🚗 AutoDefect IQ

2016 Ram 2500 problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (54) · Steering (37) · Service Brakes (25)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

77 /100
⚠ Buy with caution

Compared against other Ram 2500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 75 complaints 75 <25k 25–50k miles: 37 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 14 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 12 complaints 75–100k 100–125k miles: 3 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 3 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 4 complaints 150k+

148 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

259
Complaints
14
Recalls
463
Service bulletins
16
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Deaths

Safety recalls (14)

Air Bags:side/Window:curtain:inflator 2025-01-16 · campaign 25V010000 · 6,066 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: 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. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Air Bags:side/Window:curtain:inflator 2021-08-12 · campaign 21V632000 · 212,373 vehicles

Defect: 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. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

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 vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:tailgate:latch 2019-05-09 · campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles

Defect: 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. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may f

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.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection 2019-01-25 · campaign 19V021000 · 795,575 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Steering:linkages 2018-10-16 · campaign 18E096000 · 847 vehicles

Defect: 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. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:tailgate:latch 2018-07-27 · campaign 18V486000 · 1,149,223 vehicles

Defect: 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. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical System:software 2018-05-17 · campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Defect: 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 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the c

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.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmissi

Equipment 2017-12-21 · campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the v

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift 2017-12-20 · campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Defect: 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 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the op

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 rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel 2017-09-12 · campaign 17V562000 · 443,874 vehicles

Defect: 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. These water pumps may leak coolant.

Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Fix: 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.

Wheels 2017-08-10 · campaign 17V499000 · 1,765 vehicles

Defect: 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. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:side/Window:curtain 2017-05-09 · campaign 17V302000 · 1,021,279 vehicles

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

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 crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

Fix: 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.

Equipment 2016-05-16 · campaign 16E041000 · 345 vehicles

Defect: 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. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical System:ignition:module 2015-09-23 · campaign 15V592000 · 41 vehicles

Defect: 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. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.

Risk: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Service bulletins (463)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Engine 2026-09-21 · 9100923 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

air cleaner - none instruction to dealers while ordering the pn# 68137142ad. 1. if the air cleaner assembly is functional and only the maf sensor has failed, the dealer should order and replace only the maf sensor(68002441ac). 2. if the air cleaner assembly has failed and the maf sensor remains func

Service Brakes 2026-06-26 · S1203000003 REV.A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

trac-rite operation diagnosis, chatter, shudder, moving from a stop and turning

Engine 2026-06-17 · 112906 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

bearing - crankshaft thrust and kit

Engine 2026-06-17 · 112906 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

bearing - crankshaft thrust and kit

Structure:body 2026-06-12 · S1623000028 Rev. K · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

outside power fold rearview mirror noise or loose at pivot. mirror contacts door window glass in the folded position.

Structure:body 2026-06-05 · S1623000028 REV.J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

outside power fold rearview mirror noise or loose at pivot. mirror contacts door window glass in the folded position.

Showing the 6 most recent of 463 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2026-10-22 · Air Bags · 💥 crash

“i hit a deer coming around a corner at probably 45 mph, dead center in the middle of my bumper. my airbags did not deploy, and my front sensors did not alert me before collision.…”

2026-08-31 · Power Train

“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 dealership performed u29 and replaced the transmissi…”

2026-08-25 · Power Train · 💥 crash

“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. there were no known warning lights or messages indica…”

2026-08-01 · Steering

“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%. the repair was done in 2019, and i have complained about this in the past once i realized what they di…”

2026-07-20 · Suspension

“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 highway safety hazard. the vehicle was so dangerous to operate that it could not be driven home and rem…”

2026-07-14 · Electrical System

“to whom it may concern, i am requesting a no-cost replacement of the factory uconnect 8.4 radio in my truck (vin: [xxx]) due to daily safety-related failures that significantly affect the safe operation of my vehicle. every day, the radio experiences a startup delay where the screen remains black and many center stack functions are unavailable. t…”

2026-05-26 · Steering · 97,000 mi

“the contact owns a 2016 ram 2500. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. in addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel independently steered the vehicle to the right. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the contact was informed that the alignment cou…”

2026-05-02 · Service Brakes

“electronic brake controller faulty…”

2026-04-22 · Power Train

“grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.…”

2026-02-14 · Unknown Or Other

“got into my truck after letting it warm up and the shifter broke out of the handle. it’s a known problem cause the design is flawed by putting so much pressure on the part. so in the end it breaks and then you can’t get your vehicle out of park or whatever gear it broke in. i was charged 718.00 for it to get fixed when i think this should be a reca…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Ram 2500 years