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.
2016 Ram 1500 transmission problems
204 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 32,000. 34 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 204
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- typical mileage
- 32,000
- crashes
- 34
- recalls
- 4
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ram 1500 transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Ram 1500 transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Won't shift 25Jerking 22Hesitation 19Rollaway 12Harsh shifting 6Transmission failure 6
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
- Risk
- A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Recall number 17V198000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
- Risk
- A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
Recall number 16V301000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
- Risk
- If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.
Recall number 15V661000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V‑821 or 18V‑100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V‑821 and 18V‑100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
RQ25003
Vehicle Rollaway
Basis â On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design.  Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles â When the federal safety agency opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with a rotary electronic shifter. However, the federal safety agency expanded the scope of the investigation to include subsequent model years of the same model vehicles when the Agency learned that those new model year vehicles use the same rotary shifter.  Additionally, all subject vehicles manufactured by FCA are equipped with electronic rotary shifters supplied by Kostal Automotive. Reason for closing - During the course of this investigation, ODI did not find evidence that a vehicle-based design or manufacturing defect was the cause of vehicle rollaway incidents on the subject vehicles. Nevertheless, given the risk of a vehicle rollaway, FCAâs CSN actions provide automated vehicle securement when an operator attempts to exit the vehicle without successfully achieving a Park position with the rotary shifter mechanism. ODI closely monitored the subject vehicles on which the CSN actions implement a vehicle securement strategy and found that the CSN actions were effective in reducing the frequency of vehicle rollaway incidents in the subject vehicles. ODI analyzed the incidents when a CSN had been implemented and a rollaway still occurred, and ODI was unable to find an actionable defect that caused vehicle rollaway incidents. ODI found that the failure rates on subject vehicles that received a CSN remedy were similar to the failure rates on other vehicle populations and additionally had similar mechanisms as other vehicle populations such as slippery surfaces and various mechanical failures. Furthermore, as discussed above, after FCAâs release of the CSN actions, consumer complaints have decreased significantly. Given the absence of an identified safety defect based on available information and FCAâs customer satisfaction campaign which addresses the failure mode, further action is not warranted at this time. Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. However, the Agency reserves the right to take further action, if warranted.Please see the attached detailed closing summary for more information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE16014
What 2016 Ram 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Brakes, ABS , shift sensor, in drive and would not move had to turn off in heavy traffic and then put in Drive and would go for a while, leveling off, every light was in a rolling script on my dash! Finally got to place that I could park it.Finally was able to get someone to get it home. 1 hour away. My husband is [XXX] and has dementia, can hardly walk. I am [XXX] and am responsible caregiver to him. We were in getting off work traffic when this was going on…Yes my vehicle is available to be seen. I can not drive it for fear of happening again and causing more trouble. Yes we were surely in danger as so were others in traffic. Yes has been confirmed by dealership and other mechanics. Everyone says they do not have the modular to fix it and have no idea when it might come in! I owe 1500.00 on this vechicle and have been very pleased with it. Even with getting recalls fixed. But now we have this very nice truck that we can’t drive, or trade or sale! Our other vehicle is a 2007 FJ Cruiser and has 335,000 miles on it. Bought it new and have had no problems with it. Just a little Leary for us to start out to dr. Appointments or whatever else comes up, I had always felt safe in our truck, but now I am afraid to drive out of driveway. We were told if that had part to fix it , it would be 1600.00 dollars to fix. We live on fixed income and this has caused us much despair. I was not aware of trouble with this problem until now. But have been made aware that we are not the only ones. I would love to hear from you and with a solution to this mess!!! Thank you. [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the failure was persistent. Additionally, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was common. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 96,000.
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.
ABS unit failed. This renders the Traction control system, ABS braking, cruise control, and 4WD system inert. I tried to repair/replace the unit it is on indefinite backorder, and repair shops cannot get the parts to fix the actual unit. Makes vehicle dangerous to drive in all but fair conditions. No solution has been provided by RAM.
The ABS control module and pump failed. ABS Light, Traction / Stabilitrak light / Brake Light on Vehicle was diagnosed by the dealership Dec 16, 2022 was given quote to repair but the parts were not available and back ordered. Been reaching out since to have truck repaired multiple dealerships but ABS module is not available no ETA been driving vehicle as is Currently ABS module is still not available no ETA now and vehicle is rendered in operable due to the ABS Module failure There have been multiple complaints of this issue, yet nothing is being done.
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.
Passenger side axle half shaft has separated. There is a recall (Safety Recall S32) currently on 2016 Ram 1500 4WD manufactured between February 19, 2016, and March 3, 2016. This vehicle was manufactured March 8, 2016. It is too coincidental that I am having the same issue as described in the recall information. I have contacted FCA via phone and was told their was nothing that could be done because the vehicle in service date was 3/28/2016. I would like this investigated further to determine if my and other trucks should be included in this recall.
Questions about the 2016 Ram 1500 transmission
Does the 2016 Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 204 complaints about the transmission of the 2016 Ram 1500, 13% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 1500 transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 32,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Ram 1500 transmission?
Yes, 4 recalls: 17V821000, 17V198000, 16V301000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ram 1500 have bad transmission?
The Ram 1500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2015 (227 complaints), 2019 (207 complaints) and 2016 (204 complaints).
Other 2016 Ram 1500 problems
Engine 354Steering 316Brakes 288Fuel system 284Electrical 194Acceleration 111Suspension 68Airbags 49Body 36Driver assistance 31Lights 18Wheels 14Seat belts 13Locks 11Tires 8Visibility 6Seats 2
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