Problems · by component

2016 Ram 1500 engine and engine cooling problems

63 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500 cite engine and engine cooling, 4% of all 1,554 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
63
4% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and multiple warning lights, including the check engine warning light, illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving and failed to accelerate beyond 60 MPH. The contact also stated that a burning smell was noticed coming from the rear filter of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and emissions system failed and required replacement. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was previously associated with a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11771410
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the messages "Service Emissions Control" and "Exhaust Filter 100 Percent Full - Service Required - See Dealer" were displayed, and there was a strong fuel odor coming through the vents while idling or while driving. Additionally, while attempting to refuel the vehicle at the gas station, fuel splashed out and the vehicle could not be refueled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and initially informed the contact that the vehicle was still covered under Emission Recall Number: V08 and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and Emission Recall Number: V08; however, the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not approved the recall repairs. The contact called the manufacturer was advised that she would receive a call back from a supervisor; however, the contact had not been contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, dieselODI 11767670
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the towing suddenly failed. The contact was able to drive off the exit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the week before, while idling at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact cleared the code before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a tone wheel failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact learned that the vehicle was included in a recall in 2019, and the fix included updating the powertrain control module software. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the repair was no longer covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Power trainODI 11757355
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the "Drive to Park" and "Pull Over and Shift Gear" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where repairs were performed, including recall repairs and the replacement of an emissions system fan; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off and failed to restart, and the vehicle remained in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11751651
“The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving at 75 MPH, the engine seized. In addition, several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was seized in the middle of a busy highway. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a delaminated tone wheel. The contact was informed that the tone wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 19, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11738787
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the engine warning light illuminated. While driving a short distance later, two unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message “Exhaust Filter 100% FULL - Safely Drive at Highway Speeds” was displayed. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine manifold, catalytic converter, and the air intake had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that since the remedy was not available when the recall was issued, the delay created additional damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repairs were already completed. No assistance was provided. However, a claim was filed with the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, dieselODI 11718933

Showing 6 of 63 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Engine and engine cooling

Remedy pending

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jun 8, 2023NHTSA 23V411000

Engine and engine cooling: diesel

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Aug 13, 2020NHTSA 20V475000

Engine and engine cooling: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Oct 24, 2019NHTSA 19V757000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.