30 vehicles 90% reported repaired built Jul 11, 2016 – Nov 11, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V198000 reported Mar 23, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

S32
64 vehicles 80% reported repaired built Feb 19, 2016 – Mar 3, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V301000 reported May 16, 2016 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

S19
440 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Jan 22, 2015 – Sep 13, 2015
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V167000 reported Mar 23, 2016 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Tires

R58
253 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Aug 3, 2015 – Aug 10, 2015
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V663000 reported Oct 16, 2015 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

R59
61,859 vehicles 86% reported repaired built Jun 17, 2015 – Sep 28, 2015
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V661000 reported Oct 15, 2015 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks. The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever. The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100. Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park with

Opened Jul 3, 2025 · action RQ25003 · the investigation’s page →

Steering:Steering Control Module — Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500. The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability to the driver. On March 23, 2016 Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) conducted recall campaign 16V-167 to address a possible contamination of the electrical power steering unit in certain model year 2015-2016 RAM 1500. The recall involved 440 vehicles and potentially resulted in loss of power steering assist. Consumer complaints indicate a similar failure may be occurring in vehicles that are out of scope of the recall. A Recall Query has bee

Opened Aug 4, 2023 · action RQ23003 · the investigation’s page →

Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump — High pressure fuel pump failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW. During the investigation FCA filed re

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · action EA23001 · the investigation’s page →

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — Vehicle Rollaway closed

Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents.  These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design.  Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equi

Opened Dec 16, 2016 · closed Jan 25, 2024 · action PE16014 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific 1500

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ram publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ram’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Ram 1500, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Ram 1500

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this 1500 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
1554complaints filed

92 involved a crash · 36 a fire · 73 injuries · 5 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 51 · 2017: 82 · 2018: 88 · 2019: 231 · 2020: 136 · 2021: 99 · 2022: 101 · 2023: 183 · 2024: 208 · 2025: 228 · 2026: 147

Most-cited components

Engine → 355
Steering → 314
Service Brakes 284
Fuel/Propulsion System → 282
Power Train → 202
Electrical System → 193

In depth: engine problems → · steering problems → · fuel system problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

When driving at night the headlights flicker. Does it in low beam and high beam. Has done it with AC on and off. Has done this with heat on and off. I AM concerned that with the issue the headlights will go completely out while driving. This can cause a life and death issue. It does it at highway speeds as well as city speed.
Electrical System at 751 miles Oct 8, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10914886
Our company leased this vehicle from mid county chrysler dodge jeep Ram on 12/16/2015 as part of an eight vehicle fleet. On 10/5/2016, the vehicle operator placed the vehicle in park and exited the vehicle. The vehicle began to roll forwards without a driver in the vehicle.
Power Train at 12,332 miles Oct 5, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10914057
When the vehicle is warm, after about 1/2 hour of driving, the transmission starts to drive rough. When I come to a stop it feels like someone hits me from the rear. When i'm driving around 35 MPH and slow down it down shifts hard (clunk).
Engine at 4,000 miles Sep 29, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10910524
Driving on pavement the ambient temp was about 70 degrees with no road hazards the front tire exploded straight across the tread. A piece of the tread hit the inner fender and damaged both the liner and the outer fender. The tire is a goodyear wrangler that came stock on the truck 275/60 r20 DOT # m6ynjb1r2915.
Tires at 3,200 miles Sep 25, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10909527
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that condensation appeared on the headlights and impaired vision, while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the head lights were replaced but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100
Exterior Lighting at 100 miles Sep 20, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10908103
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the brake system failed. While parking the vehicle, the brake pedal stuck to the floorboard. The contact inspected the vehicle and found brake fluid on the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 900.
Service Brakes at 900 miles Sep 15, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10906787

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

When owners reported it

Reported at 52k

miles, typically

Half the 746 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 30,000 and 88,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 83
10k–20k 53
20k–30k 53
30k–40k 69
40k–50k 85
50k–60k 69
60k–70k 63
70k–80k 48
80k–90k 40
90k–100k 45
100k–150k 96
150k + 42

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine22665,0001.05×
Power Train14332,2350.62×
Fuel/Propulsion System13366,0001.4×
Steering10370,6671.47×
Electrical System7733,3320.74×
Unspecified6229,968—
Service Brakes6178,0001.95×
Vehicle Speed Control4944,0001.47×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: power train (0.62×); later: service brakes (1.95×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
PU/CC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/RC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 604
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-06-12
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 604 service bulletins

Most often about: Equipment, Electrical System, Engine, Power Train, Structure.

  • S1623000028 Rev. K Service bulletin
    2026-06-12 · Electrical System
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S1623000028 REV. J Service bulletin
    2026-06-05 · Structure — Body
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S1623000028 REV. I Service bulletin
    2026-05-29 · Electrical System
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S2623000032 Service bulletin
    2026-04-30 · Structure — Body
  • Squeak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One Door Or More. The Noise Can Be Present In Either The Upper Or The Lower Hinge.
  • S1623000028 REV. H Service bulletin
    2026-04-01 · Structure — Body
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S2621000003 REV. A Service bulletin
    2026-03-09 · Power Train
  • The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
  • S1408000384 REV. J Service bulletin
    2026-03-04 · Electrical System
  • Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
  • S1408000384 REV. I Service bulletin
    2026-02-14 · Electrical System
  • Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P203E
P203E on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Exterior Lighting · Headlight assembly →9 bulletins
P0335
P0335 on Ram →		A fault in the crankshaft position sensor circuit — the computer has lost track of where the crank is.Power Train · Crankshaft position sensor →5 bulletins
P0456
P0456 on Ram →		A very small leak in the evaporative emissions system.Power Train · Gas cap →5 bulletins
P1D73Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train5 bulletins
P0463Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →4 owner reports
P062A
P062A on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →3 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0731
P0731 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins
P2299
P2299 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Vehicle Speed Control4 bulletins
P2610
P2610 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train4 bulletins
C2200Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Service Brakes · Brake pads →3 owner reports
P0441
P0441 on Ram →		The evaporative purge is not flowing the way it should.Fuel/Propulsion System · EVAP purge valve →3 bulletins
P241DManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →3 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ram 1500 failed the emissions check on 6.6% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 6.6%

failed emissions

7,887 initial inspections of 7,688 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 1500Every 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check6.6%4.2%7,862
Failed the safety inspection2.1%2.2%7,887
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.23%0.27%7,887
Miles driven a year11,42610,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer117,367103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

1500 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 22 mpg2026 D 9 103 22 mpg2025 D 8 365 23 mpg2024 C 6 77 23 mpg2023 D 11 203 24 mpg2022 F 16 631 26 mpg2021 F 15 683 Do not drive2020 F 14 640 26 mpg2019 F 29 1,494 23 mpg2018 F 15 667 23 mpg2017 F 13 884 23 mpg2016 this page F 16 1,554 24 mpg

Common questions about the 2016 1500

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 16 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ram 1500, 4 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V010000, covering Air Bags. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: July 2024. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Ram 1500?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Ram 1500 4 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (28/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ram 1500?

Across the 10 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Ram 1500, the best EPA combined figure is 24 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Ram 1500?

Transport Canada measured it at 205.9–235.0 in long, 79.1 in wide (body, without mirrors), 74.4–78.0 in tall, on a 120.5–149.2 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,511–5,386 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Ram 1500?

Owners have filed 1554 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500, most often about engine, steering, service brakes. Of those, 92 involved a crash, 36 a fire, 73 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Ram 1500?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Ram 1500 runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 4, California LEV-II LEV, Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Ram 1500?

The manufacturer has filed 604 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Ram 1500, most often covering equipment, electrical system, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-06-12. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Ram 1500 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ram 1500 failed the emissions check on 6.6% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations10 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates10 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls16NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints1554NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings6 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins604NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations4NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA6 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 1500 The 1500 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Ram recall on file All campaigns filed against Ram vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this 1500 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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