MYRModel Year Report

2016 Ram 2500

◆ Worse than typical
2016 Ram 2500
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
258
Recalls
14

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 178 complaints 2014: 341 complaints 2015: 215 complaints 2016: 258 complaints 2016 258 2017: 690 complaints 2018: 2,574 complaints 2019: 193 complaints 2020: 162 complaints 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 178 complaints 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 58 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 26 complaints
2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 178 complaints 2013 2014: 341 complaints 2015: 215 complaints 2016: 258 complaints 2016 258 2017: 690 complaints 2018: 2,574 complaints 2019: 193 complaints 2019 2020: 162 complaints 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 178 complaints 2023: 49 complaints 2023 2024: 58 complaints 2025: 62 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints
2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 178 complaints 2013 2014: 341 complaints 2014 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 258 complaints 2016 258 2017: 690 complaints 2017 2018: 2,574 complaints 2018 2019: 193 complaints 2019 2020: 162 complaints 2020 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 178 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2023 2024: 58 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints 2026

2016: 258 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20095
20100
20110
20120
2013178
2014341
2015215
2016258
2017690
20182,574
2019193
2020162
2021108
2022178
202349
202458
202562
202626

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

25% · 64 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

On August 25, 2026, my 2016 Ram 2500 was parked on private property. The driver states that she placed the automatic transmission in PARK before exiting the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-25

Engine

21% · 53 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2023-09-27

Steering

17% · 43 reports
Show complaint excerpts

the V06 Recall on this vehicle that for some reason was approved is an inadequate repair. The steering wheel is not adjustable with the "Weld Fix". Stellantis should have to replace the defective parts. My truck is not not able to be aligned 100%.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-01

This complaint is against HENDRICK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN HOOVER ALABAMA misaligned solid-axle geometry and compromised tire casings triggered a violent, uncontrollable oscillation through the steering system, rendering the truck an immediate...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20

Also filed under Suspension

Electrical system

15% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2017-12-13

Also filed under Air bags and seat belts

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-30

I am reporting a transmission safety problem with my 2016 Ram 2500 Cummins that began shortly after FCA campaign U29 was performed. Before the recall work, the transmission and original solenoid were functioning normally.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-31

Service brakes

14% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show 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, 2023-10-10

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, 2023-09-21

Safety timeline

14 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2015-12-21Electrical system, engine and engine cooling15V592000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2016Complaint volume 258 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2016-07-01Equipment16E041000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2017-06-26Air bags17V302000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2017-08-30Wheels17V499000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2018-02-14Equipment17V824000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2018-02-26Power train17V821000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2018-02-26Engine and engine cooling17V562000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2018-06-04Electrical system, vehicle speed control18V332000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2018-09-17Latches/locks/linkages, structure18V486000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2018-12-03Steering18E096000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. I
    2018-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-12-12 Steering loss due to linkage separation
  13. R
    2019-03-22Steering19V021000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2019-05-23Latches/locks/linkages19V347000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. I
    2019-12-01Engineering analysisClosed 2025-11-20 Steering loss due to linkage separation
  16. R
    2022-05-26Air bags21V632000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2025-02-13Air bags25V010000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. I
    2025-07-03Recall queryOpen Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Ram 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 64 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 43 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V592000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 16E041000 · Equipment
  • Recall 17V302000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V499000 · Wheels
  • Recall 17V824000 · Equipment
  • Recall 17V821000 · Power train
  • Recall 17V562000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V332000 · Electrical system, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 18V486000 · Latches/locks/linkages, structure
  • Recall 18E096000 · Steering
  • Recall 19V021000 · Steering
  • Recall 19V347000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 21V632000 · Air bags
  • Recall 25V010000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.