KnownCarProblems2016 Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 134 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 3500, most often about the steering (22% of complaints, typically around 59,500 miles). It is 7th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
Most common 2016 Ram 3500 problems
Steering
29 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 59,500 miles. Parts named most often: linkages.
When driving down road constantly make adjustments to right and or steering wheel being held to or around 1 or 2 o'clock position just to go straight. When steering to left steering wheel is tighter then when steering to right. Steering box needs replaced and or rebuilt. Truck only has alittle over 60000 miles on it.…
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 report. Photos attached
Engine
25 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 18,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
Nhtsa recall number: 17v-562. The description provided in the notice reads: "a water pump failure resulting in an engine compartment fire can cause the vehicle to crash without prior warning increasing the risk of injury to motor vehicle occupants or persons outside the vehicle." I contacted the dealer where I…
Significant lag in engine response when accelerating from dead stop. Delay is approx 3-4 seconds from time accelerator pedal is depressed until truck responds.
Wheels and tires
25 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 19,500 miles. Parts named most often: sidewall.
Repetitive tire pressure monitoring system sensor failures. 1 replaced may 2016, 2 replaced november 2016, 1 replaced may 2017, 2 replaced june 2017. Dodge not forthcoming with information on cause and fix. Failures occurred under various conditions, some after sitting over night, some while on the highway, others…
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500 equipped with nexen roadian-a/t tires, size: 255/65r16. While driving 40 MPH, the front driver's side steel belt sidewall detached and the tire blew out. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and replaced the front driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an…
Transmission
19 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 15,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. After towing a fifth wheel trailer for approximately five hours, the vehicle failed to immediately restart after being shut off and in the park position. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact later heard a loud booming sound…
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the gear shifter detached while shifting out of park. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v495000 (power train) and…
Other or unspecified
16 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 24,000 miles.
This is the 5th Ram truck I purchase. I use them for work. All of the units have short life span on tires. Some have deep thread but have bubbles on tires. I have had some tires that won't last 20000 miles. They will probably blowout if I keep driving them like this. Tires are very poor quality.
Ram dealer service dept. After completing a steering drag link recall service reported after test drive a shimmy /shake in steering wheel starting at vehicle speed of approx. 20 MPH. Diagnosis as a faulty steering damper, replaced damper and returned vehicle to customer. Customer returned next day reporting bad…
Brakes
12 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 6,500 miles.
On 1/17/2017 I took my 2016 Ram 3500 into the selling dealer service department (dwayne lane's everett, wa) to check for the cause of a "check trailer wiring" visual and audible warning which had been present intermittently with brake pedal application since shortly after purchase of the vehicle (new). When present…
The integrated trailer break controller does not stop a heavy trailer properly. Tests have shown that when the break is applied the controller only sends 7volts to the trailer breaks. Adjusting the gain to the maximum 10 setting has no affect. The dealer and chrysler say the system is working as it is programmed to.…
Electrical
10 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 9,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument panel.
The contact owns a 2016 dodge Ram 3500. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, water leaked from the sun roof which caused the vehicle to have electrical issues. The vehicle was taken to be repaired, but the issue recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure…
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. After towing a fifth wheel trailer for approximately five hours, the vehicle failed to immediately restart after being shut off and in the park position. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact later heard a loud booming sound…
Suspension
10 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 37,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise emitting from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the courtesy chrysler dodge jeep Ram dealer (1890 dogwood dr se, conyers, ga 30013, ([phone]) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspension…
December 28, 2018 was approaching a roundabout traffic island when turning left and right the truck when out of control and bounced off curb and over center island one over concrete planting box under construction.blew passenger side tire and damaging wheel,front differential training arm, drag link jam nut completely…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Ram 3500 recalls
Air bags: inflator
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y36 owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y26 owner notification letters were mailed on december 1, 2021. Owners may contact fca US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US's numbers for this recall are y26 and y36.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US, llc) is recalling certain 2012-2021 ram 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: connection
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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
Transmission: column shift
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: diesel
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: wheels
Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: curtain
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk: If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in park, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on august 11, 2016. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s48.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2016 ram 3500 trucks manufactured july 24, 2015, through january 7, 2016, and 2016 ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured july 24, 2015, through october 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Electrical: module
Risk: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure
Summary
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
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 trucks manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). â the drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.â â the loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.â during the course of pe18016, it was found that two styles of drag link
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to
Questions about the 2016 Ram 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (29 complaints, typically around 59,500 miles); engine (25 complaints, typically around 18,500 miles); wheels and tires (25 complaints, typically around 19,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 16, 2025 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Ram 3500?
- It is 7th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints, with 134 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.