2016 Ram 2500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 178 |
| 2014 | 340 |
| 2015 | 211 |
| 2016 | 253 |
| 2017 | 669 |
| 2018 | 2486 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 161 |
| 2021 | 102 |
| 2022 | 171 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY21% of complaints: engine — 53 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
We were driving our 2016 Ram in July 20, 2023 to Yakima, WA which is 200 miles away from our home. About 50 miles north of town, our check engine light came on and our power was reduced to a minimal speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230927
16% of complaints: steering — 41 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 35 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN PULLING A CAMPER THE TRUCK SHUT OFF (THERE WAS NO FUNCTION OF THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL) CAUSING THE CAMPER TO JACK KNIFE AND HIT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT. WHEN THE CAMERA CAUGHT UP TO THE TRUCK WET SPUN 180 DEGREES AT 65 MPH THEN FLIPPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171213
2016 RAM DIESEL 6.7 L EXPERIENCING STALLING WHEN DECELERATING TO STOP - LOSE POWER, RAN OFF ROAD AS RESULT. VEHICLE HAS 3 SECOND DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE- SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR MISSES
NHTSA ODI report, 20170130
13% of complaints: service brakes — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
2016 Ram 2500 ABS and HCU have caused problems while driving. My brakes are engaged and will sometimes bring the vehicle to a stop. While having problems with my brakes, I scheduled an appointment with my local Dodge/Ram service department.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231010
Abs light and traction control light came on. The rear parking sensors and 4 wheel drive were also disabled. Repair shop stated that a wheel speed sensor was bad, replaced it and on the way home the lights came on again.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230921
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 15V592000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Campaign 16E041000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V302000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V499000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Campaign 17V824000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V821000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V562000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18V486000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18E096000 — check if this car was fixed
Steering loss due to linkage separation
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.
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.
Campaign 19V021000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 19V347000 — check if this car was fixed
Steering loss due to linkage separation
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V632000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 25V010000 — check if this car was fixed
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Ram 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V592000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E041000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V302000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V499000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V824000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V486000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E096000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V021000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V347000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V632000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V010000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Ram 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ram 2500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 2500?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 2500 have?
14 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.