Check a VIN

2016 Ram 1500: wrong fuel gauge reading

46 of the 1,565 complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 describe wrong fuel gauge reading.

owner complaints
46
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
46,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year

  • 2025
    4
  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    23
  • 2016
    46
  • 2015
    29
  • 2014
    81
  • 2013
    1

What owners say

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 Jul 21, 2025 · Fuel system · IN

Fuel level sensor failed. Truck will randomly display false fuel levels. This causes the fuel level to be unknown leading the potential of running out gas and being stranded. Dealer says fuel pump needs replaced and is in the process of doing so. Dealer also stated this is a common issue on the Ram trucks.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Fuel system · VA

I presently have 92,200 miles on my Doge Ram. I have experienced 3 fuel pump/fuel sender failures. The first at 18,947 miles, second at 43,634 miles and third at 92,263.This last fuel pump replacement will have the defective pump available for inspection after the repair work is done. The failure of a fuel pump/sender could lead to stalling, power loss and failure to start. These deficiencies could lead to traffic accidents resulting in property loss and bodily harm or even death. The warnings persisted until I had the parts replaced. Because of the number of times (3)and the low mileage , 18k,43k and 92k miles, it appears that the fuel pumps used in this model of Dodge Ram are either defective or inadequately engineered. These failures were preceded by and check engine warning light followed by a fuel sensor failure light and fuel gauge malfunction.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

After having a full tank of fuel/gas my gas gauge will fluctuate to empty I'm saying no fuel on my gauges and the gas light will come on. When another person is in my vehicle like my wife driving that is not used to this will cause her to panic when she is on the highway or other roadways driving at high speeds and this can be dangerous. Also can be dangerous the other way giving false reading when you do need fuel and you don't have a 14 and it gives you false readings thinking you do have enough gas and leave you stranded in the wrong place wrong time wrong situation. 2018 intermediate until now 2025 almost daily to weekly. Research the problem in the past and have seen that this is a known issue

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Fuel system · 102,841 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the fuel gauge suddenly was inoperative. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank strap and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact researched and discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,841.Â

Filed Feb 14, 2024 · Body, Fuel system · NE

Fuel level senser not reading , went on vacation fuel wasnt reading an I just filled it up . Took it to the dealer an they said its working now , after we went on the way back it started doing it more an more . An plus the tailgate opens on it own all the time

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Fuel system · MD

I had about 3/4 of a tank of gas. I noticed my fuel gauge go down to empty, and the low fuel light started blinking. It then when back up to about 3/4. It did this a couple of times until it stayed on empty, and the check engine light came on. The next time I started my truck, I got a "Fuel Sensor Fail" notification. I get that every time I start up. When I filled my tank, the gauge began to work again, but I still had a check engine light. I checked my codes, and had a P0463 code, which indicates a fuel sensor fail. I cleared the code, and the gauge worked for about a day and half. When I got to about 3/4 of a tank of gas again, it all happened again. I have about 78,000 miles.

Filed Aug 8, 2023 · Fuel system · TN

At ~50,000 miles the fuel level gauge would go to Empty only after I filled the tank fully. Now it no longer work at all. The fuel level sensor is defective. Just passed 90,000 miles.

Filed May 23, 2023 · Fuel system · KS

At 69,500 miles my fuel pump sensor failed, i have found hundred upon thousands of people complaining that their fuel pump sensor assembly in their 2013-present 5.7l HEMI Ram 1500 series model failing prematurely due to a design issue that is known by RAM for a long time and has never been addressed. i want to a file a formal complaint as this is beyond ridiculous, if this was a known issue why not address it to future owners. instead of installing a flaw design in newer models. it puts people at risk due to now displaying NO fuel levels in the cluster; this unit also potentially could or may control the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and i have seen or read where people got stranded. just do a quick search for ram fuel sensor issue and you will find A LOT i mean A LOT OF complaints. another issue is that my cluster now has my check engine light ON, Thus rendering any other future issue mute as i cannot tell if anything else failed.

Filed May 4, 2023 · Fuel system · 110 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled on several times. Additionally, the vehicle failed to restart. Upon stalling, the throttle sensor control message was displayed. The contact stated that whenever the fuel level was below half a tank, there was an abnormal humming sound heard. While shifting gear, there was an abnormal humming sound detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be replaced due to metal in the fuel system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) after the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 26, 2023 · Fuel system · WA

Truck randomly turns itself completely off without warning losing all control of any power or ability to restart the truck to remove it from the road. Gives a Fuel Sending unit failure error, will not go into eco mode and will not remote start.

Filed Dec 18, 2022 · Fuel system · WV

Fuel Level Sensor & Pump Fail

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pumpReported June 9, 2022 · 138,645 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.

Recall number 22V406000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2016 Ram 1500 fuel gauge

Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 2016 Ram 1500?

46 of 1,565 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram 1500 (3%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

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

There is 1 recall and 2 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 120Loss of power 96Adaptive cruise 85Stalling 59Fuel pump 54Engine 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

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2016 Ram 1500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history