10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
23,454 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Ram 1500 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2016 Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #110

Feb 292024

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Abs/Hcu are faulty causing abs and traction control systems to not function causing hazardous conditions while driving

- Grand Bay, AL, USA

problem #109

Nov 302023

1500

  • miles
ABS module, traction control, cruise control not working due to failed ABS module. Yes it can be inspected. RAM dealership saying to drive it. Puts myself, my family, and others at risk due to failed braking. ABS is a safety feature that is required in newer vehicles but isn-??t working. Dealer confirmed and also by 3rd party mechanic. Yes. Abs and traction control lights on. Appeared to fully not work December 2023. Had intermittent problems before starting back in 2019. I cannot afford to drive a rental car for the unforeseen future while Chrysler takes their time to figure out a statement. It isn-??t right for the customers and other drivers to be put at risk for their engineering problems. Now my truck cannot be traded in at the max value due to the ABS module failure so the customer loses money trying to get from under the non safe vehicle. Please help and save peoples lives by making Chrysler own up to their failed engineering.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #108

Feb 012024

1500

  • miles
Has had the "Hemi tick" ever since I bought it new. But didnt seem to effect performance, so I thought.......Time went on and the "tick" became louder and louder even though I got the oil changed religiously, air filters, tires, (2) tune ups, all proper maintenance was performed for the livelihood and longevity of the truck accordingly and have receipts to back up that claim. Now, at about 100,000 miles i had to replace the rear differential and axle of which i noticed was a recall of the same year and same truck but they say according to my vin number there are no recalls.......well, we need to include my truck in some of these because ive already paid out of pocket for the same problem listed in the recall. Also, regarding the active class action "HEMI TICK" lawsuit, low and behold, as i accumulated more miles, it gravitated to a loud tick, and an extreme loss of power when trying to accelerate to get on a highway or pass somebody on the highway, or even just take off from a green light.....it runs higher rpm than normal, the combustion is incorrect for sure, If I needed to hit the gas to get out of the way of danger, chances of success are grim. Twice I was on the highway going 70 and it straight up died, went blank! We were ok, thank God! My miles per gallon has dwindled away lower and lower getting about 8-11 mpg. It overheated this last summer in this condition. Anytime I parked and idled i had to have the hood open to prevent overheating. Took it to a couple auto shops and after replacing the fan clutch twice, the PCM, the throttle body/position sensor, accelerator position sensor, radiator flush, new radiator cap..........we cleared all error codes being we replaced the problems causing it to present a clear operating truck error free..........all except the engine light when turning the key to power on, it blinked 10 times. Took it to dealership who quoted 800 to tear down the engine to get to the lifters and camshaft. $5,250 quote for lawsuit problem.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #107

Dec 282023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on a highway my power steering stopped working. There is a recall for 2015-2016 Ram 1500 for power steering failure. The recall states, vehicles manufactured in January of 2015 through September of 2015 may be effected. This truck was manufactured in September of 2015. Manufacture says this is not there problem. The fact this vehicle has no power steering greatly increases the risk of myself, my family and of every other motorist on the road, especially during snowing and icy months.

- Avon, NY, USA

problem #106

Feb 062020

1500

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated the instrument cluster lights were intermittently dim and bright while driving, and the cabin light was inoperable. The contact stated while reversing into a parking spot, the message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the power steering became functional. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a left turn to park the vehicle, the steering wheel jerked and pulled to the right. The contact was able to pull into the parking spot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off the instrument cluster lights were illuminated and the RPMs revved up. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

- Winslow, ME, USA

problem #105

Feb 062020

1500

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated the instrument cluster lights were intermittently dim and bright while driving, and the cabin light was inoperable. The contact stated while reversing into a parking spot, the message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the power steering became functional. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a left turn to park the vehicle, the steering wheel jerked and pulled to the right. The contact was able to pull into the parking spot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off the instrument cluster lights were illuminated and the RPMs revved up. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

- Winslow, ME, USA

problem #104

Jan 232024

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While listening to radio, radio station would change on its own a couple times. Also, while listening to pandora, songs would skip out of no where.

- Winter Haven, FL, USA

problem #103

Feb 072022

1500

  • miles
In February 2022 while driving my ABS light came on and stayed illuminated. I pulled over emergently on the freeway worried that my brakes were out. That was not the case, but the light was on and I was not sure if the vehicle could be driven. I got home and called Cutter Pearl City asap and was told that appointments were months away for service/diagnostic (I can only assume that this was due to COVID). I then took it to Capital Auto Repair in Waipio and had them read the code. I was told my ABS module was faulty and needed to be changed, at this point my 2016 truck only had 45000 miles on it and is well cared for-I disappointed but accept that a repair is necessary to drive my car safely. I called back Dodge to discuss my concerns and that I wanted the repair asap for the part. I was then told that the part was on National back order, no other information was available to me but I was again told that repairs were also being booked out a few months even with a diagnostic but that because it was on national back order it was not worth bringing it in at that time. I reached out to Honolulu Autoworks who is known to repair Dodge and Jeep and was told that if the part is on National Back Order he would not be able to get an OEM replacement. We have since placed this problem on the back burner but began having new code stating electronic throttle issues so finally took it into Autoworks-he is unable to repair anything without first repairing ABS issue because it is a "hard" code and per Dodge parts the parts are still on back order under "engineer review until 3/2024". The ABS module is $552 and the pump is recommended to be repaired at the same time is $1545 plus the labor. I am dumbfounded that this is not a recall a tthis point. I have been on forums and there are so many complaints. I have owned Ram/Dodge/Chrysler vehicles all of my adult life. I am questioning buying one in the future and am upset that this repair on a truck with 51000 miles is impossible!

- Pearl City, HI, USA

problem #102

Dec 012023

1500

  • miles
The vehicle has a faulty ABS module, which has resulted in my truck losing traction on dry roads and wet roads, however the -??wet-?? roads are a result of a minimal sprinkle. The vehicle is beyond a vital component of my ability to make a living, i work in construction and have to be able to safely move equipment and supplies to sites; as of right now I am unable to drive the vehicle. The faulty ABS module caused my brakes to lock while pulling out of a park space with a slight incline in my place of employment, resulting in the sliding backwards towards a company vehicle and to avoid hitting it I moved the steering wheel to collide with a brick wall. The brakes and rotors were replaced a few months earlier this year as well as the truck being serviced regularly, however, the truck has continued to have parts fail throughout this year. From the starter to the fuel injection system, pump, gaskets between the engine and fuel intake, and now the vehicle is literally completely unsafe to drive and operate on the road! The traction control regulator is apart of the ABS system control module! I have looked everywhere (Firestone, DARCARS, Ect.) to find a replacement part and have been told that there are none available until sometime in March of 2024! There are no other options for me to reach out to. The vehicle can be inspected if requested, the issue appeared 3-4 weeks ago before being brought into the firestone shop before being serviced for faulty gaskets and fuel injection issues. The vehicle is under 100,000 miles, and I purchased it with just over 43,000 miles. I am in the process of contacting my insurance company and collecting the various service charges from different repair shops resulting in the inability to get the part.

- Wheaton , MD, USA

problem #101

Oct 162023

1500

  • miles
The electric power steering system went out while driving. The truck had been checked for codes that day which indicated a possible need to replace the egr valve but nothing about power steering. I was in a parking lot and was able to pull into a space but was unable to get home.

- Weatherford, TX, USA

problem #100

Jun 032023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ABS light, break light and traction. Control due to either a faulty abs modul or tip computer. Dealers unable to replace until MAY 2024. Concern is the abs breaking and traction control for safe driving. From what I have read this is a common problem that needs to been corrected.

- Corinth , TX, USA

problem #99

Jul 292023

1500

  • miles
On vacation 07/29/2023 towing a 4000lb. camping trailer with family in the mountains with weekend traffic when motor dies without warning. Luckily I was able to pull over safely. Was able to restart but died three more times but made it to a gas station where it died completely. We were very very fortunate no one was injured. No local shops open on weekend so had the whole rig towed 137mi. home. On Monday 07/31/2023 I had the truck towed to the dealer where I purchased the truck new. after a week and a half they said the wiring harness needs to be replaced but is no longer available so there is nothing they can do. Massive safety hazard should have a solution. I just learned that Dodge knows about this truck dying without warning but has done nothing.

- Lodi, CA, USA

problem #98

Feb 132023

1500

  • miles
I was driving down the highway at 75 mph and my truck died in the middle of the highway luckily I pushed it off to the shoulder and it wouldn-??t restart had it towed to a shop where I was told the crankshaft tone ring needed to be replaced but no parts to fix it due to -??back order-?? this has been recalled but doesn-??t show a fix on my vehicle and it needs to be fixed immediately.

- Clyde, TX, USA

problem #97

Feb 112023

1500

  • miles
The driver side window continues to not work properly in cold weather until it completely fell down into the door frame area. It was 7° outside when this finally happened. Driving with the window down at the drivers side is dangerous and can lead to us wrecking. And we have small children (a 1 year and 8 year old). Fortunately our children were not in the truck, but now the window will not work properly and we have to fear it will fall again while our children are in the truck. Our baby-€™s car seat is behind the driver seat and would definitely have freezing air blasting on her. We live in Wyoming with extreme winter weather. We should be able to feel safe while driving and be able to depend on our vehicle. I have read numerous reports about this same issue happening, but apparently Dodge/Ram has done nothing to help it-€™s customers with this factory default.

- Rock Springs, WY, USA

problem #96

Jun 122021

1500 8-cyl

  • miles
RE: Colorado State Patrol Case #[XXX] Fremont County Case #[XXX] Agency ORI #[XXX] VIN #[XXX] NHTSA SAFETY RECALL #18V332000 (May 23, 2018) Also referred to as #U61 Dodge Ram Campaign #U53 (October 1, 2018) Dear NHTSA Officer: On June 12, 2021, at approximately 4PM, my sister [XXX]was KILLED while riding her motorcycle along with her pleasure motorcycle group. While preparing to make a legal left turn from CO State Highway 69 on to Route 1A (38.30908° N 105.62018° W) my sister [XXX] was struck from behind, by a 2016 Dodge Ram Truck traveling 61-64 MPH with activated Cruise Control. In Fremont County Court hearing Jan. 30, 2021, the driver [XXX] referred to the judge, that he was unable to deactivate his 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 cruise control, thereby causing the DEATH. In open court [XXX] referred to cruise control RECALL NHTSA Campaign #18V332000 and FAILED Dodge Ram Campaign #U53 that discounted proper repairs ORDERED in the original NHTSA SAFETY RECALL #18V332000. IT APPEARS, that the disregard for proper repairs to be carried out on the cruise control system amount to MURDER of my sister [XXX] at the hands of Chrysler, Ram Trucks, and FCA US LLC. INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE OPENED on HOW or WHY GEICO Insurance ([XXX]'s Auto Ins. policy #[XXX]) declared his 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4X4 with approximately value of (at time of crash - June 12, 2021) $33,000, a total loss. THE EXACT DAY, a Saturday after the 4PM crash. Per Car Fax and notes from the court regarding release of the 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck. The truck was CRUSHED - EXACTLY 6 months +1 day after the crash. IMPORTANT TO NOTE, that Both Trooper [XXX] (C.S.P. Investigator with 26 years of service) was FIRED for "DISHONESTY" and his supervisor was also fired likely for same cause. Likely due, or at least, in part to my opening CBI investigation into this matter. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Kirkland, WA, USA

problem #95

Apr 292022

1500

  • miles
On April 29, 2022 while driving 75mph pulling a trailer my truck (Ram 1500 3.0L Ecodiesel) lost full power and electrical. When taken to the dealership for repair, they found that the crank shaft position sensor tone ring attached to the flywheel had become delaminated and caused the entire truck to shut down. When I inquired about a separate recall NHTSA Recall No. : 20V-475, but was told that didn't include my truck. I believe that FCA did not include all the vehicles possible in the previous recall and are putting people at risk as a result.

- Magnolia, TX, USA

problem #94

Sep 042022

1500

  • miles
I was driving down the highway when my truck suddenly throws its self into park while traveling at 55 mph. My stuck started spinning causing me to bounce off the safety rails on both sides of the highway. My truck took a front end hit to a concrete wall and my airbags did not deploy. Once my truck came to a stop sideways in the middle of the highway it wouldn-€™t come out of park because it was shut off. I started the truck and placed it in drive and was able to move a few feet from the center of the highway. The truck was towed. No warning lights had went off nothing. I-€™m having bad neck pain from the residual effects of the accident.

- Sevierville , TN, USA

problem #93

Jul 012022

1500

  • miles
The truck lost steering power and I was able to stop without wrecking but I have no control of the steering at all

- Monroe, GA, USA

problem #92

Jul 152022

1500

  • miles
I have a 2016 ram 1500 big Ha and the other day that ignition switch went bad on the truck and I-€™m in New Jersey and I took it to my dealer and they said they can-€™t get any of the parts for about a month because no dealerships in New Jersey know dealerships on the East Coast or the West Coast have any of these parts the ignition switch that they have all trucks in the same year as me For the same problem and they can-€™t get the part till next month or two months they have to order it it-€™s on back order the park the only place that has the part is Clovis Mexico and they only had seven left in stock but if you look into the 2016 ram there-€™s no recalls on this On the ignition switch in the 2017 ram there is a recall on it and on a 2015 ram there is a recall on the for the ignition switch another 2016 why

- Boonton , NJ, USA

problem #91

Jul 132022

1500

  • miles
I was in two separate major accidents and the airbags did not deploy. I got injuries due to this. They have been looked at by shops when repairs were made. No indication before or after of any kind regarding air bags.

- Beeville, TX, USA

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