Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, he heard the sound of the tailgate opening independently. When the contact stopped the vehicle, he observed that the tailgate was open and he was able to raise and secure the tailgate. The contact stated that later he was starting the vehicle and saw that the tailgate was again open, however, he was not able to secure the tailgate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that he would need to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic check. The contact asked if there was an open recall. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V486000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages) on the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and then arriving to the destination, the contact became aware that the tailgate had opened unexpectedly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving, which caused items in the trunk to fall out onto the road. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V486000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear tailgate opened unintendedly. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was stationary. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The failure mileage was 17,000.
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill, he noticed the water was leaking into the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
RAM has an extended warranty out regarding the front strap for the fuel tank that is known to fail. When the strap failed, the fuel tank dropped causing a gouge in the drive shaft. In addition to the compromised drive shaft, the metal bracket was touching the ground. Should I have been driving during when this failed, the metal could have caused sparks causing the fuel tank to ignite. This problem should be moved from an extended warranty to a recall.
Front fuel tank strap broke. This is a known issue for Dodge ram trucks. It is the same issue that happened on the 2009 through 2012 Dodge ram recalls. My truck is a 2016 Dodge ram. Has been mostly in Virginia and Ohio over the last 8 years. The strap broke through the chassis due to rust and corrosion. This is a known issue with a lot of Dodge Ram trucks and is something the NHTSA should look into and force the dealerships to issue a recall.
The tailgate on my 2016 Dodge Ram will not stay locked and falls open during cold weather. I've contacted the dealer but they said this particular vin is not included in a recall. I've accessed the inside panel on the tailgate several times to clean and lubricate, but it only works for a short time. It's been a continuous problem for the last 5 to 6 years...only when it is cold.
I was driving home when a trailer went by and a nut flew off the trailer and damaged my bumper and fog light. When I went to trade in my truck the dealer pulled a Carfax and said my truck was in a collision.Tey lowballed me on a trade .They offered me $25k for my truck when it is worth $40 K,the low balled me beacuse of carfax,which the report was not true.
The tailgate of the truck does not remain shut. It unlatches and opens while the vehicle is in motion causing potential road hazards to other drivers. Vehicle has been inspected by a local body shop repair but does not show any worn or out of place parts.
i have 2016 ram 1500 p/u and tailgate has problem opening up and/or opening on its own. This problem ended up sending me to the hospital in an ambulance with a concussion, fractured pelvic bone and 4 broken ribs.
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Tailgate
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Body complaints in other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2016 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the body & structure of the 2016 Ram 1500, 2% of the model year's 1,554 complaints. The component named most often is body (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ram 1500 body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-486 (tailgate, Jul 27, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 3 fires and 6 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.