2016 Ram 1500 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 17V821000Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

  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 pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 17V198000Mar 23, 201730 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

  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.

  Risk: 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 16V301000May 16, 201664 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.

  Risk: A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.

• Recall 15V661000Oct 15, 201561,859 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.

  Risk: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 23, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   ABS control module has failed and the vehicle cannot shift into gear and will not move. Dealership verified failure and the part is on 2 to 3 year back order. Part also apparently cannot be repaired by a 3rd party due to the chips no longer being manufactured. Only way to repair and make the vehicle "operable" is to purchase a "used" module from another donor vehicle which is also suspect and potentially unsafe. A recall needs to be instituted to protect the safety of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11758939 · 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 8, 202696,000 miNCTowedBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the failure was persistent. Additionally, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11749158 · source
4. 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
5. Filed Jan 28, 2026MDBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   ABS unit failed. This renders the Traction control system, ABS braking, cruise control, and 4WD system inert. I tried to repair/replace the unit it is on indefinite backorder, and repair shops cannot get the parts to fix the actual unit. Makes vehicle dangerous to drive in all but fair conditions. No solution has been provided by RAM.

   NHTSA complaint #11713886 · source
6. Filed Jan 5, 2026FLBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The ABS control module and pump failed. ABS Light, Traction / Stabilitrak light / Brake Light on Vehicle was diagnosed by the dealership Dec 16, 2022 was given quote to repair but the parts were not available and back ordered. Been reaching out since to have truck repaired multiple dealerships but ABS module is not available no ETA been driving vehicle as is Currently ABS module is still not available no ETA now and vehicle is rendered in operable due to the ABS Module…

   NHTSA complaint #11708911 · source
7. Filed Dec 5, 2025KSElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Went to start my truck and it wouldnt start. Connected a jumper box to it to start it and started right up. Check engine light came on and showed "Code P1DF3". My safety was at risk due to not being able to get back home due to this issue. This fault has been reported by others with the ram 1500.

   NHTSA complaint #11703357 · source
8. Filed Oct 17, 2025TNTransmission & Drivetrain

   Passenger side axle half shaft has separated. There is a recall (Safety Recall S32) currently on 2016 Ram 1500 4WD manufactured between February 19, 2016, and March 3, 2016. This vehicle was manufactured March 8, 2016. It is too coincidental that I am having the same issue as described in the recall information. I have contacted FCA via phone and was told their was nothing that could be done because the vehicle in service date was 3/28/2016. I would like this investigated…

   NHTSA complaint #11694132 · source
9. Filed May 12, 202581,127 miNVTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the rear wheel seized, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The contact discovered that the vehicle failed to drive forward while in drive(D). The contact stated that after switching to 4WD, the vehicle was driven off the road and was later towed to the residence. The contact stated that while examining the vehicle, the contact determined that the rear differential had failed. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11660397 · source
10. Filed Apr 3, 2025CAAirbagsEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The Dealer did not complete this Safety Recall, They refused to follow up with the repair description of 73A which is part of this 66A they both have the same NHSTA Number. The vehicle seems to be more difficult to drive after getting it back from the dealer. I also noticed new cosmetic damages, and a missing cover under the fender-well. The vehicle was returned to me with an incomplete recall. "Jun 08,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number66A NHTSA Recall Number23V-411 Recall…

    NHTSA complaint #11652575 · source
11. Filed Mar 25, 202590,000 miTXTowedBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to be started, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park. In addition, the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ABS control module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…

    NHTSA complaint #11650584 · source
12. Filed Mar 3, 2025VABrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Brake Warning light on, ABS light on, traction control light on, cruse control disabled, 4 wheel drive disabled. Appears to be same issue as NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 but on 2016 Dodge Ram 1500.

    NHTSA complaint #11645976 · source

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