SPECIFICATIONS & OWNERSHIP
2016 RAM 1500 Used Buyer’s Guide & Inspection Checklist
Before buying a used 2016 RAM 1500, confirm its engine, drivetrain and trim, review service and recall history, and inspect cold-start noise, shifting, 4x4 operation, corrosion, leaks, brakes and electronics. A professional pre-purchase inspection is worthwhile.
Technical information reviewed: 2026-11-07
Confirm the engine, trim, drivetrain, market and installed equipment before using a part number, capacity or repair procedure.
2016 RAM 1500 used-buying inspection checklist
| Check | What to examine | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and history | VIN, engine, transmission, cab, 4x4, maintenance receipts and accident records | Equipment changes correct parts and valuation |
| Cold engine start | Listen for exhaust ticking, misfire, unusual knocks and warning lights | Some sounds change or vanish warm |
| Transmission | Drive and reverse engagement, shifts cold and warm, module codes | Six- and eight-speed faults and servicing differ |
| 4WD if equipped | Selector modes, indicator behaviour, driveline and tire sizes | Repairs can be costly and modes differ |
| Body and interior | Frame/cab corrosion, rear-cab moisture, carpets and electronics | Water and rust can be hidden |
| Suspension and brakes | Tire wear, ball joints, steering play, braking behaviour | Heavy use and road conditions matter |
| Towing and payload | Hitch condition, trailer wiring, door load label, axle/equipment data | A brochure maximum may not apply to this truck |
| Recalls | Official VIN-specific open-recall lookup | Model year alone cannot determine applicability |
This is a buyer’s inspection aid, not a vehicle-condition report or a claim that all 2016 RAM 1500 trucks have these problems. Have a qualified mechanic inspect the exact vehicle, including underneath, before purchase.
Start with the VIN, not the advertisement
Determine whether the truck is a 3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L HEMI or 3.0L EcoDiesel, the transmission, 4x2 or 4x4, cab and box length, axle ratio and installed options. A listing saying “Sport 4x4” does not tell you which transfer case it has. Check the ownership documents, VIN, manufacturer build information and tire-and-loading label.
Ask to see a completely cold start
Some exhaust-manifold leaks make a sharp tick when cold and become quieter as the metal heats. A persistent warm tick with misfires can call for different mechanical checks. A brief sound does not prove a failed lifter or camshaft, so request diagnosis and documentation instead of guessing from a recording.
Drive it in several ordinary conditions
Check engagement into Drive and Reverse, gentle and moderate gear changes, highway cruising, braking and steering. Do not force a 4WD LOCK test on dry pavement. Note any vibration, delayed shift, warning lamp or unusual fluid smell and ask for a complete module scan.
Check for signs of water and rust
Look underneath at the frame, cab mounts, rocker areas, brake lines and suspension. Lift floor mats and check for damp carpet or musty odours; inspect rear-cab and third-brake-light areas for signs of previous water entry. A freshly cleaned truck may still hide wet padding or corrosion.
Read the service history carefully
Look for engine-specific oil and filter changes, plugs on gasoline engines, cooling-system service, the appropriate six-speed transmission interval where applicable and drivetrain servicing for towing or off-road use. A missing record does not prove neglect, but it increases uncertainty and affects the inspection budget.
Verify recalls and electronics
Use the official RAM/Mopar VIN lookup and the relevant Canadian or U.S. safety recall system. Test actual fitted equipment: air suspension, heated seats, camera, radio, power outlets, headlights, trailer wiring and climate controls. A seller saying a feature is “standard” is no substitute for seeing it operate.
How to decide whether it is a good buy
Compare the repair estimate, corrosion condition and verified maintenance with the asking price. A professional inspection should include a cold start, road test, underbody examination and diagnostic scan. Walk away or negotiate based on documented faults, not an internet list of every possible RAM problem.
Check the advertised towing package against the truck
A receiver hitch, 4x4 badge or HEMI emblem is not proof of the highest tow rating. Ask for the VIN build record, confirm axle ratio and transmission, inspect trailer wiring and brake-controller equipment, and compare the actual tire-and-loading label with the trailer and passenger weights you expect to carry. Document any aftermarket suspension, wheel or hitch changes.
Keep a short parts-and-service list from the inspection
Write down the actual tire size and DOT dates, brake wear, oil/filter receipts, any leaking axle or transmission seal, battery test and evidence of coolant or rainwater leaks. Cross-check expensive repairs against the exact engine, gearbox and 4WD equipment. A written estimate is more useful for negotiating than a generic claim that all RAMs need the same repairs.
If the truck has the 3.6L Pentastar
Confirm the eight-speed transmission and factory drivetrain equipment, review service records for the correct oil and cartridge filter, and inspect for coolant or oil leaks around the engine. Scan for stored misfire or cooling faults and drive the truck both cold and warm. These checks supplement the normal suspension, corrosion, brakes and safety inspections; they do not mean every Pentastar has those problems.
Buying across the Canada–U.S. border
If a truck was originally sold in another country, confirm its VIN, registration history, market-specific emissions and lighting equipment, recall status and any import documentation. Check its original door label, tire placard and factory build information before ordering parts. Use the Canadian or U.S. recall lookup that matches its history, and ask a dealer about outstanding manufacturer campaigns.
Use the correct model-year manual and current service information. Stop if instructions or safety precautions are unclear, and use a qualified technician for work you cannot verify.
References and further reading
- 2016 RAM owner manual, operating and maintenance requirements
- 2016 RAM 1500 Canadian equipment and trim guide
- 2016 RAM 1500 Canadian specifications
This independent guide is not endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer. Let us know if you spot an error.