2016 Ram 2500 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Ram 2500, 17% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 134,000 mi.

Engine complaints
20
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
134,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine18
Engine and engine cooling2
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan1

Engine complaints across Ram 2500 years

12009620132020141320152020163820174220183320193420202820213520221220239202410202542026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k60k–100k2100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • 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 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.

What owners say

  1. 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
  2. Filed Feb 13, 2026GAEngine
    The vgt actuator failed the truck only has 127000 miles on it ram extended the warranty for 2015 trucks but not 2016. The part to replace it from ram has almost doubled in a years time. It is now $2170. For this part whose internal computer components have failed. The files uploaded was just for the part. I can upload the repair cost when done. I am just trying to get everyone to see how corrupt these companies are becoming. They could have saved themselves some problems if…
    NHTSA complaint #11717792 · source
  3. Filed Feb 12, 2026113,000 miILTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but also occurred while towing a 30-foot trailer or a 24-foot trailer. Occasionally, after pulling over, turning off, and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. On other occasions, the vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11717651 · source
  4. Filed May 29, 2025UTEngine
    Towing my trailer with my 2016 Ram 2500, at 48,000 miles I experienced complete turbo failure in heavy traffic at highway speeds. Power was reduced to minimums causing hazardous conditions. The "check engine" light illuminated. I maintained control and eventually had the codes scanned at both a local auto parts store and Larry Miller Dodge/Ram in Sandy, Utah. The codes identified were for the turbo actuator/turbo. Larry Miller said they could replace the actuator, but I'd be…
    NHTSA complaint #11663742 · source
  5. Filed May 28, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    It is the Water pump We have the Concentric brand with out a vent hole picture attached ( which is the one under recall but doesn’t come up on our vin) Yes A Mechanic No No
    NHTSA complaint #11663422 · source
  6. Filed Apr 6, 2025MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The service engine lamp came on. When the mechanic investigated, it was determined that the problem is identical to the Warranty Bulletin titled Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X99 Warranty Extension that pertains to the 2015 RAM 2500 pickup. My vehicle is a 2016 and there is no warranty extension, even though it is an identical problem. The vehicle was not drivable as is and I had to replace the Turbocharger Actuator. I am assuming that this is a known problem to…
    NHTSA complaint #11653069 · source
  7. Filed May 28, 2024WAEngine
    It is known that the 2016 Ram crew cab 4x4 has exhaust leak problems. The bolts on the exhaust manifold will break and exhaust will escape the manifold causing extra heat to flow into the engine bay, and fumes to enter the cabin of the vehicle. carbon monoxide is colorless and orderless and causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even death if inhaled. The exhaust manifold leaks must be fixed.
    NHTSA complaint #11591048 · source
  8. Filed Sep 27, 2023WAEngine
    We were driving our 2016 Ram in July 20, 2023 to Yakima, WA which is 200 miles away from our home. About 50 miles north of town, our check engine light came on and our power was reduced to a minimal speed. We cautiously drove to the next rest area and turned the engine off. We waited about 30 minutes, restarted the engine and continued to Yakima. We had the code checked and turned off at an Oreily's parts store. We drove it to an Independant diesel service center since the…
    NHTSA complaint #11546887 · source
  9. Filed Apr 24, 2023CAElectrical SystemEngine
    6.7L Cummins diesel Known Grid heater bolt broke and could leave people stranded as it causes catastrophic engine failure and or damage leading up to $20 to $30K in engine repairs. Ram knows about this issue and is doing nothing about it. Mine broke and I caught it just before it destroyed my engine. the fix was a $1k kit. This bolt corrodes and and drops down into the intake in which destroys the #6 cylinder, piston, wall and valves. Ram is doing nothing to fix the problem…
    NHTSA complaint #11518672 · source
  10. Filed Feb 9, 2023MIElectrical SystemEngine
    The grid heater bolt that is on the bottom side of the grid heater. It fails and the bolt falls off and get sucked into the engine destroying the piston and cylinder causing an over 10,000$ expense.
    NHTSA complaint #11506481 · source
  11. Filed Feb 7, 2023AZElectrical SystemEngine
    This message is in regards to Static NHTSA Bulletin 09-005-22 / D- 22- 06 Dated March 16, 2022. The above listed warranty extension extends Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel Model year 2015 to 150,000 miles or 15 years if code U010C is indicated on MIL. My truck meets all above criteria but is a model year 2016. However, there is no changes in mechanicals between the 2015 and 2016 model year. My truck, at 114,000 miles just indicated this issue and the estimated cost of repairs…
    NHTSA complaint #11505949 · source
  12. Filed May 25, 2022CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I was driving my truck on the freeway pulling a loaded stock trailer. The truck suddenly down shifted into fourth gear and the engine RPM’s maxed out! I almost crashed the truck because the momentum of the trailer pushed the truck sideways on the freeway. I had to avoid traffic and get to the shoulder. Truck would not shift out of fourth gear and truck shifted into 4WD low also on its own. Had truck towed to dealers ship and was told a shift solenoid went out. Because of…
    NHTSA complaint #11466065 · source

Other 2016 Ram 2500 problem areas

Back to all 2016 Ram 2500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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