2016 Ram 5500
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 19 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 17 total reports mention: wheels.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn the dual left rear tires had separated from the vehicle and the vehicle landed on the axle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230522
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while his driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake violently when all four tires detached from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230928
5 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
OUR TRANSFER CASE FAILED (BLOW APART) CAUSING A FIRE . WE HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO OUR DEALER AND FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS DODGE HAS NOT ALLOWED THE REPAIR TO PROCEED OR PROVIDED US WITH CONTACT INFORMATION OR A PATH FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191018
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250702
3 of 17 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
TRUCK STARTS SWAYING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (62-72MPH) STEERING IS NON-RESPONSIVE WHEN TRYING TO CORRECT THE SWAY AND THEN STEERING WILL CATCH IMMEDIATELY AND THE SWAYING GETS WORSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151205
2 of 17 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WAS NOT ALIGNED AND THE FRAME WAS LEANING TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170602
TRUCK STARTS SWAYING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (62-72MPH) STEERING IS NON-RESPONSIVE WHEN TRYING TO CORRECT THE SWAY AND THEN STEERING WILL CATCH IMMEDIATELY AND THE SWAYING GETS WORSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151205
2 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
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 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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V495000 — 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 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 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 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
Front Driveshaft Failure
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V398000 — check if this car was fixed
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Ram 5500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V592000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V495000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V824000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V398000 (wheels) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Ram 5500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 5500?
The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 5500 have?
7 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.