Makes›Ram›1500›2016

2016 Ram 1500

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Ram 1500
Pictured: 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, front 2.28.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
16 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2016 standard pickup truck (18.7 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • Many owner complaints1,554 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 457 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 28% better than the 2016 standard pickup truck average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 16 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1554 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 1500 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 1500 →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 HFE 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+28%$4,000428
1500 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+23%$4,150442
1500 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22+26%$4,350461
1500 HFE 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200426
1500 2WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+7%$3,350451
1500 4WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+9%$3,550475
1500 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-9%$4,450513
1500 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-3%$4,450527
1500 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-14%$4,750558
1500 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-14%$5,050581
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2016 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2016 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD
Frontal crash test — 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD
Side crash test — 2016 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2016 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Ram 1500 (this car)24 MPG★★★★★16
2016 Ford F-15021 MPGNot rated13
2016 Chevrolet Silverado20 MPG★★★★★15
2016 Toyota Tundra17 MPG★★★★★5
2016 GMC Sierra20 MPGNot rated13
2016 Roush Performance F15013 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (16)

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Jan 16, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 6,066 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 8, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · 80,629 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jun 9, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · 138,645 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Aug 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 212,373 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · Aug 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · 58,016 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Oct 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V757000 · 107,980 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch · May 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Structure › Body › Tailgate · Jul 27, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 1,149,223 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Dec 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · May 9, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 1,021,279 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Risk
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Mar 23, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V198000 · 30 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
Risk
A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · May 16, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V301000 · 64 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
Risk
A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V167000 · 440 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
Risk
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Oct 16, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V663000 · 253 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with a 5.7L engine and dual exhaust manufactured August 3, 2015, to August 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire.
Risk
Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a spare tire heat shield if the vehicle is missing one. Vehicles that have already been sold with an excess of 50 miles will also have their spare tires replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R58.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Oct 15, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V661000 · 61,859 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
Risk
If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,554Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
92Involved a crash
36Involved a fire
73Injuries reported
33,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering312
Engine291
Service Brakes246
Power Train201
Fuel/Propulsion System191
Electrical System187
Unknown Or Other126
Vehicle Speed Control106
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1324/12: 1425/01: 2825/02: 2025/03: 2725/04: 1725/05: 1225/06: 825/07: 1725/08: 2825/09: 1925/10: 1825/11: 1625/12: 1826/01: 1826/02: 2126/03: 1026/04: 1626/05: 1826/06: 726/07: 1526/08: 1926/09: 1426/10: 924/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 28

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 312 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Engine — 291 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 246 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Ram 1500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 1500 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 150022–Not rated00
2026 150022233.1 inNot rated9103
2025 150023233.1 inNot rated8366
2024 150023233.1 inNot rated677
2023 150024233.1 inNot rated11203
2022 150026233.1 inNot rated16632
2021 150026233.1 in★★★★★15683
2020 150026233.1 in★★★★★14641
2019 150023233.1 in★★★★★291,495
2018 150023–★★★★★15667
2017 150023–★★★★★13884
2015 150024–★★★★★171,459

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →