CarModelProblems.com

2016 Ram 2500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 2.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
254Complaints
14Recalls
14Crashes
3Fires
10Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (24.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Power Train complaints here are 2.9× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train62 · 24.4%RecalledRecall 17V821000
Engine53 · 20.9%RecalledRecall 17V562000 · Recall 15V592000
Steering41 · 16.1%RecalledRecall 19V021000 · Recall 18E096000
Electrical System36 · 14.2%RecalledRecall 18V332000
Service Brakes34 · 13.4%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control16 · 6.3%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN62 · 24.4%
ENGINE53 · 20.9%
STEERING41 · 16.1%
SERVICE BRAKES34 · 13.4%
Unspecified / other33 · 13%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16 · 6.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12 · 4.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY12 · 4.7%
AIR BAGS11 · 4.3%

Percentages are the share of the 254 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 14 campaigns

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

NHTSA campaign 19V021000 · 2019 · reported 01/25/2019

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:linkages

NHTSA campaign 18E096000 · 2018 · reported 10/16/2018

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 2019 · reported 05/09/2019

If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:tailgate

NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 2018 · reported 07/27/2018

If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018 · reported 05/17/2018

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 2021 · reported 08/12/2021

A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 2017 · reported 12/20/2017

Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Wheels

NHTSA campaign 17V499000 · 2017 · reported 08/10/2017

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 2017 · reported 12/21/2017

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 2017 · reported 05/09/2017

If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

NHTSA campaign 17V562000 · 2017 · reported 09/12/2017

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 15V592000 · 2015 · reported 09/23/2015

An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 16E041000 · 2016 · reported 05/16/2016

If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 2025 · reported 01/16/2025

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 62AND 80MPH THE TRUCK DEVELOPS A SHACK THROUGH THE WHOLE TRUCK THAT MAKE IT HARD TO SEE OUT OF MIRRORS AND IS…”NHTSA complaint 11130258 — filed 09/18/2018 · POWER TRAIN
“DRIVING 73 MPH AND LOUD 'EXPLOSION' AND VIOLENT SHAKE CAME FROM CENTER OF TRUCK. CLOSE TO LITHIA DODGE IN BRYAN TX. PULLED IN TO SEE…”NHTSA complaint 11129779 — filed 09/16/2018 · POWER TRAIN
“FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO, I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE 4WD SHIFT IN PROGRESS MESSAGE COMING ON AT RANDOM TIMES. I…”NHTSA complaint 11124563 — filed 09/05/2018 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

52015422016462017692018462019322020242021222022322023152024212025142026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 2500?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 62 of 254 NHTSA complaints (24.4%), followed by engine (53), steering (41), electrical system (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Ram 2500 have?

254 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 14 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 10 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Ram 2500 have any recalls?

Yes — 14 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V021000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Ram 2500's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.