2016 Ram 1500: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MT

My Ram 1500 will randomly loose power while driving then pick back up, I have had several issues with electrical including lights flickering or going our for a minute then back on while driving at night, steering wheel controls not working, key fob issues, it also shifts hard at times others its normal. I was told all recalls have been done but personally can not confirm, had it looked at by several mechanics and cant find anything that they say would cause these issues.

Filed Nov 24, 2024 · PA

The tailgate fell open while in motion. Now it won't latch closed unless I hold it up and lock it with the mechanical key or the keyfob. Online research indicates that recal # U74 should have included this truck but I was never notified. I am the second owner and acquired this truck 05/05/2018.

Filed Jan 14, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 36,000 miles · OR

Parked truck. Turned keyfob to off. Removed and locked vehicle. Noticed vehicle engine was still running. Got back in and tried turning off again. Didn't work. Had to drive for short distance. Tried again. Worked.

Filed Oct 3, 2019 · Electrical · 39,000 miles · WV

The tailgate latch and backup camera. The latch does not lock with the key fob or key. At the time this occurred the backup camera stopped working. We no longer can use the camera. You can hear the clicking sound when trying to remote lock the tailgate but it fails to lock.

Filed Mar 10, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 45,600 miles · AR

The horn and the steering wheel controls do not work. The horn will work when locking my vehicle with the key fob but not by pressing the horn. The controls on the steering wheel do not work at all.

Filed Apr 18, 2017 · 2,500 miles · OR

My truck stopped running and drifted to a stop as I was making a left turn onto a busy highway. No warning alerts were posted on the dashboard nor any audible warning sounded.the truck was in drive at the time and I was stepping on the accelerator to make the turn at 5-10 MPH; it simply stopped running. I placed the truck in park and the engine would not restart despite multiple rotations of the keyfob in the ignition. Ultimately, I removed the electronic keyfob from the ignition, reinserted the keyfob and the truck started. A service agent at ram dealer in bend, or says they saw a similar problem last week. He indicates the ignition module on that truck was replaced and keyfobs reprogrammed. I hope the problem with that truck was corrected. My wife and I were fortunate that we were not struck by other vehicles as it took perhaps 30 seconds or more to restart. The truck is now running without a repetition of this issue. I am driving it as little as possible. I have first available service appointment next monday april 25. The serviceman read the obdii code when I made the appointment and indicated a code had been set to the effect that communication with the ignition module had been lost. The serviceman indicated this would explain the engine turning off spontaneously. This is reminiscent of the gm vehicles that had ignition problems with associated deaths. I am requesting a formal review of this issue asap as it clearly may cause deaths on the highway. I can be reached at [xxx]. My wife [xxx] can be reached at [xxx]. The dealership is smolich motors in bend, oregon 541‑389‑1177. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Electrical · 6,000 miles · IN

The ignition switch is in a position where it can be bumped by the drivers knee. I was driving the truck, bumped the key fob with my knee, and the truck died. I was traveling at highway speed at night, and the truck completely shut off. This is a significant problem.