2016 Ram 1500 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

232 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Ram 1500, 21% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 99,100 mi.

Engine complaints
232
Crashes
1
Fires
15
Injuries
2
Related recalls
3
Median mileage
99,100 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine174
Engine and engine cooling51
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system2
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control2
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)1

Engine complaints across Ram 1500 years

22009462013176201422520152322016153201714320182292019165202028020212482022472023232024782025112026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k210k–30k1730k–60k4160k–100k33100k–150k21150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V411000Jun 8, 202380,629 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 20V475000Aug 13, 202058,016 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 19V757000Oct 24, 2019107,980 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

    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.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026116,000 miFLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11767670 · source
  2. Filed Aug 17, 2026167,000 miKYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11757355 · source
  3. Filed Jul 20, 2026170,000 miMOEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11751651 · source
  4. Filed May 21, 2026161,292 miCAEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500 The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, occupied with her husband in the vehicle they could hear a knocking and shatter noise coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure, and they informed her they will give her cash value for the vehicle and they can run a report until…
    NHTSA complaint #11739278 · source
  5. Filed May 19, 2026TXEngine
    The vehicle was driving down the highway at highway speed when it began to shut down. This put myself & other drivers at serious risk as I had to navigate several lanes of traffic with a dead vehicle. When I took it to the dealer, the dealer stated that the vehicle crankshaft position magnetic tone sensor had broken off and was no longer sending the tones to the crank shaft position sensor. The vehicle has a 66A recall on it where it mentions a 73A recall which states for…
    NHTSA complaint #11738791 · source
  6. Filed May 19, 2026125,000 miTXTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11738787 · source
  7. Filed May 11, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    While driving my 2016 RAM 1500 Eco diesel, the vehicle suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond 40 mph. The malfunction occurred while driving under normal road conditions and created a safety concern because the truck was unable to maintain normal traffic speed. Prior to failure, a warning light appeared on the dashboard related to emissions/exhaust system. The truck entered into a reduce power/limp mode and became difficult to operate in traffic. The truck has…
    NHTSA complaint #11737165 · source
  8. Filed May 8, 2026FLBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    My 2016 RAM 1500 has had an issue with the Anti-lock Brakes since August 2025 that is under the manufacturer extended warranty. I am the original owner. The ABS module and other sensors have been replaced and the problem persist. In the last few weeks, the traction control light energizes intermittently (flashes) and the engine loses power-does not stall out, but does not accelerate. The light goes out and normal operations resume. A few seconds after the light extinguishes,…
    NHTSA complaint #11736552 · source
  9. Filed May 5, 2026MAElectrical SystemEngine
    Within 24 hours of buying the vehicle back in February, the truck has not run red Lightning bulbs, electronic throttle control system Lights all started coming on that system was replaced by a certified mechanic. The system then did it again, literally, 1 day later. Now I'm not certain about the new part, which has been discontinued. It's some sort of pigtail off of that. And again the wiring pigtail or whatever it is called. I am uncertain is defective in has been…
    NHTSA complaint #11735874 · source
  10. Filed Apr 27, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle has been in and out of Rydell Jeep & Ram dealership over 3 times in the last few months for fuel pump issues. It has been at the dealership for over a month total (in and out). Each time I have had to pay for towing and rental cars. I have not been reimbursed for any rental or towing costs. On April 11, 2026, immediately after picking up the truck from the dealership (where it had just been serviced for a previous fuel…
    NHTSA complaint #11733977 · source
  11. Filed Apr 26, 2026161,097 miCAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The vehicle turned off on the freeway and qould lnt start right after it came out from the dealership for a fuel pump cp4 installation recall, they said they misdiagnosed the issue with the truck on 4/23/26 930am from Bruce service advisor and mike the mechanic at rydell with my fuel pump off the truck. They said the gear that turns the fuel pump may have come loose That gear that turns the fuel pump does not turn, they showrd me. Also im thinking that the fuel pump seized…
    NHTSA complaint #11733860 · source
  12. Filed Apr 23, 2026AZEngine
    During a routine oil change test drive, a code for Crankshaft Loss of Position appeared on my truck and as a result, the autoshop I took it to (a Kerry's Car Care) recommended that I do not drive it. This is an active Recall from the FCA from the NHTSA (Safety Recall W68 / NHTSA 20V-475 Loss of Crankshaft Position), but Dodge is insisting the recall was repaired (66A/NHTSA 23V-411) but only an update to the software as issued, without replacing the actual faulty part, the…
    NHTSA complaint #11733455 · source

Other 2016 Ram 1500 problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology