10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 24
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,475 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 8 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #123

Jan 142020

1500

  • 36,000 miles

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

Parked truck. Turned keyfob to off. Removed and locked vehicle. Noticed vehicle engine was still running. Got back in and tried turning off again. Didn't work. Had to drive for short distance. Tried again. Worked.

- Damascus, OR, USA

problem #122

Jan 032020

1500

  • 83,000 miles
In order to register my vehicle in California I was forced to accept the V08 emissions recall. After this recall, I have noticed substantial lag between depressing the accelerator and between when the vehicle accelerates. I was told there would be no change in performance by both the dealer and fca. I have almost been in two accidents now because I attempted to execute a left turn and even though I was depressing the accelerator, the vehicle sluggishly rolled through the intersection and then 2-3 seconds later, accelerated rapidly making it difficult to maintain lane integrity while navigating the turn. I generally drive fairly modestly which is why there have been only two life-threatening incidents in the past 3 or so months that I have had the "update". realistically though, this forced update has changed the nature of the truck and made it ultimately more dangerous to drive. All of this behavior began after the noted recall. I spoke with the dealership where the recall was performed, and was told that they have received this complaint from other drivers as well, and that while Ram was aware of the problem, they had no remedy at this time. The date mentioned in the report is simply of the most recent of incidents that I mentioned.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

problem #121

Jun 122019

1500

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to maddox motor company located at 564 glover rd, sidney, ne 69162, (308)254-5577 to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that engine control module software needed to be updated. The software update was performed however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Kimball, NE, USA

problem #120

Oct 312019

1500

  • 43,937 miles

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

2 major issues: A- since vehicle got computer system updated for the emissions lawsuit - vehicle has lost 70% power at take off. Meaning, I currently have a very high risk of getting T-boned at intersections because the vehicle doesn't take off. I currently have a claim open with Chrysler but their case manager claims that parts to fix the issue is currently not available. This emission update was done back in June 2019. B- vehicle started to overheat and create very high coolant smell inside the cabin. This happened when the vehicle was in motion driven at approximately 45mph, if the vehicle sits idling you can't tell the problem, only when driven. I had vehicle towed to dealership and admitted on 10/31/2019. After 63 days at the dealer and so much back and forth with Chrysler case managers and supervisors "this people is extremely useless and should not be assigned to handle cases sensitive like this one!" on 01/03/2020 "63 days after check in date" the truck was release from the dealer with absolutely no repairs made. The vehicle that is currently overheating with very high risk of getting caught on fire has been released to me so I can take my kids to schools and and my life and other at danger. This is terrifying! makes me think that Chrysler wants to deal with much more costly issues when the worst happens!

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #119

Nov 252019

1500

  • 99,100 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, when he saw smoke exiting the hood. The contact stated the service electrical soon warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and a bystander extinguished the fire with water. The fire department was not notified. The vehicle was towed to local dealer berlin city Ford-Lincoln located at 485 main St, gorham, nh 03581, (603) 752-6644. The vehicle had not been replaced or repaired as of yet. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling) but the parts were not available. The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The part was not available for the repair. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 99,100. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Berlin, NH, USA

problem #118

Oct 012019

1500

  • miles
After the mandatory aem update the truck lost acceleration power and mpg went way down. I was told the trucks performance would stay exactly the same. In reality the truck turned into a slug. Also received a recall about possible fires due to egr cooler leaking coolant. Fca told me until a there's a fix to carry a jug of coolant and continue to refill as needed. I think that's ridiculous, the truck is 4 years old.

- Manteca, CA, USA

problem #117

Nov 292019

1500

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notification on November 29, 2019. The contact spoke with five star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (3068 riverside drive, macon, ga 31210, 478-345-8899) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was informed and stated that the contact would be placed on a waiting list. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Gray, GA, USA

problem #116

Sep 232019

1500

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. While the contact's son was driving 20 mph, the low oil pressure warning indicator illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road and checked the oil pressure. After restarting the ignition, the warning indicator turned off, smoke poured out from the vents, and flames were seen under the hood. The contact parked on the side of the road and was able to extinguish the fire under the hood with water. The fire and police departments were contacted, but did not arrive at the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to fox negaunee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (located at 701 us-41, negaunee, mi 49866, (906) 475-9941) where it was diagnosed that the egr cooler, intake manifold, right bank fuel, intake hose, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact felt that the dealer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The failure mileage was 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect. * (recall related incident)

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #115

Dec 032019

1500

  • 86,250 miles
After complying with the V08 (aem) software update due to the Ram ecodiesel emissions update my driving experience/performance has changed dramatically. During acceleration their has been anywhere from 3-6 delay seconds before adequate power and speed can be felt. This is at a full stop such as a stop sin or red traffic light. During highway traffic (passing) or merging into a lane is were is most noticeable. This failure occurs even when engine is properly at operating temperature and is worse right after start up. Since multiple people use their trucks for towing purposes, this greatly increases the effect and even further decreases the performance that is relied upon. The aem software update specifically states "the aem is not expected to change any of your key vehicle attributes, such as average fuel economy, reliability, durability, vehicle performance, drivability, engine noise or vibration, or other driving characteristics." This directly contradicts the class action lawsuit remedy requirements. Due to the failed instant acceleration as well as taking up to 3500 RPM before forward movement can be established in some instances has led me to formally create and record a safety concern that requires immediate attention. Failure to do so puts owners of 2014-2016 Ram 1500's that are affected by the aem update at risk, not only to ourselves but to the other drivers around us. Before this update was conducted there were no engine/transmission/propulsion related issues whatsoever. Lastly as another effect but less important is the obvious decrease in and loss in mpg. Please hold fca accountable and have them address this issue before lives are fatally affected.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #114

Dec 012019

1500

  • 28,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of eureka (located at 4320 S broadway St, eureka, ca 95503, 707-382-3208) where it was diagnosed that the egr failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 71585937. The contact was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

- Mckinleyville, CA, USA

problem #113

Nov 262019

1500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 57,000 miles

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

The contact owned a 2016 Ram 1500. While driving on the highway, the contact smelled a burning plastic odor and turned off the heater. An unknown indicator illuminated and the contact was alerted by another motorist that the vehicle was on fire. Flames came out of the heat vents and the side of the hood. The contact pulled over and the brakes failed. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact and passenger jumped out of the vehicle. The vehicle burned to the ground. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The following day, the contact received a recall letter for NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact called the manufacturer and filed a claim, but the claim was denied because they could not determine what caused the fire. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. The contact was not compensated with assistance towards a new vehicle. The dealer stated that they were not aware of the fire or the recall. The failure mileage was 57,000.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #112

Oct 122019

1500

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. While the contact's husband was driving 70 mph, the vehicle began to sputter. The driver pulled the vehicle over and smoke was seen underneath the engine compartment. Due to the weather conditions, the rain was able to extinguish the fire that was starting underneath the vehicle. The police arrived, but the contact was unsure if a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to hartley's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (30 main St, newport, me 04953, (207) 368-5751) where it was diagnosed that the egr cooler was defective, which caused the fire. Weeks later, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine, engine cooling). The contact was provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through the dealer and was currently awaiting the part. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 67,000.

- Waldo, ME, USA

problem #111

Dec 092019

1500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact took the vehicle to burns motors (1300 E business hwy 83, mcallen, tx 78501, (956) 984-4400), but the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer also stated that the part was not available and did not assist. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Edinburg, TX, USA

problem #110

Dec 012019

1500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. After the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling), it was discovered that the coolant was low inside the vehicle, as listed in the recall. Autonation Chrysler Dodge Ram valencia (23820 creekside rd, valencia, ca) stated that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000. Consumer also stated acceleration is lagging.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

problem #109

Dec 092019

1500

  • 42,000 miles
Did the new ecodiesel update and now truck lags during acceleration. Takes a second or 2 to take off. Also with the egr cooler recall I'm losing coolant can possibly cause a fire. Fca told me when I called to carry a jug of coolant with me to refill as needed. I would think I would have to do this on a 3 year old truck.

- Manteca, CA, USA

problem #108

Nov 082019

1500

  • 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. While the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V757000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was unable to be driven. Rockie williams premier Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (located at 600 pleasant grove rd, mt. Juliet, tn 37122, (615) 288-8525) was contacted and the contact stated that they exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The part was not available for the repair. The failure mileage was 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #107

Sep 022019

1500

  • 36,500 miles
I purchased a new 2106 Ram 1500 ecodiesel in 2016 from a dealer. There was an emissions recall for which I took to the dealer and had done according to the manufacturer. Since the recall was completed I have had a serious lag in acceleration. There is now a 3 to 4 second delay at 3/4 throttle before the truck takes off in a lurch. I asked the dealer how this can be fixed to accelerate as before the recall and they said there was nothing they could and that they would not undo the computer changes. I live off a busy street and trying to flow into traffic is a real challenge and a safety hazard. I'm afraid to lend my truck to family and friends because of the safety hazard and wanted to make sure a complaint has been filed.

- Hillsboro, OR, USA

problem #106

Sep 102019

1500

  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. While making a right turn, the vehicle hesitated to move when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to larry H. miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram sandy (10905 auto mall dr, sandy, ut 84070, (801) 590-0465) where it was diagnosed that the engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no remedy. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

- Sandy, UT, USA

problem #105

Nov 242019

1500

  • 52,000 miles
It was just recently brought to my attention that there was a technical service bulletins sent out for the 3.0 ecodiesel to change the type/specification of oil and to go against what the owners manual states because the manual is wrong. It calls for an oil that is to light breaks down molecular weight too quickly and trucks and Jeep alike equiped with the ecodiesel have been having catastrophic engine failure due to premature engine wear on internal components. It is recommended to put 5W40 in instead. This is first and foremost true I did research and confirmed that the change was made but never made public to the owners like the current class action lawsuits was. Many owners don't know this change exsisted and many owners don't know that the dealerships are still making this error and continuing to fill the trucks with 5W30 for owners that come in for service. If it's to save money by not throwing away already purchased merchandise or ignorance I don't know. But this is huge because now even if owners change now they still have potential and highly probable permanent internal damage done to their engine taking a drastic amount out of the possible longevity of the engine away, and the new oil required reduces fuel economy furthering the financial burden of the owner that bought the vehicle with a different fuel economy advertised and with the knowledge that their vehicle may never last as long as they're hope because of the failure of the fca to identify this and make it public. Not to mention the dealerships are aware of this problem because articles claim mechanics have been coming forward saying dealerships are draining all 5W30 on unsold vehicles and replacing it with 5W40. Yet they refuse to make this a class action lawsuits to the public so we can know. We deserve the compensation for the costs that may come about because of this!!!

- Havelock, NC, USA

problem #104

Sep 162019

1500

  • 149,500 miles
Vehicle taken in on 8-12-19 to dealership to check out driveability concerns after "approved emisson modification" they had it to apply update from 5-17-19 to 6-12-19, concerns on 8-12-19 were acceleration, also to check egr system as I was losing coolant they had my vehicle from 8-12-19/9-13-19 when they called me telling me I needed to return the rental car and pick my vehicle as they couldn't do anything for the acceleration I would have to wait for an update to be released. They didn't check the egr system only topped it off with coolant and told me to watch it. All was fine until 9-16-19 when I was on my way to work, about 7 miles from work the check engine light came on I continued on about a mile from my work location the service throttle control light illuminated I lost the ability to accelerate and about 1/4-1/2 mile away from the work location the low oil pressure light illuminated and vehicle died. I finished coasting into the driveway and parked went inside to get work related paperwork I needed and came back outside and see smoke coming from under the hood. I open the hood to see what was going on and there was smoke/fire on the left side of engine bay when staring in (intake, egr area) at that point I got in to the vehicle to put it in neutral via disengagement lever to roll vehicle away from the house I got it away from the house and got out and away and called fire department to come extinguish the fire as it was engulfed in flames at that point. Resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. Now afterwards there is now a recall for the egr cooler that "may fatigue and cause vehicle fire" Chrysler has been contacted and aren't willing to do anything they sent out Bosch automotive engineering people to inspect the vehicle it was stated there was no vehicle manufacturing defect. A buyback claim has been started but I have not heard anything to this point.

- Arkansas City, KS, USA

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