2016 RAM 1500 transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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 diagnosed with a tone wheel failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact learned that the vehicle was included in a recall in 2019, and the fix included updating the powertrain control module software. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the repair was no longer covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was common. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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 further to determine if my and other trucks should be included in this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11694132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,127.

NHTSA complaint #11660397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 StatusRecall Incomplete Summary The magnetic material attached to the reluctor wheel provides a signal to the crankshaft position sensor. If this signal material is lost, the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing. This loss of crankshaft position can result in an engine stall, as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. Safety Risk A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Remedy FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to update the powertrain control module software (FCA US Recall ID 66A) or, in some cases, replace the tone wheel (FCA US Recall ID 73A). In cases wherein the Approved Emissions Modification was not installed in Subject Vehicles owned or leased by an Eligible Owner or Eligible Lessee who did not request such installation pursuant to paragraph 23 or did not accept Defendants' offer to install pursuant to paragraphs 37 and 38, wherein such capitalized terms and paragraph references are part of that certain Consent Decree ordered effective May 3, 2019 by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, in the matter of IN RE: CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP ECODIESEL MARKETING, SALES PRACTICES, AND PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION, No. 3:17-md-02777-EMC, FCA US will replace the tone wheel (FCA US Recall ID 73A)."

NHTSA complaint #11652575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 repaired. The contact was informed that parts were no longer manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11650584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Since buying our 2016 Ram 1500 ecodiesel, we have had nothing but problems. In 2020 there was an EGR/coolant leak that was supposedly done. Upon getting the recall done, they said that the manufacturer has not yet made any equipment to fix the issue. They replaced our hose, but we have had to get it fixed almost annually since then. This is a lemon of a truck and FCA should be ashamed releasing a vehicle with so many issues and no fix in sight. It says our recall was "remedied", but even the service department said that there is no guaranteed fix because FCA has not released anything to actually fix this issue. We were without our truck for almost a month. Ridiculous. DO NOT BUY THIS TRUCK, YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!!

NHTSA complaint #11634034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Husbands car started making a ticking noise and was loosing power while driving, so we brought it into the dealership. It will be $5796.58 to fix the rocker arms and camshaft. The estimate is for rocker arm roller failed damaging the camshaft. We are thankful that it has not caused any major incidents while driving that would casue serious harm to him and others on the road. Upon doing research we have found that this is a common issue with the engine that is in his Ram 1500, 2016. It was sold to us and we were not informed that this could be an issue. Again, we are thankful that he was not hurt before we were able to get it to the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11629188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Lost acceleration, check engine light and warning light came on ‘Service Electronic Throttle Control’ Diagnostic code P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Truck has issues starting, once running, it idles rough and is in limp mode Appears to correspond with Safety Recall W68 / NHTSA 20V-475

NHTSA complaint #11624244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle suddenly started performing very erratically on highway. After inspection the camshaft and lifters are very damaged and the engine is constantly misfiring. I have performed regular routine maintenance on this vehicle its whole life. There is no reason these parts should be damaged unless they were defective from the beginning.

NHTSA complaint #11611061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

This vehicle has had an open recall (22V-406) open since June 2022, Dodge Ram still hasn't provided enough parts to the dealers to fix this recall. The parts have been on back order for two years. Considering this vehicle is registered in California, soon this will lead to us not being able to renew our vehicle registration. Dodge Ram needs to produce and provide the parts necessary to remedy this recall, I feel that two years is sufficient time to get this completed.

NHTSA complaint #11611220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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?

NHTSA complaint #11593607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the ABS, TPMS, trailer brake control unit, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11586552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1. The vehicle has steering issues and is no longer drive able. Steering difficulty began in mid to late August 2023. The steering is now impossible to use and vehicle to l is rendered inoperable. 2. Since purchasing the vehicle I have noticed the transmission is having issues shifting gears. The rpm will be high at speeds of 40-60mph, and the vehicle will only shift to a different gear if I take my foot off the gas pedal for an extended period of time. I had auto mechanic troubleshoot and repair what he thought was a dirty or faulty sensor. Issue continues.

NHTSA complaint #11582496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

There was a recall on my 2016, dodge ram eco-diesel for the crankshaft position sensor and tone wheel. I have tried to deal with the manufacture they said this is not in effect anymore, and my vehicle was not in it. I do not understand they recalled certain plants that made certain vehicles. Mine has same motor Same problems only 130,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11581840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The power steering shuts off randomly.

NHTSA complaint #11573885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving through mountainous terrain, my truck became unable to change gears and illuminated a check engine light and an electronic throttle control warning. I was able to limp it home to the dealership for repairs where they identified that the crankshaft tonewheel had delaminated. This exact issue is addressed in recall W68/NHTSA 20V-475 by FCA with the verbiage: "The magnetic material attached to the tone wheel on your vehicle provides a signal to the crankshaft position sensor. If this signal material is lost, the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing. This loss of crankshaft position can result in an engine stall, as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning." Incredulously, FCA will not reimburse me for the cost of the repairs because they did not include my VIN in their W68 recall announcement. The exact part failed in the exact manner outlined in this recall, but their method to avoid liability is to simply say my VIN wasn't affected by the manufacturing defect--which it obviously was. Instead, they included my affected VIN in their W58 recall--which like a safe driver I complied with immediately--that only consisted of a software flash and an extended mileage/time warranty on the part (should it fail), that of course failed within 2 months of the warranty period expiring. I cannot understand how NHTSA would allow FCA to exclude VINs from W68 that were clearly affected by this very same manufacturing defect, and instead loop in clearly affected VINs in a simple software flash with a limited extended warranty. I ask that NHTSA please hold FCA accountable for this manufacturing defect and correctly cover ALL affected VINs with recall W68/NHTSA 20V-475.

NHTSA complaint #11571660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving at 70 MPH down I-90 in upstate New York, during rush hour traffic, my 2016 Ram 1500 eco diesel lost power (engine stopped). The truck lost power, including a loss in power steering. I was able to navigate the truck to the side of the road and a state trooper pull behind me while waiting for the tow truck. The truck would not start after this. There was no advanced warning for this failure. There were no warning lights, and before the engine stall, the truck was driving and behaving as it should. The truck was towed to a mechanic off the highway and later towed to Castilone Dodge in Batavia NY. The dealer found the magnetic perimeter of the tone wheel was flaking, which caused an issue with the driveshaft sensor, causing the truck to stall. Castilone found there is an existing recall on this for 2014-2019 RAM eco diesel trucks. The recall is for "Risk of delamination of crankshaft position sensor tone wheels". However, upon looking into this and calling RAM directly, RAM stated the recall only affects some VINs, and mine was not included. I spoke to two different people at RAM, who reiterated this. RAM claims that my truck received a good tone wheel, which was not included in the recall, and because of this, they refused to cover the repair and towing bill. The truck was taken to West Herr RAM in Lockport, NY, where they replaced the tone wheel for $1,760.65. I find it curious, that my truck experienced the same issue that was covered under recall warranty for other 2014-2018 RAM EcoDiesels. But my truck VIN was not captured in the recall. I asked RAM to investigate whether there are additional VINs that should be captured under the recall. They refused to escalate my request or do any additional research. I'm asking for help form the NHTSA to hold RAM accountable to at least determine if this issue impacts additional trucks.

NHTSA complaint #11562934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2016 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L 4x4 6 speed. Transmission failed at 149000 kms. Highly maintained police fleet vehicle. Never towed any weights. Transmission failed . Both 4th and 5th gear + O/D clutch are bad.

NHTSA complaint #11557358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Nothing happened, yet. The magnetic material attached to the reluctor wheel provides a signal to the crankshaft position sensor. If this signal material is lost, the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing. This loss of crankshaft position can result in an engine stall, as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. Safety Risk A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. . This is another recall on a new problem. The previous one dated June 09, 2022. These are grossly unsafe. And, again, there is no remedy, no parts available and unknown if or when they will be. . I'd like FCA to buy back this vehicle at the market value it was on June 09, 2022. It's wrong to have to have such serious issues wrong with a vehicle that are dangerously unsafe and potentially deadly.

NHTSA complaint #11541761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2016 Ram 1500 Sport developed an exhaust leak originating from the exhaust manifold like many other Rams. I noticed it because I could hear a ticking noise upon starting the vehicle, specifically coming from the passenger side front wheel-well. The vehicle was brought to a local Ram dealer and was diagnosed as having multiple sheared studs on the passenger side exhaust manifold. Due to the truck being over 5 years old, the power train warranty no longer covers this. Ram is well aware of this issue but still refuses to initiate a recall. This issue presents a safety concern and has a potential to endanger myself and any other passengers who get in the vehicle due to raw engine exhaust fumes being released within the engine bay while the vehicle is running which could enter the cabin of the vehicle while in operation causing potential injury.

NHTSA complaint #11530371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

there was a recall issued june 2022 and there are still no parts avaiable to repair it. how long in the NHTSA's opinion is a timely manner for repair of a condition that states "may cause a vehicle to crash"? I have a truck that's been sitting, dangerous to drive for 8 months. i called but whoever i spoke with couldn't give me a timeline. if someone who knows could let me kno, i'd appreciate it

NHTSA complaint #11513746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2016 Ram 1500 Sport developed an exhaust leak originating from the exhaust manifold like many other Rams. I noticed it because I could hear a ticking noise upon starting the vehicle, specifically coming from the passenger side front wheel-well. The vehicle was brought to a local Ram dealer and was diagnosed as having multiple sheared studs on the passenger side exhaust manifold. Due to the truck being over 5 years old, the power train warranty no longer covers this. Ram is well aware of this issue but still refuses to initiate a recall. This issue presents a safety concern and has a potential to endanger myself and any other passengers who get in the vehicle due to raw engine exhaust fumes being released within the engine bay while the vehicle is running which could enter the cabin of the vehicle while in operation causing potential injury.

NHTSA complaint #11501732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I've been trying for over three years to obtain a repair for severe lag in acceleration in my 2016 Dodge Ram Eco Diesel. It's a critical safety hazard. A recall was issued June 2022, but Dodge continues to say a remedy is not available. Dodge has known about this issue for several years, and still does not have a fix? As I said in my first complaint submitted Jan 2020 (11300317), how many lives will continue to be put at risk because of this issue? Please help.

NHTSA complaint #11501200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.