Recall 16V301 affects 64 2016 Ram 1500 trucks because front halfshafts can fracture without warning. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 64 2016 1500 trucks because incorrectly manufactured front halfshafts can fracture without warning. A fractured halfshaft can damage underbody components, create road debris, and increase the risk of a crash; Ram dealers will replace the front halfshafts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front halfshaft on the 2016 Ram 1500 is part of the axle assembly that transfers engine power through the drivetrain to the front wheels. It has to spin while also handling steering angle and suspension movement, so the shaft and its joints need the right strength and surface hardness.
On affected trucks, the front halfshafts were incorrectly manufactured. Ram's recall filing does not give a deeper public root-cause detail, but the defect is specific to the halfshaft's manufacturing. A shaft that is not made to the intended specification can fracture during use. Once it breaks, that side of the front axle no longer carries drive force the way it was designed to.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a noise, light, or gradual change to appear before the halfshaft fractures.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Ram 1500 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 64 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured front halfshaft can damage underbody components and leave debris on the road, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the halfshaft replacement soon and ask the dealer whether the truck is safe to drive until the appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free front-halfshaft replacement that fixes the incorrectly manufactured axle shafts.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V301 and Ram recall S32 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until both front halfshafts are replaced, because a fractured halfshaft can damage underbody parts and leave road debris.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces both front halfshafts covered by recall 16V301. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid to repair this halfshaft problem before the recall notice, Ram's reimbursement process asks owners to send the original receipt and other adequate proof of payment so the company can confirm the expense. Keep copies and bring the paperwork when you contact customer service or the dealer.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 16, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V301?
Recall 16V301 covers 64 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with front halfshafts that were incorrectly manufactured and can fracture without warning. A fractured halfshaft can damage underbody parts and create road debris, increasing crash risk. Ram dealers replace both front halfshafts for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V301. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule replacement of both front halfshafts. Reference recall number 16V301 when you call. The recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ram dealers replace both front halfshafts free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016, so the dealer repair is available now.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a front halfshaft fracture while the truck is in use. If that happens, the broken halfshaft can damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before failure in this recall. The filing says the front halfshafts can fracture without warning, so do not wait for a noise, vibration, or dashboard alert to act. Use your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 Ram 1500 is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V301000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V301 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V301000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →