VehicleVerdict

2016 Ram 3500 steering problems

The 2016 Ram 3500 has 29 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

29

Steering complaints

16%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

3500 steering complaints by model year41 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 3 complaints2009: 1 complaints2013: 37 complaints2014: 41 complaints2015: 21 complaints2016: 29 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 32 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 2 complaints
3500 steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY TRAILER LOADED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE. IT CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND HITTING THE FREEWAY MEDIAN WALL. UNKNOWN AS TO THE COMPONENT, I AM STILL WAITING FOR A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 11, 2019 · crash

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA has 29 complaints about the 2016 Ram 3500 steering — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500 steering?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the steering: 18E096000, 19V021000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.