FaultScore

2016 RAM 1500 fuel system problems

278 of the 2,094 complaints about the 2016 RAM 1500 are about the fuel system — 13% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 65,000 miles.

B

278

Complaints

2

Crashes

4

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Fuel/Propulsion System 188 67.6%
Fuel System, Diesel 78 28.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline 5 1.8%
Fuel Pump 2 0.7%
Fuel Pump 2 0.7%
Fuel Pump 1 0.4%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 1 0.4%
Fuel Filter 1 0.4%

Fuel & Propulsion across every RAM 1500 year

2013 50 3.4%
2014 274 18.4%
2015 235 15.8%
2016 278 18.7%
2017 128 8.6%
2018 138 9.3%
2019 103 6.9%
2020 74 5.0%
2021 95 6.4%
2022 78 5.2%
2023 18 1.2%
2025 18 1.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Washington Township, NJ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am writing to request your assistance regarding my 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the handling of a safety-related recall repair that has not resolved the original issue. My vehicle has been experiencing the following symptoms: •Check engine light •Hard starting •Engine struggling to start •Engine stalling These symptoms prompted me to bring the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership informed me that the vehicle qualified for Recall Z46, and the recall was subsequently performed. Unfortunately, after the recall was listed as completed, the vehicle continues to exhibit the exact same symptoms that existed prior to the repair. The check engine light remains, the vehicle still struggles to start, and it continues to stall. After further research I discovered that the entire recall was not completed based on the procedures listed on the NHTSA website. This is extremely concerning because these symptoms create a potential safety risk, particularly when the engine stalls unexpectedly. I have attempted to work through Ram Customer Care to resolve this matter. My experience has been disappointing. I have been unable to obtain meaningful assistance or authorization to have the vehicle evaluated by another certified Ram dealership despite my concerns that the original dealership did not successfully resolve the issue. At this point, I have lost confidence in the original servicing dealership's ability to properly diagnose and repair my vehicle. I have maintained detailed records of my repair visits and communications and am prepared to provide copies of repair orders and any additional documentation needed. My goal is simply to have my vehicle repaired correctly and safely.

NHTSA complaint #11754888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 240,000 miles Woodland, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted; however, the failure reoccurred while driving, and the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was first towed to a dealer, who denied service. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where metal shavings were found throughout the fuel system. The dealer cleaned the fuel tank and replaced the remaining fuel system components under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer stated that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) was full and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the instrument panel displayed that the DPF was 70 percent full, which contradicted the statement from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Costa Mesa, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle was previously repaired under Recall Z46, but the replacement remedy pump suffered the exact same catastrophic internal failure. The vehicle has now been stranded at Orange Coast Ram for over 30 days under Work Order 156725. RAM Corporate Case Management (Case 96867451) is actively refusing to authorize the subsequent recall repair, explicitly stating in writing that corporate has 'no internal channels to obtain approvals,' effectively denying the legally mandated federal safety remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11748022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

River Grove, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel sensor on the truck has been in a failure place for years. It has a full tank, but it keeps reflecting zero gas and it doesn’t wanna pass emissions either it really is a poorly constructive fuel system. It makes you concerned and makes the Buyer spend an extreme amount of money to repair a flimsy piece of plastic. I don’t know why this isn’t a recall. I had to have a bunch of things repaired trying to troubleshoot it, but I’ve never paid the full price to repair the fuel sensor. what the actual problem was discovered…

NHTSA complaint #11738053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am writing to report a Failed Recall Remedy under 49 U.S. Code § 30120 regarding the Z46 high-pressure fuel pump safety recall on my vehicle. The dealership accepted the vehicle in its current state, performed the safety recall, and certified the vehicle as safe. However, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure 250 miles later due to the exact system addressed in the recall. I was previously told that nothing could be done, which is unacceptable as federal law requires a safety defect to be remedied at no cost. The dealership did not follow the recall instructions and just put a new hpfp in a contaminated fuel system.

NHTSA complaint #11737696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tracy, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 been at the Folsom Lake Dodge dealership since March 22, 2026 awaiting a replacement part related to a recall/manufacturer issue. I was informed the part may be available around May 22, 2026.

NHTSA complaint #11737165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Fernando, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 pump issue), the vehicle suddenly lost all power while I was driving on the freeway and would not restart. It was towed back to Rydell. On April 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM, Bruce (service advisor) and Mike (mechanic) at Rydell verbally admitted to me that their original diagnosis was wrong. They had initially said a gear inside the engine that turns the CP4 fuel pump had come loose or failed. They now admit that diagnosis was incorrect, but they refuse to provide that admission in writing. They are now trying to charge me for the repair. I believe the actual root cause is that the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump seized internally. That seizure would have placed extreme resistance on the engine's drive gear for the pump, causing the gear or its retaining bolt to fail as a secondary consequence. The pump seizure is a known safety defect in these EcoDiesel vehicles. Because the dealership has admitted the original diagnosis was wrong, and because this failure happened immediately after fuel pump-related service, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this as a safety defect. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds is extremely dangerous. I also request that any existing recall or investigation (such as NHTSA Campaign 22V406000 a INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11733977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 161,097 miles San Fernando, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 and caused this issue. Why would the inner gear not work after yhis situatio

NHTSA complaint #11733860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Haven, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2016 Ram 1500 (4th‑gen) has a severely rusted and failed front fuel tank strap bracket, causing the tank to sag. This matches the defect described in Recall U04 / NHTSA 18V‑160 for 2009–2012 Ram 1500 trucks, but my VIN is not included. I believe the same safety defect affects ALL rust belt 4th‑gen Ram 1500s and request that NHTSA investigate expanding the recall’s model‑year coverage.

NHTSA complaint #11724563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 204,000 miles El Mirage, AZ

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the engine warning light illuminated. While driving a short distance later, two unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message “Exhaust Filter 100% FULL - Safely Drive at Highway Speeds” was displayed. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine manifold, catalytic converter, and the air intake had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that since the remedy was not available when the recall was issued, the delay created additional damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repairs were already completed. No assistance was provided. However, a claim was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grove City, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel tank strap snapped off frame

NHTSA complaint #11714670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hollywood, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I recently purchased this 2016 RAM 1500 from a family member. I was driving at highway speeds between 60-80 MPH in heavy rush hour traffic. The vehicle suddenly lost power & died at highway speeds. I was in the middle lane & almost crashed to the vehicle to my left & from behind as I intended to swerve to the median. Upon calling the dodge dealer from the side of the road, they confirmed that they had no available appointments to diagnose the issue for days, I had no control of the situation as i was stranded on the side of the road and needed to get the vehicle fixed, upon tow the the nearest diesel repair shop, it was diagnosed as a high pressure fuel pump and fixed at and out of pocket cost of $792.13. I was not aware this vehicle had an open recall (z46) as i just purchased it. Upon calling the dealer they informed the truck had a open recall, suggested I contact Mopar for reimbursement per there guidance. They directed me to the website. The claim was denied due to the fact that the work was not done at a certified RAM shop. I explained the circumstances to the case manager via email correspondence as this is the ONLY way they contact you to no outcome and a denial. . I was finally able to get an appointment with ram where the recall was fully addressed on there side. Mopar still refuses to cover the out of pocket expense even after I took it the dealership to get the recall done the way they requested it to be done.

NHTSA complaint #11714491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Lehigh Acres, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the strap to the fuel tank had detached, causing the fuel tank to be slightly detached, due to rust on the sub frame of the vehicle. The contact found information regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) online; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11713312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Hampton, NH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The front gas tank strap mount on the frame rusted to the point the new one I purchased falls out of the frame. Some Rams have the recall applied mine shows zero. I have a strap to hold the tank up temporarily but I need a permanent fix.

NHTSA complaint #11709461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cottage Grove, MN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

See pictures. Also reference ODI 11691063 complaint. This ram should be added to the ram 2016 existing recall for fuel sensor recall.

NHTSA complaint #11691521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East, Peoria, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The front strap that holds the gas tank up broke loose from the frame rusting out.

NHTSA complaint #11687186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,964 miles Rensselaer, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed after the dealer had repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel), the vehicle stalled. The driver was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle was nearly rear-ended several times while in the middle of traffic. The driver called 911, and a nearby Police Officer arrived and redirected traffic away from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the driver was informed that the failure had occurred due to air intrusion into the fuel lines while the recall repair was being performed. The dealer informed the contact that the air was removed by turning off and restarting the vehicle several times. The dealer informed the contact's son that the vehicle was drivable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle while the vehicle was started, the contact noticed that the fuel line from the HPFP to the driver's side fuel injector rail was leaking. The contact stated that the undercarriage was soaking wet with fuel, and there was a puddle of fuel on the ground while the vehicle was idling. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part had been ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer failed to perform the recall repair correctly, causing more damage to the vehicle and creating a potential road safety hazard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,964.

NHTSA complaint #11686341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Missoula, MT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My Ram 1500 will randomly loose power while driving then pick back up, I have had several issues with electrical including lights flickering or going our for a minute then back on while driving at night, steering wheel controls not working, key fob issues, it also shifts hard at times others its normal. I was told all recalls have been done but personally can not confirm, had it looked at by several mechanics and cant find anything that they say would cause these issues.

NHTSA complaint #11686162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milan, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Front gas tank strap is detached from frame and fuel tank is hanging down ready to fall out on road. There is a recall for this condition on the 2009-2012 models but the same condition exists on the 2016. Strap pulled through the corroded bracket welded to the truck frame. Dealer says it is not covered under the recall. Pictures in recall U04 NHTSA 18V-160 look just like my truck so I didn't attach any.

NHTSA complaint #11683842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dade City, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle is covered under the EcoDiesel Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) Settlement extended warranty. Since the update in January 2025, the truck has suffered repeated EGR system failures and related warranty failures. The EcoDiesel lawsuit itself was based on EGR cooler defects that could leak coolant and cause fires. My truck has experienced the same failure pattern, with coolant leaks, overheating, and unsafe breakdowns. On [XXX], the vehicle shut off in the middle of the road while I was driving, creating a serious hazard. The cause was traced to a covered emissions component. This was not an isolated incident. The vehicle has been in dealerships for over 60 cumulative days since January 2025, mostly for repeated EGR codes and fuel system issues, but the root problem has never been properly repaired. On [XXX], the low-pressure fuel pump failed after it had already been replaced. The premature failure left me stranded and required a $500 tow. This failure also presented a risk of sudden power loss in traffic. Despite repeated visits to authorized dealers, repairs are incomplete or improperly billed, including installation of non-OEM parts that failed again. The repeated stalling, coolant leaks, overheating, and sudden no-start conditions show that this truck remains unsafe to operate on public roads. I am reporting this as a safety defect because the emissions system failures and improper repairs have caused the vehicle to shut off while driving and continue to present a risk of fire, engine damage, and sudden loss of power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11683573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Paul, MN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The HPFP that has an unfixed recall on it went out and caused the engine to grenade itself

NHTSA complaint #11678318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138,000 miles Phoenix, AZ

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact connected a portable diagnostic machine to the vehicle and received two fault codes. The codes were P20EE and P016P. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that the VIN was included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA complaint #11677860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Terre Haute, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel level sensor failed. Truck will randomly display false fuel levels. This causes the fuel level to be unknown leading the potential of running out gas and being stranded. Dealer says fuel pump needs replaced and is in the process of doing so. Dealer also stated this is a common issue on the Ram trucks.

NHTSA complaint #11674933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newport, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I presently have 92,200 miles on my Doge Ram. I have experienced 3 fuel pump/fuel sender failures. The first at 18,947 miles, second at 43,634 miles and third at 92,263.This last fuel pump replacement will have the defective pump available for inspection after the repair work is done. The failure of a fuel pump/sender could lead to stalling, power loss and failure to start. These deficiencies could lead to traffic accidents resulting in property loss and bodily harm or even death. The warnings persisted until I had the parts replaced. Because of the number of times (3)and the low mileage , 18k,43k and 92k miles, it appears that the fuel pumps used in this model of Dodge Ram are either defective or inadequately engineered. These failures were preceded by and check engine warning light followed by a fuel sensor failure light and fuel gauge malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11672783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,400 miles Manorville, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a part hanging down underneath the vehicle. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and became aware that the fuel tank strap was corroded and had detached. In addition, the fuel tank was partially detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,400.

NHTSA complaint #11664782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cumberland, RI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RAM has an extended warranty out regarding the front strap for the fuel tank that is known to fail. When the strap failed, the fuel tank dropped causing a gouge in the drive shaft. In addition to the compromised drive shaft, the metal bracket was touching the ground. Should I have been driving during when this failed, the metal could have caused sparks causing the fuel tank to ignite. This problem should be moved from an extended warranty to a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11663771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pine Valley, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Ever since I have owned the vehicle, the gas station fill nozzle randomly gets stuck when trying to fill the vehicle. I tried taking it to the dealer years back, but was told there was no fix. When the nozzle gets stuck, you really need to wiggle and pry to get it out, sometime spilling fuel outside the truck when it finally releases.

NHTSA complaint #11658288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Frederick, CO

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was smoke and oil coming from the engine. The driver was able to pull off the roadway. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11654922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn Hieghts, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My hpfp failed causing metal to get into the fuel rail and affecting the injectors causing a hot spot on a piston causing piston slap and engine failure was told about recall z46 dealership they didn't fix stellantis will not fix will not support the need for a engine replacement

NHTSA complaint #11648418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aiken, SC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ABS module goes in and out, but nothing is wrong and repayment hasn't been available for over 2 yrs.

NHTSA complaint #11646849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 RAM 1500 problems

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