2016 Ram 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 202about this part
- Share
- 13%of 1,554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 202 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Ram 1500, 13% of the 1,554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 34 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since an emissions recall my truck has had a dangerous amount of dead pedal lag when. First starting to drive. The first 5-10 minutes of every drive create a dangerous situation where I am consistently worried about causing an accident because my truck does not operate like a normal vehicle, or as it did before the recall happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11256432, filed 2019-09, 63,000 miles“After an emissions recall was performed on eco diesel engine (ECM update) the engine has become terribly sluggish on initial takeoff. I can push the gas petal to the floor and nothing happens for several seconds. I feel that this is a safety concern because there is inconsistent engine performance that could cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11245423, filed 2019-08, 60,000 miles“While driving home, I noticed some noise that ounde like a turbo noise and loos of power. I pulled over immediately shut off engine and poped hood. Looke up and smoke from engine. Opened hood and saw small fire on rear passenger side of engine by turbo housing. Soon the truck was totally engulfed by flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11307203, filed 2020-02, 42,000 miles“Did the new ecodiesel update and now truck lags during acceleration. Takes a second or 2 to take off. Also with the EGR cooler recall I'm losing coolant can possibly cause a fire. Fca told me when I called to carry a jug of coolant with me to refill as needed. I would think I would have to do this on a 3 year old truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11288280, filed 2019-12, 42,000 miles“Epa mandated aem was performed in may of 2019. Since that time my truck has had dangerously slow throttle response. You can count to 5 after pressing the accelerator before the truck starts moving at an acceptable speed for pulling out into traffic. When the truck finally responds it snaps my neck back.”
NHTSA complaint #11257630, filed 2019-09, 50,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Chrysler (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…Covers: Ram 1500 2009, 2013–2017, 2500 2013–2017, 3500 2013–2017 +7 more
- 17V198000Mar 23, 2017Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing…Covers: Ram 1500 2016–2017
- 16V301000May 16, 2016Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been…Covers: Ram 1500 2016
- 15V661000Oct 15, 2015Chrysler (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…Covers: Ram 1500 2015–2016
Related service bulletins
- 11030138Mar 9, 2026The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV…
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10231735Jan 23, 2023Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
- 10224671Apr 22, 2022Transmission Shift And Drivability Enhancements.
- 10229031Mar 6, 2022Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
- 10194007Apr 17, 2021No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
- 10221150Apr 16, 2021Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10187654Dec 17, 2020Cruise Control Inoperative.
- 10224022Nov 5, 2020(Rev. A) Power Inverter Load Ratings
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 10% |
| 2025 | 49 | 13% |
| 2024 | 15 | 19% |
| 2023 | 29 | 14% |
| 2022 | 106 | 17% |
| 2021 | 99 | 14% |
| 2020 | 63 | 10% |
| 2019 | 207 | 14% |
| 2018 | 60 | 9% |
| 2017 | 98 | 11% |
| 2016 | 202 | 13% |
| 2015 | 226 | 15% |
| 2014 | 192 | 11% |
| 2013 | 86 | 7% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ram 1500
314 complaintsEngine
291 complaintsBrakes
282 complaintsFuel system
281 complaintsElectrical system
193 complaintsOther or unknown
127 complaintsVehicle speed control
111 complaintsSuspension
68 complaintsEngine cooling
63 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsBody and structure
36 complaintsForward collision avoidance
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Ram 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology