10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
20,891 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 #120

Aug 252024

1500

  • miles

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

When driving I lost steering and received dashboard alarm with service power steering. Turned the truck off, when I turned it back on the steering was working. A week later I lost steering again while driving.

- Beckley, WV, USA

problem #119

Jun 012023

1500

  • miles
My problem is with my Ram ABS/Traction control, cruise control doesn-??t work, 4 wheel drive will not engage. Having only rear wheel drive makes it hard and dangerous to drive on snow covered roads. Almost hit a semi head on because my traction control and 4 wheel drive doesn-??t work. I-??ve been waiting almost 2 years for a new ABS controller. Chrysler has put the part I need on back order like 5 times in the last two years and winter is coming and it-??s not safe to drive my truck on snow covered roads. I don-??t know what to do. I-??ve seen and heard lots of people having the same issue with the RAM trucks. Please help. Thank you!

- Celina, OH, USA

problem #118

Mar 142024

1500

  • miles
I was driving the truck when the light came on for EBS (Electronic Braking System) and the steering wheel locked up then the truck dash read a warning stating "Service Power Steering". Through my research on Kelly Blue Book this is a common problem with this year make and model of Ram 1500 pickups yet mine doesn't have this as a specific recall. I also have an issue with the exhaust manifold bolts rattling loose separating the exhaust manifold separating from the rear of the engine block at the head. My father owns a 2014 Ram 1500 and had that same issue with his exhaust manifold and I know 3 other gentlemen that had the issue with the exhaust manifold I was wondering seeing as these are common problems with this generation of Ram 1500's if I could have these 3 issues put out as recalls on my specific Ram 1500 because with these common problems I feel like I shouldn't have to come out of pocket to pay for them. Please consider my complaint. Thank you.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #117

Apr 242024

1500

  • miles

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

while driving the abs, traction control, brake lites came on, also cruise quit an service abs brake and service trailer brake appeared on dash this happened in april 2024 it does this evertime you crank it after a mechanic lookibg at it an me calling dealerships an looking on line there is thousands of ram trucks with this problem stallantis has known about part defects an stopped the production of it but they are not producing new ones so peoole like me that has only one vehicle are have to drive these unsave vehicle there is a class action lawsuit but it only list 2017 -2018 my truck is 2016 and on ram truck forums there are even 2015 with problem i am stuck with this unsafe truck because i cant sell it when there is no part to fix

- Trinity, TX, USA

problem #116

Jul 182024

1500

  • miles
On Thursday July 18, 2024 at approximately 5:00pm. I was on my way home from picking my son up from daycare when the screen turned black and my shift knob light (above D letter) began blinking and about 10 seconds later the truck shut off completely. The key wasn-??t able to be removed from the ignition. About five minutes later, I was able to turn the key and turn the truck back on. This was a frightening moment because I was crossing over railroad track when this started.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #115

May 302024

1500

  • miles
ABS module / Hydraulic Control Unit failure

- Harvest, AL, USA

problem #114

May 292024

1500

  • miles

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

While driving, dash board alert notice of shifter requiring service appeared. Message states not to take gear out of "D" until reaching desired location or may not be able to use "D" again. Later Engine, power steering, air suspension, anti skid alerts began to appear is sequence. Cruise control and other electrical feature will not work during alert. Last anywhere between 5 and 30 or more minutes. Happened 2 days ago while on vacation road trip to Gulf. In Gulf shores now. Now I get an email from dealer about purchasing car insurance repair plan. Seems odd on the timing. Please help. Vehicle will restart and go into gears. Power steering may not work for up to five minutes. Have to stop and restart. Sporadic operation. Suspect tactics by dealer repair database to get customers to buy repair insurance or get vehicle into shop/trade for new vehicle. Please help. Do not know if recent CDK hack involves my dealer.

- Chillicothe, IL, USA

problem #113

May 212024

1500

  • miles
I have a 2016 RAM 1500. At 50k miles, the ABS light and the brake light came on. The message states -??service ABS braking system-??. -??I went to NAPA to get the code read and they said that I need the ABS Electronic Brake Control Module and the Brake Fluid Pump assembly replaced and that it could be very dangerous to drive my truck and in fact, if I keep driving the truck without it being fixed it was a danger to myself and others. NAPA called to order the parts and they said that it was back ordered by 3 days. The date of was 5/21/2024. They have NO date when they will have the vital parts to make my truck stop in the manner and condition that I bought the truck. I went online to do some research and I found out thousands of people are waiting years to get these parts and for every model and year since approximately 2012. The Dodge RAM people are not making the parts. They say it-??s under -??engineering review-?? or that they are simply backordered, FOR YEARS!!! So let me get this straight, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THEIR TRUCK ON THE ROAD IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION BECAUSE THE RAM PEOPLE -??REFUSE-?? TO MANUFACTURE THE PARTS. This is what I-??m being told. That my truck, that I paid a lot of money for and incidentally is paid off, doesn-??t have the vital parts in it to make it stop effectively. I wrote to them to find out about the parts. The response that I got was telling me that the parts are no longer under warranty. I didn-??t ask that question I asked when can I get the parts. And they never will answer the question. Why is this not under a number one priority for the safety of individuals and the general public" Why are people allowed to drive their RAM around when every one of the modules is failing in every RAM? I was told by NAPA that the modules are all failing around 50,000 miles. And again, they warned me not to drive my truck. How are we all supposed to get to work"

- Saint George, SC, USA

problem #112

May 152024

1500

  • miles
My ABS/Brake/Traction alarm is lit up on my 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn (99.5k miles) and I was notified that the part is not available from Mopar/Dodge. It has been checked out by Firestone and confirmed by them that the part is not available.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #111

May 042024

1500

  • miles
No one has ever fixed my recalls but it says it was done. I-??m am getting the occupant light and having electric problems. Also there is leaking around the top break light causing it to leak inside

- Mather, CA, USA

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
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

Jan 232024

1500

  • miles
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 #104

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 #103

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 #102

Nov 082023

1500

  • miles
The Anti-Lock Brake System Control Module as well as the Hydraulic Control Unit associated with the ABS Control Module. The left front Caliper locked up while driving. My safety and the safety of the passengers in my vehicle were at risk, as well as the other vehicles nearby. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an independent service center, Aaron's Auto Repair and Tire, 2623 Knight Avenue Waycross, Ga, 912-387-0503. The part is showing as being on national back order, so it was unable to be fixed. This is the only vehicle I have available to commute to work. There were no warning lamps prior to the incident, however, the warming lamp came on almost simultaneously.

- Waycross, GA, 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

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