VehicleVerdict

2016 Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Ram 2500 carries two red flags at once: 367 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 1.9× the 2500 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure). It is one of the 2500 years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (62), engine (60), and steering (41), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

367

NHTSA complaints

14

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

19

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

16

Injuries

1

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other 2500 years?

See all 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6217%
Engine6016%
Steering4111%
Electrical System3911%
Brakes3510%
Other349%
Speed Control175%
Body & Structure134%
Fuel System123%
Suspension113%
Tires & Wheels113%
Airbags113%
Seat Belts62%
Lighting51%
Driver Assistance41%
Latches & Locks31%
Seats10%
Trailer Hitch10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2016 Ram 2500 have recalls?

14 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V010000AirbagsJanuary 16, 2025 · 6,066 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

21V632000AirbagsAugust 12, 2021 · 212,373 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

19V347000Latches & LocksMay 9, 2019 · 1,103,209 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

19V021000SteeringJanuary 25, 2019 · 795,575 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

Consequence

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

18E096000SteeringOctober 16, 2018 · 847 units

Defect

Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

Consequence

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

18V486000Latches & LocksJuly 27, 2018 · 1,149,223 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

18V332000Electrical SystemMay 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

17V824000OtherDecember 21, 2017 · 61,791 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

17V562000EngineSeptember 12, 2017 · 443,874 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

Consequence

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.

17V499000Tires & WheelsAugust 10, 2017 · 1,765 units

Defect

Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

Consequence

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

17V302000AirbagsMay 9, 2017 · 1,021,279 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

16E041000OtherMay 16, 2016 · 345 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

15V592000Electrical SystemSeptember 23, 2015 · 41 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.

Consequence

An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ25003

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

My transmission got so hot climing up a hill it caught the excused on fire, thankfully had water in the truck an put the fire out no warnings nothing, just flush transmission hot went to stop an realized it was on fire, had to have transmission rebuilt an cooler lines an cooler repaired, still not…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 10, 2021 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REGENERATION PROCESS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXTREME HEAT COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCSWEENEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2605 DR JOHN HAYNES DR, PELL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2016 · fire

Some time as i apply the brakes i get a pulse pushing back on the brake pedal , it results in a slower braking action . Also i have a power steering fluid leak coming from the brake booster system . The brakes and the power steering go through the same system . The brake problem has been happening…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 2, 2024

WHEN PULLING A CAMPER THE TRUCK SHUT OFF (THERE WAS NO FUNCTION OF THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL) CAUSING THE CAMPER TO JACK KNIFE AND HIT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT. WHEN THE CAMERA CAUGHT UP TO THE TRUCK WET SPUN 180 DEGREES AT 65 MPH THEN FLIPPED. NO AIRBAG WENT OFF AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT STAY LOCKED. MY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 16, 2017 · crash · fire

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 35 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST MY BRAKES. I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER CAR AND ENDED UP ON THE SIDEWALK. I THEN PUSHED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE IN TO STOP. I RAN INTO A STREET SIGN AND THE FRONT PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL, LIGHT AND MIRROR WERE DAMAGED. ONCE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 6, 2018 · crash

2016 Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 2016 Ram 2500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 367 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 18 2500 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the 2500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (62 complaints), engine (60 complaints), steering (41 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Ram 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Ram 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 2500 years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2014, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2019, 2020, 2009. The cleanest record among 2500 years belongs to 2012.

How safe is the 2016 Ram 2500?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Ram 2500 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.