2016 RAM 1500 electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 public and vehicle owners. RAM and its owner Stellantis need to be held accountable.

NHTSA complaint #11758939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

“Service ABS System”, “Service Electronic Braking System” and Traction Control warnings keep randomly occurring. Replacement ABS module is unavailable for this extremely widespread issue. Has anyone discussed a class action lawsuit for this issue? I’ve never had more problems with a vehicle than I’ve had with this truck. Ram should be embarrassed. I’ll be trading it in soon and I’ll never buy another one, that’s for sure.

NHTSA complaint #11756876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The dealership said I need my ABS module replaced due to the lights on the dashboard and my ABS braking system and cruise control not working. I had them order the module and paid for it. I finally asked for a refund. where it has been on backorder for 18 months as of 8/13/2026, with no idea of when it will come in if it comes in at all. This is an extremely disturbing situation and safety issue of not having the anti-braking system in operative.

NHTSA complaint #11756739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS module showing internal electrical failure. Service ABS, trailer brake, and electrical brake warning lights on. Traction control light on. Cruise control not working.

NHTSA complaint #11755782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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NHTSA complaint #11753517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS / Traction Control / Brake warning lights ALL illuminated. No anti lock brakes and no cruise control. ABS module failure. Replacement part on back order for at least 2 years. Unable to repair.

NHTSA complaint #11752857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears to be an electric power steering (EPS) failure. I am concerned that this defect could lead to a crash or serious injury. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue because similar power steering failures have been reported by other Ram 1500 owners.

NHTSA complaint #11752688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Failed ABS Module....yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Without a functioning ABS Module, the vehicle has no Anti-Lock brakes or Traction control...in addition to no functioning cruise control and some 4WD features. The main concern is obviously the absence of ABS and Traction Control, which can cause loss of vehicle control. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the vehicle has been inspected/confirmed by the dealer. The replacement part is unavailable / has been on backorder for several months. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No...only the dealer has inspected it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - The ABS and Traction Control warning lamps are illuminated. They first appeared several months ago, when the module failed.

NHTSA complaint #11752106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the speedometer remained at 0 MPH and failed to accurately display the speed of the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and cruise control features were disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The parts were on back order and the dealer estimated that it might take 10 months to a year for parts to become available. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, JTs Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Lexington (4838 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072); and confirmed that parts were still on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and further assistance could not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11745034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS Module failure causing multiple warning lights on my dashboard. My truck no longer has working ABS or cruise control because of it. Took it to a Ram dealer and they said they do not have the part available to fix it because it is being “re-engineered.” That was almost 2 years ago. They had to recall this part in the newer generation Rams and I’m assuming it’s probably the same part that is in my truck. The answer I got from the dealer was “don’t follow to closely now” basically saying I’m shit out of luck. I know many others who have this issue and have had no support from Ram whatsoever. This is a known widespread issue in my generation of RAM trucks and this is absolutely a safety issue. My brakes have locked up twice in braking situations since this went bad. They need to acknowledge that this is a problem like they did in their newer trucks and fix it. I know many would even pay to fix it at this point but there are not even parts available to get it done.

NHTSA complaint #11743701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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, the Service Anti-Lock Brake warning comes on. If I have my family in the truck and enter a highway and loose power, I could be at fault for causing a wreck and injury my family. As a professional engineer, I would like to have this concern investigated before someone loses their life or cause injury to someone. The local dealership replaced the part after 4 months on back order but the problem did not go away. They then replaced other parts and the problem persists. Another ABS module is on order with a 6 month backlog. I feel unsafe but need my truck for work and family! How do I get this evaluated properly as the dealer does think it is happening!

NHTSA complaint #11736552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 discontinued. I'm into the truck for over $10000, including the purchase price. It has not run 1 day since But after the incident, my mechanic did the car fax on it. The odometer had been rolled back over 100000 miles or replaced whatever the situation, the car facts did not match up with the actual truck information that was sold to me contacted the individual and sold me the truck. He has ghost meat, will not return. Calls will not give me back. The money will not even answer my calls. Any longer longer only through the national highway transportation safety association did I find out that this could be defective parts possibly covered by the manufacturer. So again , i'm not sure where I stand on this uncertain i have contacted several state and federal government agencies. That's how I ended up here, trying to go through the process of getting this taken care of but I got the Attorney General national highway, safety transportation board involved along with the state police, I guess here in Massachusetts have a division for this so. I'm filling out the form and doing what i'm supposed to trying to get myself reimbursed , or at least this truck fixed , because again pots have been discontinued and nobody including dodge dealerships , do not want to work on it the truck is currently sitting in a mechanic shop.All receipts of work done and affected parts is in the truck at mechanic so I have receipts for all of this

NHTSA complaint #11735874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS module broken and wheels spin when accelarating. This is not safe to drive

NHTSA complaint #11730320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My Truck has less than 60,000 miles have paid for the extended warranty and now have a infamous ABS module failure which is very dangerous because now My Truck is my only source of transportation and being a senior citizen. This is a hazard for my only vehicle that I have. I have done my research and there are tons of complaints for this issue and it has not became a recall, which is very alarming and to top it off. I have always taken in the truck for Service to have it checked, and the dealer has never checked it and now that there’s no warranty now they say it is an issue so I need this to be fixed . This does also affect the driving of the vehicle and the stability and top of all the alarming issues on my dashboard. I am also the original owner of this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11725359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My truck lost power steering while driving, a red flashing light came on saying power steering, pulled off and could not turn wheel. Managed to get it to a shop close by and upon scan for codes it came up C2217-00 electric power steering and shop verified that my truck came up with a recall regarding this same issue but when I called a dodge dealership they said I had no open recalls yet needed to get it to their shop for their diagnostic.

NHTSA complaint #11719470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

k my abs and traction control and brake light came on my truck has 86k miles well took it and got it scanned said abs control module internal short so went on line to order one on back order and no date when available so went to dealer and they said no can’t get one nationwide back order so now my trucks brakes are not safe and i contacted ram with no response so idk wat to do and i thought car manufacturers had to keep parts available for so many years and the part i need also fits newer ones also so it should be available instead every time i have to drive it’s possible to not be able to stop without sliding i would jus trade it in but will be a loss because of the brakes and all the lights on also i purchased this truck new

NHTSA complaint #11717472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My power steering went out on my vehicle in mid January 2016. My temperature guage was also not working properly. I took it to my local Ram dealership to get it looked at. They drew up an estimate and I approved some repairs. My extended warranty covered majority of it. After picking up my vehicle, I noticed my steering wheel still had some resistance to it. I felt it shouldn't have that much resistance knowing the amount of work that just got done. My temperature gauge was still not the greatest. It never got directly into the middle of being the right temperature, but being off a bit maybe isn't the worst thing. I notice my temeperature and steering wheel icons light up when I start my vehicle, but researched and found that that is normal and it goes away after my vehicle is started. I called to make another appointment to be seen, but later cancelled it after learning the information about the icons and my steering wheel resistence loosened up and feels "normal" again. I just wanted to document my experience, as I learned there may be others with similar power steering issues and that there may be a class action lawsuit in the works. I have provided all the documentation I have according to my knowledge, and can provide more if need be.

NHTSA complaint #11717156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On September 29, 2025, my vehicle overheated. Smoke was coming from the interior vents as well as from under the hood. I pulled over shortly after and had my vehicle towed to a repair shop. I got an estimate for radiator repair. That did not fix the issue, so more repair was needed related to a heating and evaporator core. I have attached the invoices for those repairs. I just wanted to note this for my records.

NHTSA complaint #11717159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

-My ABS module failed over a year ago and is available for inspection. -My ABS, anti-lock, cruise control does not work. -The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and dealer said the part is no longer available. -The component has been inspected by a dealer. -There were warning lights when it failed and they have been on ever since.

NHTSA complaint #11717315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My abs module has an error code and I can't find the part I need.

NHTSA complaint #11715935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a abs, E brake and traction control light on I'm my dash. It will not let me use cruise control or any of the 4 wheel drive options. This has been going on now for a month. I've called my Dodge dealership and others. I have been on Internet looking for replacement parts none to be found. The Dodge dealership where I got my truck from said the needed over 100 and can't get them. I've tried everything can't go and get one from junkyard Dodge will not install or program a used one. This is a safety condition that they recalled 2017-2019 and I purchased my like February 2017 new actually had it shipped down from Pennsylvania by dealership. Please help I really depend on my truck and I drive 45min one way to work. PLEASE HELP I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW TRUCK AND I REALLY LIKE MY DODGE RAM. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] THANKS FOR YOUR HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11712559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a travel trailer, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the trailer brakes became inoperable. The contact stated that the trailer's brake functions failed to function properly, and that the trailer's emergency brakes needed to be engaged to stop the trailer. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused a crash with another vehicle, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11711181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The ABS module failed causing the cruise control, ABS, and traction control systems to become inoperable.

NHTSA complaint #11710803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 failure There have been multiple complaints of this issue, yet nothing is being done.

NHTSA complaint #11708911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My Ram truck ( with extended manufacturer's warranty) has a faulty ABS module which has resulted in not having the ABS safety feature. In addition, this failed module renders speed control inoperative, thus increasing fatigue on long trips. The diagnosis was from July 29, 2025 by a Sulphur Springs dealer [very nice folks]. I have reached out to them several times and was told the part is still on backorder, with no ETA provided. I am hearing that this is a widespread problem, and it seems that we need to bring NHTSA to bear on the manufacturer… ?

NHTSA complaint #11705207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2016 dodge 1500 hemi 5.7. The chrysler dealership diagnose that the abs module was bad. these abs modules are very rare to find. messages were abs light, check engine light, traction light and speedometer stop working. Thanks for your attention in this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11699762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 10/21/2025, my ABS module failed. This failure caused my brakes to fully apply on their own while entering interstate traffic. The brakes will fully apply due to ABS pump intermittently kicking in. This part has no availability to repair. Chrysler/FCA/Mopar/Stellantis/RAM no help with this issue. I was able to safely pull over and have vehicle towed to my shop and diagnosed. This is a common issue and with no parts available to repair, I am going to be without my truck.

NHTSA complaint #11696490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At 90,000 miles ABS, traction control and brake light came on, mechanic said it’s a defective ABS module, and that there are none available anywhere, it’s under engineering review. This is a known issue, and now a recall for 2017 and above, my Ram is a 2016, same part. This poses a safety risk as the brakes can lock up, causing an accident. It’s going on 2 years with still no modules available

NHTSA complaint #11696695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.