176 complaints reported

2016 Ram 1500 Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
176
Crashes
0
Fires
14
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2026

Recall for intake manifold for our ecodiesel 2016 Ram and you do not show a recall for our specific truck. Which, GM service has verified we need to replace the intake manifold. Hesitation, drag, engine light, etc...

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Sep 2026
Apr 2026

The 3.0 eco diesel has a known defect involving the oil pickup tube clogging up with soot and diesel particles which then causes catastrophic damage to the engine and they blow up due to engine bearing failure which could lead to a safety issue while operating the vehicle on the roadways there are numerous videos online regarding this issue and it needs address and mopar needs to correct this and recall all the trucks and replace the engines and redesign the oil pickup tube to prevent the oil pickup tube from clogging up it’s unfair to the owners of the trucks and so many of the trucks are being scrapped due to the engine failure issues new engines cost $11-$18,000 to replace

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 2025

The common hemi tech where lifter bearing seize up and eats the come. So common you can buy top end rebuild kits just for tha reason.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Mar 2025
Sep 2025 Fire

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle went into limp mode. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a nearby driver honked the horn, and the contact was informed that fire was coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact called the fire department. The contact had a fire extinguisher in the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire prior to the fire department's arrival. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the dealer does not repair the engine; the dealer only replaces the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in November 2024. The contact stated that the failure descriptions. The contact stated that the failure was diagnosed as a failed intake manifold and oil in the turbocharger. The intake manifold, the EGR valve, and the turbocharger were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2024
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

2016 RAM Ecodiesel in shop with crankshaft position sensor error. Vehicle available for inspection at Sarasota RAM. Vehicle shut down on highway. Restarted but only would operate in limp mode which enabled me to drive to dealer. Warning lights indicated crankshaft position sensor issue. I had W58 recall performed but not selected for W68 fix. I spoke to Phil (844-378-0573 Ext: 4060587) at RAM customer care, who stated "Our primary focus is your satisfaction" (customer care case #[XXX]). This problem is very evident by the many 1500 drivers complaints. Action to reimburse me for the repairs is required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The engine on this vehicle has failed, it has 51,000 miles on it and involved in a class action lawsuit that closed in 2022. This truck was bought in 2023 with dealership not disclosing all of the failures in the vehicle. It is at a local shop requiring $16,000 worth of engine repair and we are demanding from Dodge to have help with repairs. We had and have a record of regular maintenance completed on this vehicle and is in immaculate condition.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud cranking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer the following morning. The dealer diagnosed that the crankshaft bearings had detached and damaged the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, but the manufacturer informed the dealer that the vehicle could not be covered because the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2021
Jun 2025

In September 2016 I purchased a new RAM 1500 echo diesel. On [XXX], I driving along [XXX] in southern Indiana. I lost all power, smoke started coming thru the dash vents, I get off the road, shut the engine off, raise the hood, a little smoke was coming from under the engine cover, popped it off didn't really see anything burning, I opened the air filter lid and and there was smoke, I blew the smoke out of it and replaced it. I got back in the truck, it started but still had no power. It idled fine. I called and towed it to John Jones Auto Group in Corydon, IN, this was all on [XXX]. I was contacted 30 June 2025 that the Intake Manifold had failed and needed to be replaced. I gave them the go ahead to replace it. They called me and told me it was ready. the following week and told the Intake Manifold failed and needed to be replaced. I gave them go ahead to repair it. They told me the Intake manifold replaced and ready for pick-up. When I went to pick it up, on 22 July 2025. The Tech showed me the intake manifold; it looked like it had melted. He also said the water pump was leaking and should be replaced. I paid for the repair for the intake manifold, left the truck and drove my car home, intending to have someone run me there and I would drive the RAM home. After thinking about a day or 2 I called John Johns and told them to go ahead and replace the water pump and took the key back to them. I didn't want it to fail when I was least expecting it. AT this point I've spent $4,750.20. They called I went and picked the truck up on 23 Jul 25, drove it home (20 miles) on [XXX] I just pulled out of my driveway, check the rearview mirror and saw all this white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I pulled over smelled the fumes it wasn’t diesel fumes, but it smell sweet. I turned around took the RAM back home and drove my car to work. I call John Jones Auto. After the advisor talked to the mechanic he told me it was normal and it was okay to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2025
May 2025

I have found countless problems with broken bolts on the exhaust manifold on the web. Technical service bulletins have been written involving the problem. It is a known problem and continues.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact became aware of an oil leak underneath the vehicle that smelled like coolant. While merging into oncoming traffic, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact released the accelerator pedal and coasted to the side of the road, and slowly depressed the accelerator and drove to a nearby parking lot. The contact purchased oil and topped off the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the coolant line was leaking coolant and could cause coolant to mix with the engine oil. The mechanic stated there was a code that the oil pressure sensor had failed. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V496000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer filed a complaint and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Feb 2024
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the air filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, months later the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the EGR cooler assembly, intake manifold, NOX sensor, and the exhaust particulate sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 107,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2025
Jan 2025

My truck was in the dealer for a 66A recall on the crankshaft positioning sensor. The recall states the magnetic material attached to the tone wheel if lost the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulse and cam timing. The fix was a PCM reprogram to maintain engine operation if signal is lost. There is a prior recall W68 which address the tone ring for replacement on 2014-2016 model code DS W68 states loss of crankshaft position. the fix under this recall is to replace tone wheel and crank shaft positioning sensor. Because they could lose magnetic material on the tone wheel causing loss of signal from the crankshaft positioning sensor to the PCM. my truck loss power and showed throttle positioning sensor fault and engine light came on . i brought my vehicle into the dealer they diagnosed code po336-00 crankshaft positioning sensor performance. on further inspection found tone wheel has chunk of material missing causing code. they replaced tone wheel as instructed by W68 recall so why is my truck not covered under this recall for the exact same problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered and then lost motive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic stated that an error code was present, but had not provided the code to the contact. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired at that time. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

Due to low oil pressure vehicle engine seized while driving on freeway. After having it towed to local dealer, I was quoted $19,000 to replace the engine because it could not be repaired.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Feb 2025
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the checking engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank shaft had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,300.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2024
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, and was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the tone wheel had delaminated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2024
Nov 2024

Purchased the vehicle used in 2020, and shortly thereafter, noticed the engine idling rough. Determined that the throttle body was loose on the (plastic ) intake manifold. Attempted to tighten the throttle body screws per manufacturer torque specs, but they were stripped. Investigating this, the design employs sheet metal screws into untapped plastic manifold holes. I had to use high temp RTV to secure the throttle body on to the manifold. This worked for a couple of years, but the throttle body became loose again. Tried to get a replacement OEM manifold from the dealership, but after several months, was told that the part was unavailable. More importantly, the same poor design is incorporated in the replacement part. I had to re-apply the high temp RTV in order to secure the throttle body on to the manifold for the truck to function. I believe that this poor design poses a safety concern because the throttle body could detach from the intake manifold at critical driving times. This design problem is widespread with all Chrysler V-8 vehicles, in several model years.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2024
Oct 2024

The last few weeks I’ve noticed my truck hasn’t been right. With some online investigation I realized the misfire code I been getting is related to a cam and lifter issue. Based on the forms I’ve viewed. The ram 1500 with the 5.7 engine has a known issue that the cams and lifters wear down after a very short period of time. I’ve seen cases of 60k miles up to 120k miles. This is a crucial part of the vehicle and there’s no reason this should only last for a short period of time. Especially with all these people who claim had to spend thousands of dollars on repairs or sometimes new engines entirely. I have older vehicles from the 2000’s with more miles than never have had issues like this. This is either a bad part that was produced or bad material of some sort. I’m hoping I’m not the only one to complain about this and we can try to resolve this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that the recall was a software update. The contact advised the dealer that the recall was for the reluctor wheel magnetic material delaminating off the wheel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was advised by the dealer that the recall was only a software update and had nothing to do with the recall. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

Engine ticking noise. Concerns about safety due to engine failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2019
Apr 2024 Fire

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact discovered the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and the contact was informed that the recall was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost acceleration and there was smoke coming from the engine. The low oil pressure and service throttle control warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and when the hood was lifted the engine was on fire. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher at the scene. No fire department was contacted. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle with ERG failure and a melted hole through the intake manifold. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Nov 2024
Feb 2024

Engine cooling filter housing is bad. There’s a recall for diesel engines but not 3.6 all needs to be recalled

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Feb 2024
Jan 2024

2016 ram ecodiesel engine failure, low oil pressure Vehicle died in heavy traffic Reproduced by dealer, excessive amounts of metal in oil, no one else inspected. Tried to file complaint with manufacturer however they denied my claim case #[XXX]. No support by manufacturer too many miles. This is a known defect with this engine with many warranty claims. No repair parts available back ordered for up to a year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2024

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 176 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.