2016 Ram 1500 Problems

The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. 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. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

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. 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. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation. 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.

The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture. 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.

A part called the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can come apart, which may cause the engine to lose timing and stall while you are driving. A sudden stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the engine control software so the car can keep running by using the camshaft signal if the crankshaft signal is lost, and this repair is free.

The EGR cooler in these 0L Eco Diesel engines can crack, letting hot coolant mix into the engine's intake air, where it may ignite inside the intake manifold. That combustion can start a fire under the hood.

Fix: A dealer will replace the EGR cooler and inspect and, if needed, replace the intake manifold, all free of charge.

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. 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. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019.

The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving. 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.

A short in the wiring can keep the cruise control engaged even when you press the brake or turn the system off, so the car may hold its speed or speed up. This raises the risk of a crash, so stop using cruise control until the repair is done.

Fix: The dealer will update the engine or powertrain control software at no charge.

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. 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.

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. 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 differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up. 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 front halfshafts may have been made incorrectly, so they can fracture suddenly while driving. A broken halfshaft can damage underbody parts and leave road debris, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will replace both front halfshafts at no cost to you.

Certain Mopar canvas seat covers can interfere with the seat-mounted side airbags. In a crash, those airbags may not deploy properly and protect the occupant, raising the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will ask you to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund, at no cost to you.

Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist. 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.

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. 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.

Some rear axle shafts may not have been heat treated correctly, so they can fracture. If that happens, a wheel can separate from the vehicle and raise the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the vehicle and replace the rear axle assembly if needed, free of charge.