VehicleVerdict

2016 Ram 1500 transmission problems

The 2016 Ram 1500 has 199 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 10% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

199

Transmission complaints

10%

Share of year

34

Crash-involved

4

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V198000TransmissionMarch 23, 2017 · 30 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

16V301000TransmissionMay 16, 2016 · 64 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

15V661000TransmissionOctober 15, 2015 · 61,859 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 1500. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, IT REVERSED INDEPENDENTLY AND STRUCK A POLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 17, 2016 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA has 199 complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 transmission — 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ram 1500 transmission?

Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 15V661000, 16V301000, 17V198000, 17V821000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.