Model year report

2016 RAM 1500: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2016 RAM 1500

On the 2016 RAM 1500, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 60,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other lighting problem, reported by a median of 5,000 miles. Overall it scores 76 out of 100, severe risk for a 2016.

Severe risk for a 2016 — 61st riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. 2,099 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What owners report breaking

Owners have reported 80 named failure modes on the 2016 RAM 1500, and the three most-reported carry 26% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

Other engine problem leads with 225 reports, about 1.8 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 40k to 92,000 miles.

Other steering problem follows with 179 reports, usually reported between 50k to 100,000 miles.

Other fuel system problem follows with 147 reports, usually reported between 51k to 107,500 miles. 3 of those reports mention a fire.

By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (318), fuel (278) and steering (263).

When these failures get reported

1,005 of the reports on the 2016 RAM 1500 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 50,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 49% by 50,000 miles, 84% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 14 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 12% of the dated reports.

34% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: other lighting problem around 3k, parking brake failure around 18k, other suspension problem around 23k and other wheel or tire problem around 25k.

Median

Other engine problem

60k
Other steering problem

70k
Other fuel system problem

71k
Other powertrain problem

32k
ABS module or sensor failure

90k
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure

55k
Other electrical problem

29k
Fuel pump failure

90k
Cruise control failure

30k
Loss of power steering

70k
Other speed control problem

49k
Air suspension failure

59k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 80. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 50k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 14 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

How bad it is when it goes

Across the named modes, 108 mention a crash, 54 a fire, 56 an injury and 5 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.52, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other steering problem at $350–$2,400, other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

25% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other engine problem	engine	225	140	40k	60k	92k	1.8	$300–$4,000	High
Other steering problem	steering	179	61	50k	70k	100k	1.4	$350–$2,400	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	147	67	51k	71k	107k	1.2	$300–$2,200	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	145	106	12k	32k	57k	1.1	$400–$4,500	High
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	143	25	79k	90k	110k	1.1	$500–$2,400	High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	106	35	43k	55k	82k	0.8	$700–$3,000	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	86	45	14k	29k	79k	0.7	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Fuel pump failure	fuel	74	24	44k	90k	150k	0.6	$600–$2,600	High
Cruise control failure	adas	53	16	19k	30k	39k	0.4	$200–$1,400	High
Loss of power steering	steering	43	12	53k	70k	99k	0.3	$600–$2,800	Critical
Other speed control problem	adas	43	29	32k	49k	65k	0.3	$250–$2,000	Critical
Air suspension failure	suspension	42	24	36k	59k	62k	0.3	$900–$4,500	High
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	37	8	37k	47k	79k	0.3	$700–$2,600	High
Other brake problem	brakes	36	14	11k	33k	63k	0.3	$300–$1,800	High
Other body or interior problem	body	32	15	32k	55k	91k	0.3	$200–$2,000	Moderate
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	31	19	10k	64k	90k	0.2	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure	fuel	31	24	40k	50k	62k	0.2	$300–$1,200	Moderate
Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin	emissions	31	8	42k	60k	99k	0.2	$250–$2,000	High
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure	body	27	20	19k	40k	56k	0.2	$250–$1,500	Moderate
DPF, EGR or DEF system failure	emissions	27	17	48k	67k	88k	0.2	$800–$5,000	High
Software fault or failed update	software	23	21	20k	41k	50k	0.2	$0–$600	Moderate
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	22	9	12k	50k	60k	0.2	$200–$900	High
Other suspension problem	suspension	22	10	618	23k	59k	0.2	$350–$2,000	Moderate
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	21	14	23k	25k	100k	0.2	$450–$2,200	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	20	17	10k	18k	30k	0.2	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	18	12	60k	69k	144k	0.1	$350–$1,900	High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	18	6	—	53k	—	0.1	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Engine sensor failure	electrical	17	6	—	106k	—	0.1	$180–$900	Moderate
Misfire or rough idle	engine	16	5	—	107k	—	0.1	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Backup camera failure	infotainment	16	7	—	56k	—	0.1	$250–$1,200	Moderate
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	16	11	9k	25k	51k	0.1	$200–$1,500	High
Infotainment screen failure	infotainment	12	1	—	600	—	0.1	$400–$2,600	Low
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	12	7	—	51k	—	0.1	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Loss of braking	brakes	12	4	—	57k	—	0.1	$400–$3,000	Critical
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	12	11	33k	34k	86k	0.1	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Other driver assistance problem	adas	12	5	—	90k	—	0.1	$250–$1,800	High
Other visibility problem	glass	12	6	—	31k	—	0.1	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	11	7	—	13k	—	0.1	$250–$1,500	High
Complete engine failure or seizure	engine	10	4	—	48k	—	0.1	$4,500–$12,000	Critical
Complete transmission failure	transmission	10	6	—	10k	—	0.1	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
Other lighting problem	lighting	10	9	200	3k	40k	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	9	4	—	78k	—	0.1	$100–$900	Moderate
Lifter, cam or cylinder-deactivation failure	engine	8	4	—	95k	—	0.1	$1,800–$7,000	High
Differential or transfer case failure	drivetrain	7	4	—	5	—	0.1	$900–$4,200	High
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	7	4	—	32k	—	0.1	$300–$1,600	High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	7	3	—	107k	—	0.1	$700–$4,500	High
Engine bay fire	engine	6	4	—	56k	—	0.0	$4,000–$20,000	Critical
Stalling while driving	engine	6	3	—	58k	—	0.0	$300–$2,500	Critical
Overheating	cooling	6	2	—	44k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure	transmission	6	5	—	3k	—	0.0	$250–$1,400	High
Fuel leak or fuel odor	fuel	6	3	—	45k	—	0.0	$300–$2,500	Critical
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	6	3	—	98k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	5	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$2,200	High
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	5	3	—	20k	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	Critical
Electrical fire or melted wiring	electrical	4	3	—	19k	—	0.0	$1,500–$9,000	Critical
Excessive oil consumption	engine	4	1	—	74k	—	0.0	$900–$6,500	High
Oil leak	engine	4	3	—	74k	—	0.0	$250–$2,200	Moderate
Alternator or charging system failure	electrical	4	1	—	250k	—	0.0	$450–$1,600	High
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	4	4	—	24k	—	0.0	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure	engine	3	1	—	140k	—	0.0	$1,200–$4,500	Critical
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	3	1	—	1k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	Critical
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	3	2	—	19k	—	0.0	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Brake line, hose or caliper failure	brakes	3	3	—	5k	—	0.0	$250–$1,600	Critical
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	3	3	—	15k	—	0.0	$0–$0	Critical
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	3	2	—	66k	—	0.0	$600–$2,500	Critical
Rust or structural corrosion	body	3	1	—	17	—	0.0	$500–$6,000	High
Window regulator or power window failure	body	3	2	—	18k	—	0.0	$250–$900	Moderate
Engine knock or bearing noise	engine	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$2,500–$9,000	High
Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage	engine	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$3,000–$9,500	Critical
Fuel injector failure	fuel	2	2	—	99k	—	0.0	$450–$2,800	Moderate
Lane keep or steering assist fault	adas	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,600	High
Head gasket failure	engine	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$1,400–$4,000	Critical
Parasitic battery drain	electrical	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,200	Moderate
Blind spot monitor failure	adas	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Power steering pump or fluid leak	steering	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$350–$1,600	Moderate
Tire pressure monitor failure	wheels	1	1	—	242k	—	0.0	$80–$600	Low
Paint peeling or clear coat failure	body	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$600–$6,000	Low
Door latch or handle failure	body	1	1	—	49k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	High
Catalytic converter failure	emissions	1	1	—	204k	—	0.0	$900–$3,500	Moderate
Wiper or washer failure	glass	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$120–$800	Moderate
Unclassified problem	other	94	44	6k	28k	49k	0.7	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2016 RAM 1500 draws about 16 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 92nd percentile of complaint rates among 2016 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 127,691 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2016 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Recalls on the 2016 model year

NHTSA has issued 17 recall campaigns covering the 2016 RAM 1500, affecting an estimated 488,098 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator, engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump and air bags:side/window:curtain. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

25V010000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

6,066 vehicles 2025-01-16

Defect: 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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: 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.

23V411000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

80,629 vehicles 2023-06-08

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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 expansion of recall 20V-475.

22V406000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

138,645 vehicles 2022-06-09

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 Z46.

21V632000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

212,373 vehicles 2021-08-12

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

20V475000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

58,016 vehicles 2020-08-13

Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

19V757000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

107,980 vehicles 2019-10-24

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.

19V347000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

1,103,209 vehicles 2019-05-09

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

18V486000

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

1,149,223 vehicles 2018-07-27

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

18V332000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

4,815,661 vehicles 2018-05-17

Defect: 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…
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

17V821000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

1,482,874 vehicles 2017-12-20

Defect: 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…
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

17V302000

AIR BAGS

1,021,279 vehicles 2017-05-09

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

17V198000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

30 vehicles 2017-03-23

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2016 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2016 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Where 2016 sits in the model line

Severe risk for a 2016 — 61st riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.

Across the 15 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2009 comes out best at 61 and 2019 worst at 79, with 2016 itself at 76.

If the model year is negotiable, 2009, 2024, 2026 and 2023 score lower than 2016 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2013–2017 generation specifically, 2013 is the strongest year at 75 and 2017 the weakest at 78.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2013-2017 generation, 2013 RAM 1500 scores best at 75 and 2017 RAM 1500 worst at 78.

What the numbers say to check

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other lighting problem from about 200, other suspension problem from about 618, other wheel or tire problem from about 9k and no-start or intermittent start failure from about 10k.

On a 2016 RAM 1500 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other lighting problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

What this page cannot tell you

2,099 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 2,099 reports, 1,005 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 48% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 1500?

The most-reported failures are other engine problem (225 reports, median 60,000 miles), other steering problem (179 reports, median 70,000 miles) and other fuel system problem (147 reports, median 70,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2016 RAM 1500 problems start?

Other lighting problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 5,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 200 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 50,000 miles.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

It scores 76 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 61st riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2016 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the RAM 1500 is best?

Within the 2013–2017 generation, 2013 scores best at 75 out of 100 and 2017 worst at 78. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 30 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed