NHTSA lists 17 safety recalls and 1,554 owner complaints for the 2016 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve steering (314) and engine (291). The EPA rates it 15–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 1500 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2011 | 689 |
| 2013 | 1,282 |
| 2014 | 1,780 |
| 2015 | 1,460 |
| 2016 | 1,554 |
| 2017 | 884 |
| 2018 | 667 |
| 2019 | 1,496 |
| 2020 | 642 |
| 2021 | 685 |
| 2022 | 637 |
| 2023 | 205 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“On my son's 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, he was driving and as he was turning into a gas station, his Electronic Power Steering (EPS) stopped working and he had to use much force to turn the wheel into the gas station. The steering wheel warning light came up on his dash and after several attempts of turning off/turning on the engine and removing the battery cables and putting them back, the EPS would not come back on. We did check the fuse from the positive battery terminal with a multimeter and the cable to the EPS still had power, to include fuse 78 in the fuse box. We check the wire under the engine to the EPS and found no issues with the wires.”
“The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500 The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, occupied with her husband in the vehicle they could hear a knocking and shatter noise coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure, and they informed her they will give her cash value for the vehicle and they can run a report until warranty in cancel. The approximate failure mileage was 161,292.”
“ABS Control Module stopped working ,leaving traction control and anti lock brakes inoperable. Parts are not available from dealers or after market manufacturers. This has been an on going problem with multiple year vehicles.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 HFE 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,900 | 428 |
| 1500 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 442 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $4,300 | 461 |
| 1500 HFE 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 426 |
| 1500 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 451 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 475 |
| 1500 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,350 | 513 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,350 | 527 |
| 1500 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,600 | 558 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,900 | 581 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
17 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,554 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (314), engine (291), service brakes (246). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Ram 1500 at 15–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ram 1500 4 out of 5 stars overall.