2016 RAM 5500 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 RAM 5500.

20152017
Complaints
23
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Fatalities
Recalls
7

Worst 2016 RAM 5500 Problems

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

#15 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:81,256 mi
Fires:1
#25 complaints

Wheel Issues

Avg mileage:181,664 mi
Crash-related:1
#33 complaints

Steering Defects

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 RAM 5500.

Transmission / Drivetrain
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
81,256
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
181,664
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 RAM 5500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 RAM 5500

7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~7,253,115 vehicles.

21V398000Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
~447,985 affected

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.

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.

16V495000Power Train:transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
~889 affected

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.

15V592000Electrical System:ignition:module · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
~41 affected

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.

Other RAM 5500 Years

2016 RAM 5500 — FAQ

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

Is the 2016 RAM 5500 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 RAM 5500 has 23 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 7 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 5 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 RAM 5500?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints, avg 81,256 mi); Wheel Issues (5 complaints, avg 181,664 mi); Steering Defects (3 complaints). 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 5500?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 131,460 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 5500?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 5500 include 2 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 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 5500 have any recalls?
Yes — 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 7,253,115 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 5500?
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 5500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2016 RAM 5500

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