Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2016 Ram 3500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019
The most reported issue is steering problems (20 complaints). 12 complaints involved crashes. 5 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (16)
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: 21V398000
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
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: 16V495000
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Risk: If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48.
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 130)
Steering →3 issues
While driving at 70 MPH, your steering rack fractured, making it impossible to steer your vehicle. You had to strap the steering wheel in place to regain control and get the vehicle stopped safely. Two dealers confirmed the steering rack needed replacement, and after repairs were completed, the same steering problem returned even after the part was replaced. The steering rack will need to be diagnosed and repaired or replaced again to restore proper steering control.
Parts you may need:
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Your tires are showing excessive wear, and this problem started even after your truck was repaired under a recall (campaign 19V021000) that was supposed to fix a steering issue. The recall repair didn't actually solve the underlying problem, so the tire wear is continuing. You may need to have the steering system re-inspected and possibly realigned to prevent further damage to your tires.
Parts you may need:
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Your front passenger-side tires are wearing out prematurely because the steering linkage was welded as part of a recall repair, which prevents the vehicle from being properly aligned. The dealer says they need to replace the drag link assembly to fix the alignment, but they're waiting for manufacturer approval to do so.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →3 issues
Your truck displayed a warning message that it would enter LIMP Mode while you were towing a horse trailer at around 60,000 miles. You were able to drive a short distance to your destination, but the dealer couldn't diagnose or fix the problem. The manufacturer has been notified of the issue. Resolving this will likely require the dealer to run a complete engine diagnostic scan to identify which sensor or system triggered the limp mode warning.
Parts you may need:
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Your DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) pump failed at 62,500 miles. Ram issued a recall notice (67a) offering to reimburse you for repairs, but they denied your claim because you replaced the part yourself using Dodge dealer parts instead of having a dealer do the work. You paid $1,687.44 out of pocket for the DEF pump and parts.
Parts you may need:
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While driving at 45 MPH, your truck suddenly jerked and slowed down without any warning lights appearing. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as faulty fuel injectors worn from use. Even after repair, the problem continued to happen. Your truck is no longer under warranty.
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your 2016 Ram 3500 experienced an electrical fire in the cab while parked and not running. The fire occurred again when the door was opened at the dealership, and after the batteries were reconnected so you could tow the truck home, it became completely engulfed in flames the next day, also destroying a welder nearby. The dealership refused to diagnose the issue without a $350 fee despite your open case with FCA, and disconnected then reconnected the batteries without proper guidance. A full electrical system inspection and replacement of the faulty wiring harness or electrical components causing the fire will likely be necessary.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle's odometer reading doesn't match its service history. When you checked the Carfax report, it showed the truck had 370,000 miles back in 2022, but you purchased it with only 167,000 miles on the odometer. This suggests the mileage may have been altered or reset at some point. You'll need to contact Carfax and the seller to investigate the discrepancy and determine what actually happened to the vehicle's mileage.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension →2 issues
While towing a 35-foot horse trailer weighing over 26,000 pounds on the interstate, your Ram 3500 experienced severe vibration, shaking, and thumping sounds in the steering and suspension that worsened with acceleration—a condition known as "death wobble." This dangerous handling issue could affect your ability to control the vehicle safely while towing heavy loads. The fix will likely involve inspection and potential replacement of steering and suspension components such as the track bar, control arms, or front-end fasteners.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck has experienced death wobble — a violent shaking in the steering and suspension — four times over the last 18 months. The dealer has replaced the front track bar, right front wheel bearing pack, and front suspension stabilizer shock, but the root cause remains unknown. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate diagnosis to identify what's causing the repeated failures.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →2 issues
Your DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) pump failed, which reduced your truck's speed to 5 mph. You paid a diesel mechanic $2,865.81 to replace the pump after the dealer quoted $3,900 for the same repair. You claim Ram promised reimbursement through a recall but denied your request for the out-of-pocket cost you paid.
Parts you may need:
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Your DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) pump failed and you paid for the repair out of pocket. A recall was later issued for this part, so you submitted a warranty claim, but it was denied because you hadn't completed a required software update (download 67a) before the repair—even though that update wasn't available when your pump failed. You believe your truck qualifies for the recall based on mileage and date of manufacture.
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your Ram 3500's steering drag link was welded during a 2020 safety recall, which makes it impossible to adjust. Since then, mechanics have refused to perform front-end alignments because the welded drag link can't be adjusted, and they say this compromises your steering control and causes uneven tire wear. The dealership says the recall is complete, but new Ram 3500s come with adjustable drag links, suggesting the welded repair may be inadequate. Fixing this issue would likely require replacing the welded drag link with an adjustable one that allows for proper front-end alignment and maintenance.
Parts you may need:
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Your backup camera cuts out intermittently when you shift into reverse, leaving you without a clear view behind the truck. When it does work, the Uconnect display shows a fuzzy, distorted image that looks like signal interference. Opening and closing the tailgate sometimes fixes it temporarily, but the problem keeps returning. The fix may involve checking the camera wiring, replacing the backup camera, or addressing the Uconnect system connection.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →1 issue
After your dealership repaired your heater, the airbag warning light came on. The dealer discovered that your steering wheel airbag harness was either shorted or crushed during the heater repair work. The dealership stated the part is no longer available and has no solution, meaning you'd have to drive the vehicle with a disabled airbag. The fix would likely involve replacing the damaged airbag harness and possibly the steering wheel airbag module itself.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your truck experienced three separate fires while parked and unattended. The first fire started in the center console, the second fire at the dealership spread to the passenger seat and roof, and the third fire engulfed the entire cab. Each fire started spontaneously without any apparent cause while the truck was simply sitting parked. The issue likely involves an electrical short circuit or wiring defect in the center console area that requires immediate inspection and wiring replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your truck's parking brake and shifter system isn't working reliably. You've experienced the truck rolling forward while in Park and the engine starting without pressing the brake pedal, and the shifter sometimes locks up and won't engage gears. Your truck has also developed steering issues and tire wear problems that the dealership says can't be fully fixed. A previous recall update (67A) was supposed to address the parking brake but appears not to have solved the problem.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your truck's Hydraulic Control Unit (a critical component that manages braking and stability systems) has failed multiple times and keeps being replaced. When this part fails, your anti-lock brakes, traction control, park assist, and cruise control stop working properly, which creates a safety risk. You'll see warning lights and messages for ABS and traction control appear after the failure happens. The dealer has confirmed this problem can happen repeatedly, so fixing it will likely require replacing the Hydraulic Control Unit again or diagnosing why the replacements keep failing.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic →1 issue
After your truck was involved in an accident, your brakes stopped working when you pressed the pedal. Your vehicle continued moving forward about 600 feet until the ABS system finally brought it to a stop. A mechanic found that your brake master cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair involved replacing the brake master cylinder.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your cruise control switch is working intermittently, making it difficult to turn the cruise control on. It's also unreliable when trying to turn it off using either the brake pedal or the switch. This unpredictability could create a safety concern while driving.
Parts you may need:
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