The RAM 1500 is a pretty famous truck, and for all the right reasons. The truck is massive and has comfortable and luxurious appointments inside that will make you wonder why people still go for cars and why not a truck for all their needs. The RAM 1500 Crew Cab goes against its older brethren consisting of the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the GMC Sierra 1500 in its respective cab specifications. The sales have been pretty strong but the NHTSA reports a drastic number of complaints and recalls. The tally ends at 14 recalls and 725 complaints, along with one investigation! A closer read reveals a truckload of issues with the mechanicals and the electronics which the owners have to fight through during their ownership tenure. Let’s dive a bit deeper and see what goes into maintaining the pickup truck!
2016 RAM 1500 Crew Cab Problems
Electrical issues:
- Backup camera issues: The RAM 1500 backup camera has been a topic of discussion for many owners across the States. The complainants have registered a lot of issues regarding the image quality of the camera system. People also report that the backup camera switches off while reversing, leaving the rearview visibility compromised. Reports are claiming that the camera interface sticks and doesn’t go away while driving, causing the sensors to go off in moving traffic.
- Faulty fuel sensor issues: Making life a bit more difficult are the RAM 1500 fuel sensor issues that have plagued a lot of previous model years as well. A small malfunction in the fuel sensor misreports the level of fuel available in the tank and causes the drivers to drive more. As a result, many drivers run out of fuel and get stranded. The issue is reported to the manufacturer and the dealerships recommend changing the sensor altogether.
- Headlight flickering: The RAM 1500 headlight flicker has been an issue of the yesteryears that is more of a tradition for the truck owners. People always come across the headlight flickering and compromising visibility when driving in low-lit conditions. One cause of the flicker is said to be the headlights burning out. The only solution that the owners have is to frequently replace the whole unit. Another cause, as reported by the dealerships, is that the headlights tend to accumulate moisture which leads to an electrical short in the unit.
- Starter issues: The RAM 1500 starter issues have increased science the past couple of model years. Sometimes the starter motor in the truck does not work at all. People say that there is no current provided to the motor by the battery. There have been reports that an active connection between the motor and the battery drains all the juice overnight. The only solution to this is to jump-start the truck, resulting in a lot of inconveniences.
Mechanical issues:
- Exhaust manifold leakage: The most common issue reported by the truck’s owners is the breakage of the exhaust manifold bolts. The RAM 1500 exhaust manifold loses its placement bolts randomly that causing the carbon monoxide to leak and enter the cabin via the ducts in the hood. The issue is mostly seen in the 5.7L HEMI engine and has caused havoc for the American manufacturer. The NHTSA-registered reports have documented carbon monoxide poisoning and serious breathing issues for the occupants, also leading to collisions.
- Air suspension failure: The RAM 1500 air suspension is another hot topic for the truck’s owners, especially the ones living in colder climates. The people there claim that the truck’s air suspension just sits flat and deflates due to the cold climate. Though driving the truck in such a condition is dangerous, people tried and reported that the handling is affected as well. The steering pulls to one side and it is very difficult to maneuver the truck at any speed.
- Power steering malfunctions: Several reports have poured into the NHTSA describing the RAM 1500 power steering issues in various forms. The majority of these complaints state that the steering became unresponsive and it was nearly impossible to steer the truck. Many reports suggested that the steering turned in the opposite direction of the force being applied and caused collisions. Most of these issues are related to the circuit board contamination which requires a change in the part as a remedy.
Safety issues:
- Cruise control engagement: Many people have reported that the RAM 1500 cruise control doesn’t respond to the actions of the driver. People find it very hard to take over cruise control. The disengagement, or the failure thereof, is the more dangerous since the truck is moving at highway speeds and is unable to slow down.
- Airbag issues: Many people complain that the RAM 1500 airbag deployment is rather irregular and faulty. In many cases, there have been crashes and collisions but the airbags did not deploy. This faulty deployment of the airbags caused injuries to the occupants and has resulted in hospitalization in many such cases. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the headrest airbags which are prone to premature deployment and cause a distraction while driving.
2016 RAM 1500 Crew Cab Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
October 15, 2015 |
15V661000 |
Powertrain |
Incorrectly heat-treated rear axles may fracture and separate from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on November 23, 2015. The dealerships will inspect and replace the axle assemblies free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is R59. |
|
2. |
October 16, 2015 |
15V663000 |
Tires |
A missing heat shield for the spare tire may expose the tire to the heat from the exhaust system. Increased exposure to such may cause sidewall rupture and increase the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on December 2, 2015. The dealerships will install a spare tire heat shield free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is R58. |
|
3. |
March 23, 2016 |
16V167000 |
Steering |
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may get contaminated and lose power assist to the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on May 16, 2016. The dealerships will replace the EPS unit free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is S19. |
|
4. |
May 16, 2016 |
16E041000 |
Equipment |
The Mopar Canvas Seat Covers may hinder the deployment of seat thorax airbags, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on July 1, 2016. The dealerships will remove the seat covers and offer a full refund to the owners. Chrysler’s number for the recall is S30. |
|
5. |
May 16, 2016 |
16V301000 |
Powertrain |
Fracture of the front half shafts without warning may damage the underbody of the vehicles and cause road debris, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on July 5, 2016. The dealerships will replace both the front half shafts free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is S32. |
|
6. |
March 23, 2017 |
17V198000 |
Powertrain |
The differential of the truck may break or lock up due to a loose differential pin retaining screw. This increases the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on April 24, 2017. The dealerships will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is T20. |
|
7. |
May 9, 2017 |
17V302000 |
Airbags |
A fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may get triggered due to some driving conditions and disable the side curtain airbags and pre-tensioners from working. This increases the risk of injury in a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on June 26, 2017. The dealerships will update the ORC software free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is T25. |
|
8. |
December 20, 2017 |
17V821000 |
Powertrain |
The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin may stick in the open position and cause the transmission to shit out of park without pushing the brake pedal. This increases the chance of vehicle rollaway. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on February 26, 2018. The dealerships will update the software and replace the BTSI, if needed, free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is T79. |
|
9. |
May 17, 2018 |
18V332000 |
Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control |
The cruise control might not disengage due to a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on June 4, 2018. The dealerships will update the software free of charge. |
|
10. |
July 27, 2018 |
18V486000 |
Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages |
Fracture of the tailgate actuator limiter tab may unlatch the tailgate and open it while driving. The cargo inside may fall out and increase the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on September 17, 2018. The dealerships will repair the vehicle free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is U74. |
|
11. |
May 9, 2019 |
19V347000 |
Latches/Locks/Linkages |
Fracture of the tailgate actuator limiter tab may unlatch the tailgate and open it while driving. The cargo inside may fall out and increase the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on May 23, 2019. The dealerships will repair the tailgate latch free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is V44. |
|
12. |
October 24, 2019 |
19V757000 |
Engine and Engine Cooling |
Cracking of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may cause vaporized coolant to enter the cooler and increase the chances of combustion inside the intake manifold, increasing the risk of a fire. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on April 16, 2020. The dealerships will replace the EGR cooler free of charge. Chrysler’s number for the recall is VB1. |
|
13. |
August 13, 2020 |
20V475000 |
Engine and Engine Cooling |
Delamination of the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may cause a de-sync of fuel injector pulses and camshaft timing. This may stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. |
FCA US will notify the owners and will initiate a recall on May 13, 2021. The dealerships will update the powertrain control module software free of charge. FCA US’s number for the recall is W58. |
|
14. |
August 12, 2021 |
21V632000 |
Airbags |
Detachment of the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) inflator endcap from the inflator may hinder the airbag deployment. The endcap might propel into the cabin and injure the occupants, increasing the risk of a crash. |
FCA US has sent interim letters on October 4, 2021. Notification letters will be sent by June 9, 2022. The dealerships will inspect and replace the SABIC assemblies free of charge. FCA US’s number for the recall is Y55. |
Should you buy the 2016 RAM 1500 Crew Cab?
The 2016 RAM 1500 Crew Cab is the most luxurious offering of full-size trucks available in the market. It brings in all the goodies and features to make everyday driving easy but the number of issues and complaints is very overwhelming. Although one might argue that the trucks usually carry this frequency of complaints and recalls, we believe there is a massive scope of improvement in these trucks and how they’re offered to the public. With 14 recalls and that many complaints, we do not see any reason to recommend the RAM. If you want to go for a truck at all, consider buying the GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab since it is much more reliable and has better reviews than the RAM 1500.
