Problems · by component

2016 Ram 1500 fuel/propulsion system problems

191 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500 cite fuel/propulsion system, 12% of all 1,554 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
191
12% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Component or System Failed & Availability for Inspection: High-pressure fuel pump and common rail fuel injection system under NHTSA Recall 22V-406 (Recall Z46). The vehicle and all removed/affected components are grounded and available for inspection at Peterson CDJR in Boise, ID under Repair Order #46751. Safety Risk: Risk of sudden loss of motive power and engine stall while driving, creating collision hazards as defined under NHTSA Recall 22V-406. Chronological Timeline & Dealer Findings: July 5, 2024: Peterson CDJR performed Safety Recall Z46 (NHTSA 22V-406) Procedure A, replacing only the high-pressure fuel pump. September 2026 (RO #45520): Vehicle presented with an illuminated check engine light. Peterson CDJR diagnosed a faulty fuel pressure sensor and replaced the fuel rail and sensor for $2,809.45. September 2026 (RO #46751): Following a 55-mile test drive, Peterson CDJR technician verified the diesel fuel from the fuel tank tested completely clean. Inspection of the newly installed fuel rail sensor documented internal metallic debris actively circulating through the fuel system. September–October 2026: Peterson CDJR opened STAR Case #102997574.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769617
“I took my truck in to get the front end looked at and this local garage inspects the vehicle. They informed me the gas tank brackets and straps have corroded so bad that the gas tank is sagging and how serious it would be if it fell more or fell off completely. Obviously the gas tank falling off and possible exploding or catching fire is a serious safety issue. Upon my own research, there is a safety recall (U04) that did not include my specific truck for unknown reasons. Then upon further digging I found a safety warranty extension (X75) attached to my vehicle. When I took it in to get inspected and fixed, the dealership informed me this is a Canadian truck and they could not fix it under this X75 warranty extension. This truck was built in [XXX] and I purchased it used in [XXX] so I am not sure why the Canadian part has anything to do with this truck. The warranty extension letter even states unlimited miles and it doesn't matter if I am the original owner or not.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11765828
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11762352
“I am writing to request your assistance regarding my 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the handling of a safety-related recall repair that has not resolved the original issue. My vehicle has been experiencing the following symptoms: •Check engine light •Hard starting •Engine struggling to start •Engine stalling These symptoms prompted me to bring the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership informed me that the vehicle qualified for Recall Z46, and the recall was subsequently performed. Unfortunately, after the recall was listed as completed, the vehicle continues to exhibit the exact same symptoms that existed prior to the repair. The check engine light remains, the vehicle still struggles to start, and it continues to stall. After further research I discovered that the entire recall was not completed based on the procedures listed on the NHTSA website. This is extremely concerning because these symptoms create a potential safety risk, particularly when the engine stalls unexpectedly. I have attempted to work through Ram Customer Care to resolve this matter. My experience has been disappointing. I have been unable to obtain…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11754888
“The vehicle was previously repaired under Recall Z46, but the replacement remedy pump suffered the exact same catastrophic internal failure. The vehicle has now been stranded at Orange Coast Ram for over 30 days under Work Order 156725. RAM Corporate Case Management (Case 96867451) is actively refusing to authorize the subsequent recall repair, explicitly stating in writing that corporate has 'no internal channels to obtain approvals,' effectively denying the legally mandated federal safety remedy.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11748022
“The fuel sensor on the truck has been in a failure place for years. It has a full tank, but it keeps reflecting zero gas and it doesn’t wanna pass emissions either it really is a poorly constructive fuel system. It makes you concerned and makes the Buyer spend an extreme amount of money to repair a flimsy piece of plastic. I don’t know why this isn’t a recall. I had to have a bunch of things repaired trying to troubleshoot it, but I’ve never paid the full price to repair the fuel sensor. what the actual problem was discovered…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 15, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11738053

Showing 6 of 191 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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