Problems · by component

2016 Ram 1500 structure problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 1500 cite structure, 2% of all 1,554 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
36
2% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 17, 2026StructureODI 11731831
“The tailgate on my 2016 Dodge Ram will not stay locked and falls open during cold weather. I've contacted the dealer but they said this particular vin is not included in a recall. I've accessed the inside panel on the tailgate several times to clean and lubricate, but it only works for a short time. It's been a continuous problem for the last 5 to 6 years...only when it is cold.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 9, 2025StructureODI 11703915
“RAM has an extended warranty out regarding the front strap for the fuel tank that is known to fail. When the strap failed, the fuel tank dropped causing a gouge in the drive shaft. In addition to the compromised drive shaft, the metal bracket was touching the ground. Should I have been driving during when this failed, the metal could have caused sparks causing the fuel tank to ignite. This problem should be moved from an extended warranty to a recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2025Structure, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11663771
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, he heard the sound of the tailgate opening independently. When the contact stopped the vehicle, he observed that the tailgate was open and he was able to raise and secure the tailgate. The contact stated that later he was starting the vehicle and saw that the tailgate was again open, however, he was not able to secure the tailgate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that he would need to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic check. The contact asked if there was an open recall. The contact was advised by the dealer that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V486000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages) had been completed on the vehicle by a previous owner and he was no longer covered by the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2025Structure, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11635192
“the a pillar on the right side of the windshield is rusted and the trim falling off which could rollover safety and parts flying off and possibly striking other vehicles on the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2024StructureODI 11622863
“Rear sliding window leaks . Water fill up over the track inside and drain can't keep up with volume of water and make my truck wet inside . Notes bulid mold and rust .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2024StructureODI 11580374

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

1 recall on this component

Structure: tailgate

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Jul 27, 2018NHTSA 18V486000
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.