CarRecallWatchThe 2016 RAM 3500 has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA, including 12 crashes, 5 fires, 6 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (30 reports).
2016 RAM 3500 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.
Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs
Some RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks and cab chassis were built with incorrect torque information in the Service and Owner's Manuals.
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.
Transfer Case Shaft Can Break, Causing Power Loss or Rollaway
The transfer case in these trucks may have been built with a misshapen main output shaft, which can create voids that lead to the shaft fracturing.
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 3500 problems
Problem areas named in the 134 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 30 |
| Wheels | 21 |
| Engine | 21 |
| Power Train | 19 |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 |
| Service Brakes | 11 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Suspension | 10 |
| Air Bags | 8 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
What owners report
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 be replaced in order to allow adjustment to put the vehicle steering system into correct alignment. Driving a vehicle without proper front end alignment can cause premature tire wear contributing to tire failure and/or pulling to the right or left contributing to a possible accident condition. The manufacturer is refusing to pay for the replacement parts/repairs that, but for the recall remedy, w
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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,526.
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 manufacture was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that her husband hooked the vehicle up to a handheld diagnostic machine where codes: P003A, P006a, P0046 populated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering rack fractured, and the contact was no longer able to maneuver the vehicle. The contact strapped the steering wheel into place to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the cause of the failure was not known. The vehicle was not repaired. Another dealer was contacted and confirmed that the steering rack needed to be replaced and assisted the contact with finding the parts to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure pe
2016 RAM 3500 questions
Does the 2016 RAM 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2016 RAM 3500: Side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments; Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Fail and Injure Occupants; Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs; Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving; Steering Link Can Separate, Causing Loss of Steering Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 3500?
Based on 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (30), Wheels (21), Engine (21).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 RAM 3500 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.