2016 Ram 3500 engine problems

The 2016 Ram 3500 has 25 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

Engine complaints

14%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

3500 engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“On Sept. 11, 2025 my truck parked in my drive way. It was parked there all night. When I opened the doors to get in smoke and flames started coming out. The center console was on fire. The next day on Sept. 12, 2025 while at the dealership to have the truck inspected it caught fire again further…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 11, 2025 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA has 25 complaints about the 2016 Ram 3500 engine — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500 engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 17V562000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.