2016 Ram 1500 parts and specs

What changed for the 2016 Ram 1500

• 2016Essentially unchanged: redesigned center console standard across the lineup; Rebel (introduced mid-2015) gains new interior color choices including Radar Red
• 2015–2018Rebel added (2015, 285/70R17 tires); Limited becomes flagship; mechanical specs otherwise carry over

Known problems with the 2016 Ram 1500

5 of the 6 issues we track for the 2012–2018 generation are documented against the 2016 model year, and 1 carries a recall or service bulletin.

• HEMI 'tick', MDS lifter and camshaft failure (5.7L)

  major

  A ticking that progresses to a loud tap can mean a collapsed MDS (cylinder-deactivation) lifter whose roller has scarred the camshaft. It often appears between 80k–150k mi, sometimes with a misfire code on one cylinder. The fix is lifters and usually a camshaft, an engine-out-scale labor job. Distinct from the harmless exhaust-manifold tick; a shop can tell them apart quickly.

  Typical cost: $2,500–$5,000+ (cam and lifter replacement)

• Exhaust manifold bolts break (5.7L HEMI)

  moderate

  The HEMI's exhaust manifold bolts, usually the rear ones on the driver side, snap from heat cycling, causing an exhaust tick on cold start that fades as the engine warms. Cheap parts, but extracting broken studs takes labor. Widely reported across HEMI trucks for a decade-plus.

  Typical cost: $300–$900 (per side, including stud extraction)

• Air suspension failure (2013+ optional 4-corner air ride)

  major

  Trucks with the optional air suspension develop leaking air springs and worn-out compressors, throwing the truck into 'Air Suspension System' warnings or dropping it to the bump stops overnight. Repairs at a dealer commonly run past $1,700 per corner-plus-compressor visit, and multiple components often fail in sequence on high-mileage trucks. Some owners convert to coil springs instead.

  Typical cost: $1,700–$4,000 (compressor + spring); ~$1,000–$1,500 coil conversion

• EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking, fire risk (recall)

  majorNHTSA 19V-757 (FCA VB1)

  The EGR cooler on 2014–2019 1500 EcoDiesels can crack from thermal fatigue and leak vaporized coolant into the intake, where it can combust, NHTSA recall 19V-757 (FCA VB1) replaces the EGR cooler and inspects the intake manifold. Symptoms before failure include unexplained coolant loss. Separately, the EcoDiesel emissions settlement (AEM updates) applied software changes on 2014–2016 trucks.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• EcoDiesel bottom-end and oil-cooler failures (early engines)

  major

  A minority of 2014–2015 EcoDiesels suffered main/rod bearing failures that destroy the engine, and plastic-tank oil coolers that leak. Failure announces itself as a knock or metal in the oil, the remedy is a replacement engine, which FCA covered for some owners under warranty extensions. Religious oil changes with correct 5W-40 CJ-4 oil are the best defense.

  Typical cost: $8,000–$14,000 (replacement engine, out of warranty)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ram 1500 problems and years to avoid guide.