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2016 Ram 1500 electrical problems

194 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,332. 10 crashes reported.

owner complaints
194
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
33,332
crashes
10
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    2
  • Software
    1
  • Integrated trailer brake control
    1
  • Instrument panel: fuel gauge
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ram 1500 electrical problems in other years

2009201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Ram 1500 electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 32Backup camera 13Power windows 10Warning lights 10Key fob 7

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiringReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

What 2016 Ram 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a widespread defect in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2016 Ram 1500. The ABS system on my vehicle has suffered an internal failure, resulting in an active ABS dashboard warning light, total loss of traction control, and immediate electronic disabling of both the cruise control system and the four-wheel drive (4WD) system. Disabling ABS and the 4WD system leaves the vehicle unable to adapt to hazardous road or weather conditions, creating a significant safety risk. This exact failure pattern mimics identical ABS defects that parent company Stellantis/FCA has previously recalled on heavier-duty Ram platforms (such as the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑896), but the 2016 half-ton models have not yet been included in a mandatory remedy campaign. I request that this issue be documented and investigated as a potential safety defect requiring expanded remedy coverage.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · GA

On my son's 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, he was driving and as he was turning into a gas station, his Electronic Power Steering (EPS) stopped working and he had to use much force to turn the wheel into the gas station. The steering wheel warning light came up on his dash and after several attempts of turning off/turning on the engine and removing the battery cables and putting them back, the EPS would not come back on. We did check the fuse from the positive battery terminal with a multimeter and the cable to the EPS still had power, to include fuse 78 in the fuse box. We check the wire under the engine to the EPS and found no issues with the wires.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · FL

The ABS warning light,electronic stability/traction control warning light, and red Brake warning light are illuminated simultaneously on the instrument cluster. The combination of these warning lights concerns me because it appears to indicate a failure or malfunction involving the ABS/brake-control system. I am concerned that ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control functions may not operate properly during an emergency breaking or loss-of-traction event. I understand that owners of 2016 1500 vehicles have reported similar combinations of ABS, traction control ,and brake warning lights and have reported ABS-module failures. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and investigate this condition as a potential safety defect affecting 2016 Ram 1500 vehicles. I would like this complaint associated with my VIN and mileagefor purposes of identifying any trend involving ABS-module or brake-system failures. I have photographs showing the warning lights illuminated on my vehicle.

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

ABS control module has failed and the vehicle cannot shift into gear and will not move. Dealership verified failure and the part is on 2 to 3 year back order. Part also apparently cannot be repaired by a 3rd party due to the chips no longer being manufactured. Only way to repair and make the vehicle "operable" is to purchase a "used" module from another donor vehicle which is also suspect and potentially unsafe. A recall needs to be instituted to protect the safety of the public and vehicle owners. RAM and its owner Stellantis need to be held accountable.

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

“Service ABS System”, “Service Electronic Braking System” and Traction Control warnings keep randomly occurring. Replacement ABS module is unavailable for this extremely widespread issue. Has anyone discussed a class action lawsuit for this issue? I’ve never had more problems with a vehicle than I’ve had with this truck. Ram should be embarrassed. I’ll be trading it in soon and I’ll never buy another one, that’s for sure.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

The dealership said I need my ABS module replaced due to the lights on the dashboard and my ABS braking system and cruise control not working. I had them order the module and paid for it. I finally asked for a refund. where it has been on backorder for 18 months as of 8/13/2026, with no idea of when it will come in if it comes in at all. This is an extremely disturbing situation and safety issue of not having the anti-braking system in operative.

Filed Aug 9, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TN

ABS module showing internal electrical failure. Service ABS, trailer brake, and electrical brake warning lights on. Traction control light on. Cruise control not working.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

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Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

ABS / Traction Control / Brake warning lights ALL illuminated. No anti lock brakes and no cruise control. ABS module failure. Replacement part on back order for at least 2 years. Unable to repair.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · PA

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears to be an electric power steering (EPS) failure. I am concerned that this defect could lead to a crash or serious injury. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue because similar power steering failures have been reported by other Ram 1500 owners.

Questions about the 2016 Ram 1500 electrical

Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 194 complaints about the electrical of the 2016 Ram 1500, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Ram 1500 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,332 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Ram 1500 electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V332000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ram 1500 have the most electrical problems?

The Ram 1500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (382 complaints), 2014 (246 complaints) and 2013 (228 complaints).

Other 2016 Ram 1500 problems

Engine 354Steering 316Brakes 287Fuel system 284Transmission 204Acceleration 111Suspension 68Airbags 49Body 36Driver assistance 31Lights 18Wheels 14Seat belts 13Locks 11Tires 8Visibility 6Seats 2

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