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).
2016 RAM 2500 recalls
Side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments
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
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
A plastic limiter tab in the power tailgate actuator may crack or fracture.
Steering Link Can Separate, Causing Loss of Steering Control
The steering linkage jam nut on the outboard end of the drag link can loosen over time.
Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 64 |
| Engine | 53 |
| Steering | 43 |
| Electrical System | 39 |
| Service Brakes | 34 |
| Unknown Or Other | 33 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 |
| Structure | 13 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 |
| Air Bags | 12 |
What owners report
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.
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
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
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
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.