2016 RAM 2500 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 RAM 2500.

20152017
Complaints
362
Crashes
19
Fires
5
Injuries
16
Fatalities
1
Recalls
12

Worst 2016 RAM 2500 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#161 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:36,627 mi
Crash-related:6
Fires:1
#252 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:25,306 mi
Fires:1
#340 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:35,550 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 RAM 2500.

Transmission / Drivetrain
61
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
1
Avg Miles
36,627
Engine Problems
52
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
25,306
Steering Defects
40
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
35,550
Electrical Faults
34
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
33,498
Brakes
33
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
43,295
Unintended Acceleration
16
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
16,291
Fuel System
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
30,620
Body Structure
12
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
20,988
Airbags
11
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Avg Miles
23,549
Suspension Failures
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
21,817
Engine & Cooling
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
113,000
Seat Belt Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
14,104
Headlight/Taillight Failures
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
4,438
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
49,875
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Tread/Belt
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 RAM 2500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 RAM 2500

12 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~11,093,731 vehicles.

25V010000Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
~6,066 affected

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.

21V632000Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator · Air Bags:side/window:curtain
~212,373 affected

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.

19V347000Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
~1,103,209 affected

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.

19V021000Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
~795,575 affected

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.

18V486000Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch · Structure:body:tailgate
~1,149,223 affected

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.

18V332000Electrical System:software · Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control · Electrical System:wiring
~4,815,661 affected

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.

17V824000Other Equipment
~61,791 affected

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

17V821000Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
~1,482,874 affected

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.

17V562000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
~443,874 affected

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.

17V499000Wheels
~1,765 affected

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.

+ 2 more recalls

Other RAM 2500 Years

2016 RAM 2500 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 RAM 2500 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 RAM 2500 has 362 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash-related, and 12 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 61 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 RAM 2500?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (61 complaints, avg 36,627 mi); Engine Problems (52 complaints, avg 25,306 mi); Steering Defects (40 complaints, avg 35,550 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 RAM 2500?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 32,740 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 RAM 2500?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 2500 include 19 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 16 injuries, and 1 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 RAM 2500 have any recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 11,093,731 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 RAM 2500?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full RAM 2500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2016 RAM 2500

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

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