Recall 16V167 affects 440 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks for an electric power steering short. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 440 2015-2016 1500 trucks because contamination on the electric power steering control circuit board can short the system and cause a loss of power steering assist. If assist is lost, steering requires extra effort at low speeds and crash risk increases; Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering system on the 2015-2016 Ram 1500 uses an electric motor and a control circuit board to add steering assist. That assist is what makes the steering wheel easier to turn, especially during parking, backing up, and other low-speed maneuvers. The truck still has a mechanical steering path, but the assist system reduces the effort the driver has to supply.
On affected trucks, contamination on the top side of the EPS control circuit board can create a short in the electrical traces. The issue traces to control boards produced during a single day production run by a sub-tier supplier. If the board shorts, the power steering assist can stop working and the steering wheel becomes harder to turn.
Drivers can notice heavier steering effort at low speeds. The malfunction indicator lamp can also illuminate, which is a warning sign that the steering assist system needs attention.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2015 and 2016 model years, with the same power steering system component listed for both.
| 2015 Ram 1500 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ram 1500 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 440 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist means the truck needs extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and that increases the risk of a crash. Treat heavier low speed steering or an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp as a reason to schedule service soon and drive cautiously until repaired. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free EPS unit replacement that addresses the power-steering assist failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V167 when you call.
- Drive with extra caution until the repair is complete. Steering takes more effort if power assist is lost, especially at lower speeds.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the electric power steering unit, free of charge. That repair addresses the EPS control circuit board contamination linked to loss of power steering assist in campaign 16V167. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for the same problem before the owner letter, Ram's reimbursement process asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 10, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 12, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V167?
Recall 16V167 covers 440 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks with contamination on the electric power steering control circuit board. That contamination can short the system and cause a loss of power steering assist. Ram dealers will replace the EPS unit for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V167. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the EPS unit replacement. Reference recall number 16V167 and Ram recall number S19 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ram dealers will replace the EPS unit free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of power steering assist. If that happens, the truck needs extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds. That added effort increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free EPS unit replacement with a Ram dealer.
What if I bought my Ram 1500 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If a notice never reached you, check your VIN, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall number 16V167 and Ram recall number S19.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V167000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V167 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V167000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →