2016 Ram 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 1500
5
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (310 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 310 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (291 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 291 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (279 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 279 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (202 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 202 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (192 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 192 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
73 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
17
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Structure Check
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Power Train Red flag
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.
Power Train Red flag
A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control.
Air Bags Red flag
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Power Train Check
A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires Red flag
Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire.
Power Train Check
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.
Steering Red flag
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Equipment Red flag
If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Fuel System, Diesel Check
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 1500–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2016 1500. The most serious involve Engine and Engine Cooling (20V475000) and Latches/Locks/Linkages (19V347000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 1500?
The top complaint areas are Steering (310 complaints) and Engine (291 complaints), out of 1541 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 1500?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Steering, which drew 310 complaints for this model-year.