2016 Ram 2500 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

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 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
4. 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
5. Filed Nov 10, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

   Incident Report – Gear Shift Failure Date of Incident: 11/10/2025 Vehicle: 2016 Ram 2500 Pickup Truck VIN [XXX] Mileage: [Insert Mileage] Location: [Insert Location of Incident] Description of Incident While attempting to shift the vehicle from Park (P) into Drive (D), the shift lever suddenly went limp and lost all resistance. Upon applying slight additional pressure to engage the transmission, the shift lever snapped off completely. The gear shift bracket—the component…

   NHTSA complaint #11698580 · source
6. Filed Oct 13, 2025WVTransmission & Drivetrain

   I previously had recall 17V-821 work completed. This recall was for The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) locking pin may become stuck in the open position. I have the same issue now and see that NHTSA is investigating failed recall fixes. I have taken this to the dealer and an independent shop and am now trying to figure out how to get this repaired.

   NHTSA complaint #11693040 · source
7. Filed Sep 29, 2025238,000 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the shift solenoid change message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift and had no power. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty shift solenoid. The replacement parts were on backorder. The local dealer later informed the contact that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11690345 · source
8. Filed Jul 14, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission gear selector lever can be moved from park to reverse, neutral, and drive without having the brake pedal depressed. This is the way the transmission gear selector currently operates. This is not a one-time incident. I bought this vehicle recently and noticed this transmission gear selector lever issue about a month ago.

   NHTSA complaint #11673363 · source
9. 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
10. Filed Sep 7, 2024SCTransmission & Drivetrain

    I have a 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon that i have turned into a show truck. The truck has never been off-road or in the mud, it is driven to and from the shows. Last [XXX] as i was driving to Hickory, NC for a car show on Saturday August 31st my truck instantly lost power and turned on the engine light. The transmission felt like it was stuck in second or third gear, so i pulled over and scanned the PCM to see what the DTC code and it came back as P0870. Went online to research…

    NHTSA complaint #11613233 · source
11. Filed Feb 28, 202330,000 miOKCrashTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off with the key out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled backward and crashed into some trees. Additionally, the contact was able to move the gear shifter while the vehicle was turned off. The contact's son was inside the vehicle when the failure occurred; however, no injuries…

    NHTSA complaint #11509458 · source
12. Filed Jul 15, 2022NYTransmission & Drivetrain

    Previous FCA campaign #U30 of solonoid pack for transmission 68rfe has been completed in 2018 and in June of 2022 a transmission service technician stated the one from the recall was faulty and needed replaced. Upon replacement with OEM solonoid pack the truck went into limp mode and was locked into 4th gear. Vehicle is undrivable and at the dealer. After further inspection the solonoid issue caused the clutch pack to shed debris into the bottom on the transmission pan which…

    NHTSA complaint #11474197 · source

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