repaired · 2026 Q3
Curtain: inflator
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
2016 Ram 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 261 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram 2500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-499 the manufacturer reports only 11% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Ram 2500 has problems
261 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
64Power train8 crash/fire/injury
54Engine1 crash/fire/injury
43Steering
38Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
34Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
17Vehicle speed control
13Structure
12Air bags
12Fuel/propulsion system
5515 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 64 | 8 |
| Engine | 54 | 1 |
| Steering | 43 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 38 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 34 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 17 | 1 |
| Structure | 13 | 1 |
| Air bags | 12 | 6 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 55 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2016 Ram 2500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Side/window: curtain
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2020 Q4
Tailgate: latch
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Link: connection
Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q4
Tailgate: latch
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2019 Q4
Engine: diesel
Risk. The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Wheels
Risk. If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Air bags
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2017 Q1
Ignition: module
Risk. An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
26kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 40 power train complaints. 93% were reported before 100,000 miles.
24under 30k miles37under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other 2500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 2500 median. How we score
'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Ram 2500 safety ratings
2016 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 2WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Ram 2500, and the recalls they led to.
- Steering loss due to linkage separationNo recall
- Steering loss due to linkage separationLed to recall 19V-021
- Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpen
In owners' words
What 2500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. I had no transmission symptoms, warning lights, or transmission codes. The…
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. After she exited, the unoccupied vehicle unexpectedly began rolling and struck a tree, causing vehicle damage. No one was injured.…
Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.
Own a 2016 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.