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2016 Ram 1500: check engine light

123 of the 1,564 complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 describe check engine light.

owner complaints
123
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
80,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 81 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · 14,700 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and multiple warning lights, including the check engine warning light, illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving and failed to accelerate beyond 60 MPH. The contact also stated that a burning smell was noticed coming from the rear filter of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and emissions system failed and required replacement. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was previously associated with a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Fuel system · ID

Component or System Failed & Availability for Inspection: High-pressure fuel pump and common rail fuel injection system under the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑406 (Recall Z46). The vehicle and all removed/affected components are grounded and available for inspection at Peterson CDJR in Boise, ID under Repair Order #46751. Safety Risk: Risk of sudden loss of motive power and engine stall while driving, creating collision hazards as defined under the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑406. Chronological Timeline & Dealer Findings: July 5, 2024: Peterson CDJR performed Safety Recall Z46 (the federal safety agency 22V‑406) Procedure A, replacing only the high-pressure fuel pump. September 2026 (RO #45520): Vehicle presented with an illuminated check engine light. Peterson CDJR diagnosed a faulty fuel pressure sensor and replaced the fuel rail and sensor for $2,809.45. September 2026 (RO #46751): Following a 55-mile test drive, Peterson CDJR technician verified the diesel fuel from the fuel tank tested completely clean. Inspection of the newly installed fuel rail sensor documented internal metallic debris actively circulating through the fuel system. September–October 2026: Peterson CDJR opened STAR Case #102997574. DealerCONNECT records and the technician notes from RO #45520 state that the entire fuel system requires replacement. Dealer requested authorization for Recall Z46 Procedure B (complete fuel system replacement kit ⁠CSSMZ46DAA⁠). October 5, 2026: Stellantis corporate documented via DealerCONNECT that the fuel system requires replacement, but stated they will not authorize the repair under warranty because the recall was previously closed. Inspections by Manufacturer / Others: Inspected by Peterson CDJR certified technicians and documented in STAR Case #102997574. Reviewed via DealerCONNECT by Stellantis corporate, who confirmed fuel system failure but refused remedy coverage under open Corporate Case #98257662. I have not had followup from my Stellantis case manager. Dealer is responsive.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 167,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the towing suddenly failed. The contact was able to drive off the exit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the week before, while idling at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact cleared the code before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a tone wheel failure. The failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact learned that the vehicle was included in a recall in 2019, and the fix included updating the powertrain control module software. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the repair was no longer covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Fuel system · NJ

I am writing to request your assistance regarding my 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the handling of a safety-related recall repair that has not resolved the original issue. My vehicle has been experiencing the following symptoms: •Check engine light •Hard starting •Engine struggling to start •Engine stalling These symptoms prompted me to bring the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership informed me that the vehicle qualified for Recall Z46, and the recall was subsequently performed. Unfortunately, after the recall was listed as completed, the vehicle continues to exhibit the exact same symptoms that existed prior to the repair. The check engine light remains, the vehicle still struggles to start, and it continues to stall. After further research I discovered that the entire recall was not completed based on the procedures listed on the federal safety agency website. This is extremely concerning because these symptoms create a potential safety risk, particularly when the engine stalls unexpectedly. I have attempted to work through Ram Customer Care to resolve this matter. My experience has been disappointing. I have been unable to obtain meaningful assistance or authorization to have the vehicle evaluated by another certified Ram dealership despite my concerns that the original dealership did not successfully resolve the issue. At this point, I have lost confidence in the original servicing dealership's ability to properly diagnose and repair my vehicle. I have maintained detailed records of my repair visits and communications and am prepared to provide copies of repair orders and any additional documentation needed. My goal is simply to have my vehicle repaired correctly and safely.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Brakes · NC

2016 RAM 1500 pickup truck has several warning to include check engine light, ABS light, traction control light, ABS Brake service require, 4x4 service required, electronic throttle control and brake light comes on and vehicle no longer has anti-lock brake or traction control capability. Issue has been on going for several months with numerous calls to dealer for the replacement of the ABS control module who eventually transferred me to RAM corporate for further escalation of the issue of no parts in system to fix problem. I have called additional dealers in New York, Virginia, Florida and they have all told me that they have outstanding orders in the 30+ range for vehicles with the same issue. Based on what I have found online and in discussions with those dealerships, if you extrapolate those numbers over more then 4,700 Ram or Dodge dealerships in the United states, there are potentially over 100,000 RAM 1500's on the roads today that have the potential of a major Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) issue or failure. From what I found out from talking with dealerships and Ram Corporate, they have not been addressing the issue very much in regards to having replacement parts for a issue they have know about for years. In fact, RAM/Dodge have had issues with there RAM 2500/3500 series where FCA issued a recall for certain 2017–2018 Ram 2500/3500 trucks (the federal safety agency campaign #24V896000, recall #C4B). I have a order number and FCA case number is that is required for additional information. My issues have been ongoing for approximately 6-7 months and ended on 31 May 2026 when all the lights started flashing and then the vehicle would not move, but would run. Electronic system locked it from going in gear.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · 145,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a coolant flush was needed, the brake lights, and a camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 204,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the engine warning light illuminated. While driving a short distance later, two unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message “Exhaust Filter 100% FULL - Safely Drive at Highway Speeds” was displayed. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine manifold, catalytic converter, and the air intake had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that since the remedy was not available when the recall was issued, the delay created additional damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repairs were already completed. No assistance was provided. However, a claim was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

Recall for intake manifold for our ecodiesel 2016 Ram and you do not show a recall for our specific truck. Which, GM service has verified we need to replace the intake manifold. Hesitation, drag, engine light, etc...

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · KS

Went to start my truck and it wouldnt start. Connected a jumper box to it to start it and started right up. Check engine light came on and showed "Code P1DF3". My safety was at risk due to not being able to get back home due to this issue. This fault has been reported by others with the ram 1500.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

I have a 2016 dodge 1500 hemi 5.7. The chrysler dealership diagnose that the abs module was bad. these abs modules are very rare to find. messages were abs light, check engine light, traction light and speedometer stop working. Thanks for your attention in this matter.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Electrical · MN

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that at start-up, the fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tank was on empty, even though the fuel tank was full. Additionally, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the message “Fuel Sensor Failure” displayed. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

Traction control light, brake light and abs light all on. Has been burning my 3rd light bulb and dash speedometer goes blank sometimes when driving. Also feels like brakes are engaged while driving sometimes. Check engine light come on and off sometimes. I was told it was The ABS CONTROL MODULE BY DODGE DEALER SHIP. ALSO TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT SOMETIMES. Have to turn vehicle off to reset. But sometimes it takes several of times to reset.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L 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.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑475.

Recall number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L 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.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Recall number 20V475000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported October 24, 2019 · 107,980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.

Recall number 19V757000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2016 Ram 1500 check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2016 Ram 1500?

123 of 1,564 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 (8%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Ram 1500?

There are 3 recalls and 81 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2016 Ram 1500

ABS 250Power steering loss 120Loss of power 96Adaptive cruise 85Stalling 59Fuel pump 54Fuel gauge 46Engine failure 41Fire or smoke 32Won't shift 25No deployment 23Jerking 22Steering lock-up 21Hesitation 19Won't start 17Knocking 16Overheating 15Backup camera 13Headlights 13Brake failure 12Rollaway 12Power windows 10Warning lights 10Grinding brakes 9Fuel smell 8Misfire 8Key fob 7Sudden acceleration 7Tire blowout 7Harsh shifting 6Transmission failure 6Ball joint 5Door locks 5Seat belt 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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