2016 RAM 2500 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

12 safety recalls on file

The 2016 RAM 2500 has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 259 complaints with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 3 fires, 10 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (64 reports).

12Recalls
259Owner complaints
16Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 2500?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 RAM 2500 recalls

Side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments

Recall 25V010Jan 16, 20256,066 vehicles affected

The left and/or right side curtain airbag inflators in certain Ram pickups may rupture because of a manufacturing defect.

Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Fail and Injure Occupants

Recall 21V632Aug 12, 2021212,373 vehicles affected

Certain Ram pickups have a side curtain air bag inflator whose end cap can detach, or whose inflator housing can rupture.

Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving

Recall 19V347May 9, 20191,103,209 vehicles affected

A plastic limiter tab in the power tailgate actuator may crack or fracture.

Steering Link Can Separate, Causing Loss of Steering Control

Recall 19V021Jan 25, 2019795,575 vehicles affected

The steering linkage jam nut on the outboard end of the drag link can loosen over time.

Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving

Recall 18V486Jul 27, 20181,149,223 vehicles affected

Some pickup trucks with a power locking tailgate and a 5 foot 7 inch or 6 foot 4 inch bed may have a tailgate actuator limiter tab that can fracture.

Cruise Control May Not Shut Off, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 18V332May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles affected

A short circuit in the wiring can stop the cruise control from disengaging, whether by pressing the brake pedal or switching the system off manually.

Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge

Recall 17V824Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles affected

Some in-vehicle Kidde fire extinguishers, sold with certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM vehicles, may become clogged.

Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal

Recall 17V821Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehicles affected

A brake interlock pin in the column-shift transmission can stick in the open position after the brake pedal is pressed for a long time while the vehicle is running and in Park.

Leaking Water Pump Can Cause Engine Fire

Recall 17V562Sep 12, 2017443,874 vehicles affected

Certain RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks with 6.7L Cummins diesel engines may have Concentric-brand water pumps that lack a vent hole.

Aluminum wheels can crack and cause sudden air loss

Recall 17V499Aug 10, 20171,765 vehicles affected

Certain heavy-duty trucks that were modified by an aftermarket company to use cast aluminum Katla 8.5-inch road wheels may have wheels whose outer surface can fracture.

Side Curtain Airbags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy

Recall 17V302May 9, 20171,021,279 vehicles affected

Certain pickup trucks may have a fault in their Occupant Restraint Controller triggered by a roll rate sensor.

Engine May Stall Without Warning, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 15V592Sep 23, 201541 vehicles affected

Certain 2016 Ram 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 trucks built between July 31 and August 13, 2015, with a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine may have an Engine Control Module (ECM) that can short circuit.

Most common 2016 RAM 2500 problems

Problem areas named in the 259 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train64
Engine53
Steering43
Electrical System39
Service Brakes34
Unknown Or Other33
Vehicle Speed Control17
Structure13
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Air Bags12

What owners report

2026-10-22, Air Bags
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, Electrical System
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 transmission solenoid May 4-6, 2026. I picked the truck up May 6 at 149,091 miles. About 79 miles later, the check-engine light came on and transmission problems began. While driving, including on the interstate, the truck would suddenly jerk, the RPMs would rise quickly, and the truck would lose speed. On several occasions, traffic behind me had to react q
2026-08-25, Power Train
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 indicating a problem before the incident. The cause has not yet been determined and the vehicle has not yet been inspected for this incident. The vehicle is available for inspection. This vehicle is equipped with a steering-column-mounted automatic transmission shifter. I am concerned that the incident may involve the transmission/shift interlock/Park s
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 did to "FIX" the issue for the recall. They have been no help and said that because it was and approved repair even though this should never of been a long term solution.. according to them I'm SOL and the dealership can align it but other shops are saying that you can't truly align the car and steering with that fix in place. I would hope that you p
2026-07-20, Steering
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 remains stranded at a secondary residential location. IV. EXPEDITION OF COMPLAINT: DEALERSHIP BAD-FAITH REFUSAL Following the failure, a corporate case file was officially opened with Ram Corporate Customer Care. Upon notification of the corporate escalation, the owner/general management of Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hoover, AL placed a direc

2016 RAM 2500 questions

Does the 2016 RAM 2500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2016 RAM 2500: Side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments; Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Fail and Injure Occupants; Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving; Steering Link Can Separate, Causing Loss of Steering Control; Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 259 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (64), Engine (53), Steering (43).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 RAM 2500 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other RAM 2500 years

Other 2016 RAM models