Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2016 Ram 2500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2025
The most reported issue is power train problems (36 complaints). 14 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (14)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V021000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18E096000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V347000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V486000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V332000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V632000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V821000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V499000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V302000
Component: AIR BAGS
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V562000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V592000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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 Campaign: 16E041000
Component: EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Risk: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V010000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 250)
Power Train →4 issues
While shifting your 2016 Ram 2500 from Park into Drive, the shift lever suddenly became loose and then snapped off completely. The gear shift bracket that holds the shift rod fractured at the connection point, leaving your truck stuck in Park and unable to be driven. The fix will require replacing the broken shift lever bracket with a new OEM part and inspecting the surrounding shift linkage for any additional damage.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck had a recall repair done for the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) locking pin getting stuck in the open position, but the same problem has happened again. This suggests the recall fix may not have worked properly on your vehicle. You'll need to contact your dealer or have an independent shop diagnose and repair the locking mechanism to ensure your transmission shifts correctly.
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Your vehicle displayed a shift solenoid change warning message and was taken to the dealer for a recall repair. After pickup, the vehicle wouldn't shift properly and had no power. The dealer diagnosed a faulty shift solenoid, but later determined the entire transmission was defective and needed replacement. The manufacturer declined to cover the repair costs. Fixing this will require replacing the transmission or the shift solenoid, depending on the dealer's final diagnosis.
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Your transmission gear selector lever can be moved out of Park and into Reverse, Neutral, or Drive without pressing the brake pedal, which shouldn't be possible for safety reasons. This happens consistently, not just once, and you've noticed it since purchasing the vehicle about a month ago. A mechanic will need to inspect and likely repair or replace the brake interlock mechanism that's supposed to prevent gear shifting without brake engagement.
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Engine →3 issues
Your turbo system failed suddenly while towing at highway speeds, causing a dangerous loss of power in heavy traffic. The check engine light came on, and diagnostic codes pointed to turbo actuator and turbo failure. The repair cost $5,400 and required replacement of both the turbo actuator and turbo assembly, though the dealer later noted that a 2015 model year bulletin (issued in 2022) covered the same failure with an extended 15-year/150,000-mile warranty.
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Your truck's variable geometry turbo (VGT) actuator has failed at 127,000 miles. The internal computer components in this part stopped working, and RAM is not covering the repair under warranty even though they extended coverage for 2015 models. The replacement part from RAM now costs around $2,170, which is nearly double what it cost a year ago. Getting this fixed will require replacing the VGT actuator assembly.
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The owner is providing additional information related to a previously filed complaint about the engine in their 2016 Ram 2500. No crash or fire was involved.
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Steering →3 issues
Your truck's drag link (a steering component) wasn't installed correctly, which prevents you from getting a proper wheel alignment. The dealership and RAM support refused to fix it again even though the incorrect installation is a safety issue.
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Your 2016 Ram 2500 had a steering recall repair completed that involved welding the tie rods together. When you later tried to get a wheel alignment, the shop discovered the welded tie rods prevented the alignment from being done and said the entire assembly would need to be replaced. The dealer confirmed the welding was part of the approved recall repair, but you weren't able to complete the alignment because of this.
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Your power steering system has a leak in the low pressure hose, which means you're losing power steering fluid regularly and having to refill it frequently. This is causing frustration because replacement parts appear to be difficult to obtain. While this doesn't pose an immediate safety risk, a leaking power steering system will eventually affect your steering responsiveness if the fluid level gets too low.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your trailer's integrated brake module isn't sending the correct electrical signal to activate the trailer brakes when you apply the brakes on your truck. This means your trailer may not brake properly or at all when towing, which is a serious safety concern. The issue likely requires diagnosis and repair or replacement of the integrated trailer brake module.
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Power Train,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your truck's gear shifter handle broke off while you were driving, leaving you stuck in park or whatever gear the truck was in at the time. This appears to be a design flaw where the shifter handle experiences too much stress and eventually breaks. Getting this repaired cost $718, and you believe this should have been addressed through a recall or technical service bulletin.
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Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your check engine light comes on while driving at various speeds, and your truck loses power and enters limp mode — a safety feature that limits engine performance. This happens intermittently, especially when towing, though sometimes restarting the vehicle temporarily fixes it. A diagnostic scan pointed to a fault code related to the turbo actuator on your diesel engine, and you were told the engine may need replacement. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and repairing or replacing the turbo actuator or related engine components.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
Your ABS (anti-lock braking) system is failing, which is also shutting off your traction control and cruise control. You've already replaced the front and rear ABS sensors, but the warning light remains on—suggesting the issue is likely with the ABS control module (HCU). The fix will involve diagnosing and potentially replacing the ABS hydraulic control unit.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your grab handle on the left interior broke and fell into your lap while driving because the plastic that holds the mounting screws failed. This left an airbag area exposed, creating a potential safety concern. The manufacturer discontinued the replacement part and has been unresponsive to your requests for an alternative solution.
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
Your truck's water pump may be a Concentric brand model that's missing a vent hole, which is part of a recall but isn't showing up when you check your vehicle identification number. This type of water pump can fail prematurely without proper venting. The fix would involve replacing the water pump with a properly vented unit.
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Steering,suspension →1 issue
Your dealership performed a recall repair by welding your tie rods together to fix a drag link defect, but this welded repair prevents your vehicle from being properly aligned at other shops. When you tried to get a front-end alignment after replacing your tires, the alignment shop said they couldn't proceed because of the welded tie rods, and the dealership told you it would cost $850 to replace them instead.
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Service Brakes,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your truck's DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) system has failed, and you're also seeing warning messages for ABS, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring. Additionally, your 4-wheel drive system is showing as temporarily unavailable and needs service. This combination of warnings suggests multiple system issues that need professional diagnosis to determine the underlying cause.
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Engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your check engine light came on, and your mechanic identified the problem as a faulty turbocharger actuator—the same issue covered under a warranty extension for 2015 RAM 2500 trucks. Since your 2016 model isn't included in that extension, you had to pay out of pocket to replace the turbocharger actuator to make your truck drivable again. The fix involved replacing the turbocharger actuator assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,seat Belts,wheels →1 issue
Your 2016 RAM 2500 has multiple open safety recalls that were marked as completed in the dealer system, but you believe they weren't actually fixed. Corwin Chrysler Dodge marked recalls completed (water pump and tailgate latch) and received payment, but other critical recalls—including steering drag linkage and engine recalibration—remain unresolved despite being flagged as done in the system. You're working with James River Dodge RAM to get these safety recalls properly inspected and corrected, as the original dealership claims they can't uncheck completed items in their system.
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