repaired · 2026 Q3
Curtain: inflator
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
2016 Ram 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 134 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram 3500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 14 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 August 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Ram 3500 has problems
134 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
29Steering2 crash/fire/injury
21Wheels3 crash/fire/injury
21Engine1 crash/fire/injury
19Power train1 crash/fire/injury
11Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
10Suspension2 crash/fire/injury
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags
7Fuel/propulsion system
2911 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 29 | 2 |
| Wheels | 21 | 3 |
| Engine | 21 | 1 |
| Power train | 19 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 3 |
| Suspension | 10 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Air bags | 8 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 29 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2016 Ram 3500 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 · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Link: connection
Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
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 Q4
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other 3500 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 3500 median. How we score
'07'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Ram 3500, 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 3500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Pursuant to a manufacturer-issued safety recall (V06) on a steering assembly component, the manufacturer's remedy permanently damaged an otherwise functioning, adjustable steering component and created a financial barrier to basic vehicle maintenance. The component, post remedy, now would have to…
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that when he took his vehicle to be aligned, he was advised that the vehicle was not able to be aligned, due to a previous recall repair where the drag link was welded unless the drag link was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of this…
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle to the dealer for recall repair for a drag link failure, from a previous owner, the vehicle was misaligned and the vehicle was unable to be serviced and could not be properly aligned. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Own a 2016 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.