2016 Ram 2500 problems, complaints & recalls

2016 Ram 2500 recalls (12)

• Recall 25V010000Jan 16, 20256,066 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 21V632000Aug 12, 2021212,373 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 19V347000May 9, 20191,103,209 vehicles
  LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

  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 fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 19V021000Jan 25, 2019795,575 vehicles
  STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 18V486000Jul 27, 20181,149,223 vehicles
  LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 18V332000May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

  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 cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

  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.

  Remedy: 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 transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

• Recall 17V824000Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT

  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 valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

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

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 17V821000Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

  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 open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 17V562000Sep 12, 2017443,874 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 17V499000Aug 10, 20171,765 vehicles
  WHEELS

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 17V302000May 9, 20171,021,279 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 15V592000Sep 23, 201541 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

• RQ25003Opened Jul 3, 2025Open

  Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can ca…

• EA19004Opened Dec 1, 2019Closed Nov 20, 2025

  Steering loss due to linkage separation

  On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, …

• PE18016Opened Dec 17, 2018Closed Dec 12, 2019led to recall 19V021000

  Steering loss due to linkage separation

  On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Onc…

Recent 2016 Ram 2500 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Aug 31, 2026SCElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760982 · source
2. Filed Aug 25, 2026SCCrashTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11759520 · source
3. Filed Aug 1, 2026TXSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11754201 · source
4. Filed Jul 20, 2026ALSteeringSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11751693 · source
5. Filed Jul 14, 2026WVElectrical 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. This delay often lasts 5–10 minutes before the system becomes operational. During normal driving, the radio also displays repeated…

   NHTSA complaint #11750226 · source
6. Filed May 26, 202697,000 miTXSteering

   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 could not be completed because of an unrepaired recall repair. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number:…

   NHTSA complaint #11740029 · source
7. Filed Apr 22, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11733046 · source
8. Filed Feb 14, 2026NJOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 recall or tsb.

   NHTSA complaint #11718053 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology