ABS module failed causing ABS, traction control, and cruise control to stop functioning along with intermittent loss of power steering. Contacted multiple dealers which all stated the part is no longer available and no replacement part. This was a nuisance for two years until I towed a trailer and was merging onto an interstate when I lost traction due to wet roads and no traction control. Vehicle and trailer fishtailed and I was barely able to gain control without contacting any other vehicles on the very busy interstate. I was able to find a rebuilt abs module on eBay for $1100 that I installed and corrected the issue. This year model needs to be added to the existing recall that has been posted for many other years for this exact issue
2016 Ram 1500: sudden loss of power
96 of the 1,565 complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 96
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,800
- typical mileage
- 69,000
- recalls
- 3
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
Loss of power assistance in steering
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.
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is leaking fluid, which is causing the vehicle to be inoperable by losing power of steering. The vehicle was seen by a mechanic where it was diagnosed to having a failing rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
While driving my 2016 RAM 1500 Eco diesel, the vehicle suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond 40 mph. The malfunction occurred while driving under normal road conditions and created a safety concern because the truck was unable to maintain normal traffic speed. Prior to failure, a warning light appeared on the dashboard related to emissions/exhaust system. The truck entered into a reduce power/limp mode and became difficult to operate in traffic. The truck has been at the Folsom Lake Dodge dealership since March 22, 2026 awaiting a replacement part related to a recall/manufacturer issue. I was informed the part may be available around May 22, 2026.
I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle has been in and out of Rydell Jeep & Ram dealership over 3 times in the last few months for fuel pump issues. It has been at the dealership for over a month total (in and out). Each time I have had to pay for towing and rental cars. I have not been reimbursed for any rental or towing costs. On April 11, 2026, immediately after picking up the truck from the dealership (where it had just been serviced for a previous fuel pump issue), the vehicle suddenly lost all power while I was driving on the freeway and would not restart. It was towed back to Rydell. On April 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM, Bruce (service advisor) and Mike (mechanic) at Rydell verbally admitted to me that their original diagnosis was wrong. They had initially said a gear inside the engine that turns the CP4 fuel pump had come loose or failed. They now admit that diagnosis was incorrect, but they refuse to provide that admission in writing. They are now trying to charge me for the repair. I believe the actual root cause is that the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump seized internally. That seizure would have placed extreme resistance on the engine's drive gear for the pump, causing the gear or its retaining bolt to fail as a secondary consequence. The pump seizure is a known safety defect in these EcoDiesel vehicles. Because the dealership has admitted the original diagnosis was wrong, and because this failure happened immediately after fuel pump-related service, I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this as a safety defect. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds is extremely dangerous. I also request that any existing recall or investigation (such as the federal safety agency Campaign 22V406000 a INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Was driving on the road while it was raining outside. As I turned a corner my power steering suddenly dropped out mid turn. Was able to fight to get of the road. It was accompanied with a service power steering system light on my dash. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it. It drove fine for a short bit and again loss power steering. The power steering light came on along with service electronic brake system, service trailer brake system, and my traction control light on the dash also came on. I managed to get to my destination without power steering. I have no recalls on my truck for this. I did have 2 codes when I was able to communicate with the module being U0155 and C2128. Most likely caused by water getting into a connector and shorting out.
Hello, my name is [XXX] , and I had a recall performed on my 2016 Ram Eco Truck 3.0L (FCA US Recall ID 66A) at Dewey Dodge Chrysler Jeep in [XXX] , following a recall notice dated June 28, 2023. On March 17, 2026, while driving on the interstate, I experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power, which nearly resulted in an accident; the dashboard displayed a "Service Electronic Throttle Control" warning, restricting my speed to around 40 miles per hour with low RPMs. I returned to Dewey Ram that same day and was informed the next day that I needed to replace the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel, which was quite expensive. I had assumed this issue was resolved during the previous recall, but the service department clarified that the recall only involved a software update and did not cover the tone wheel replacement. However, the repair description indicated that FCA US would conduct a voluntary safety recall to update the powertrain control module software or, in some cases, replace the tone wheel. Further investigation led me to Safety Recall W68 / the federal safety agency 20V‑475 regarding the loss of crankshaft position, which I believe pertains to my truck based on its year, model, and circumstances. I shared this information with the dealership, but they stated they could not assist me since my VIN did not show any current recalls. I expressed my concern that the previous recall may not have been completed to the necessary standards to address the safety issue, but they advised me to contact Chrysler. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter. Thank you. I can be reached at [XXX] or by phone at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My truck lost power steering while driving, a red flashing light came on saying power steering, pulled off and could not turn wheel. Managed to get it to a shop close by and upon scan for codes it came up C2217-00 electric power steering and shop verified that my truck came up with a recall regarding this same issue but when I called a dodge dealership they said I had no open recalls yet needed to get it to their shop for their diagnostic.
I recently purchased this 2016 RAM 1500 from a family member. I was driving at highway speeds between 60-80 MPH in heavy rush hour traffic. The vehicle suddenly lost power & died at highway speeds. I was in the middle lane & almost crashed to the vehicle to my left & from behind as I intended to swerve to the median. Upon calling the dodge dealer from the side of the road, they confirmed that they had no available appointments to diagnose the issue for days, I had no control of the situation as i was stranded on the side of the road and needed to get the vehicle fixed, upon tow the the nearest diesel repair shop, it was diagnosed as a high pressure fuel pump and fixed at and out of pocket cost of $792.13. I was not aware this vehicle had an open recall (z46) as i just purchased it. Upon calling the dealer they informed the truck had a open recall, suggested I contact Mopar for reimbursement per there guidance. They directed me to the website. The claim was denied due to the fact that the work was not done at a certified RAM shop. I explained the circumstances to the case manager via email correspondence as this is the ONLY way they contact you to no outcome and a denial. . I was finally able to get an appointment with ram where the recall was fully addressed on there side. Mopar still refuses to cover the out of pocket expense even after I took it the dealership to get the recall done the way they requested it to be done.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering Unit" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Vehicle displayed ABS warning light and message to service electronic braking system. Took to Ram dealer August 2025 and vehicle was diagnosed with faulty ABS module. Service advised that the part was unavailable due to a national shortage for a known ABS module failure problem. Was told to continue driving vehicle because it was safe to operate. Subsequent, related problems presented over following three months: loss of traction control, speedometer failure, odometer failure, brakes failing to release when shifted into drive, and most concerning, loss of power steering while driving on a wet curve that caused loss of vehicle control not resulting in a crash. Three vehicle occupants were left very scared at the unexpected loss of vehicle control. Called dealership November 2025 after loss of control episode and was told the ABS module part was still unavailable. I fear the vehicle will kill us if driven and we encounter an emergency situation. The ABS module failure in this 2016 Ram 1500 model is well documented in public records and was confirmed to me by an authorized dealer.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Verify Reman part number availability
- CEL (Check Engine Lamp) C006A-49 Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Internal Electronic Failure And C10CC-00...
- Throttle Blade Icing Service Fix Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination
- Suspected engine coolant leak.
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT)
- Adapter
- Adapter
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- 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: diesel
- 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)
- 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 loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2016 Ram 1500?
96 of 1,565 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 (6%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the 2016 Ram 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,800 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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 250Check engine light 123Power steering loss 120Adaptive 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
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