Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 3500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering29
- Wheels21
- Engine21
- Power train19
- Unknown or other16
- Service brakes11
- Electrical system10
- Suspension10
- Air bags8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 6 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 62 2016 3500 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 13 people died inside them, and 7 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
Recalls in Canada
19 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500.
| 2025013 16 Jan 2025 | Airbag Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators may be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could ru… |
| 2024548 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2021511 12 Aug 2021 | Airbag Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators could be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could… |
| 2021336 28 May 2021 | Wheels Issue: On certain pickup and chassis-cab trucks, the owner's manual and service manual list the wrong torque specification for the wheel nuts. As a result, so… |
| 2020312 8 Jul 2020 | Steering Issue: This recall is for certain replacement parts for use on Ram Heavy Duty trucks that were sold by dealer parts departments. This recall is not being cond… |
| 2019441 30 Aug 2019 | Structure Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate, the tailgate may open while driving. If this occurs, cargo that is not secured could fall out… |
| 2019420 21 Aug 2019 | Other Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempere… |
| 2019221 10 May 2019 | Structure Issue: Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2019441. Please see recall 2019441 for more information. On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tai… |
| 2019038 25 Jan 2019 | Steering Issue: On certain trucks, a nut in the steering system could loosen and cause a loss of steering control. This problem affects trucks equipped with a 4x4 styl… |
| 2018398 31 Jul 2018 | Structure Certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate may experience unintended opening of the tailgate. If this occurs while driving, unrestrained cargo could … |
| 2018269 17 May 2018 | Engine On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated. If this occurs and the driver does not apply the… |
| 2018230 3 May 2018 | Accessories FCA Canada has determined that some Mopar gooseneck trailer hitch ball kits may not fully seat and lock into the truck hardware as intended. This can be caused … |
| 2017663 22 Dec 2017 | Accessories On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers… |
| 2017659 21 Dec 2017 | Powertrain On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative. This could allow the ste… |
| 2017441 13 Sept 2017 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with 6.7 litre diesel engines, the water pump could fail. This could result in an underhood fire causing injury and/or property dam… |
| 2017250 10 May 2017 | Airbag On certain vehicles equipped with Occupant Restraint Controllers (“ORC”) with roll rate sensing, under certain external conditions, a fault may be set relating … |
| 2016337 29 Jun 2016 | Powertrain On certain cab chassis trucks, due to a defect in the transfer case, the rear main output shaft could fracture. This could result in a loss of motive power, whi… |
| 2016214 12 May 2016 | Accessories *** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** Certain Mopar canv… |
| 2015421 23 Sept 2015 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engines, during production, the Engine Control Module (ECM) could have been damaged and result in an inter… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ram told its dealers about the 2016 Ram 3500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010205 | Plate - Planetary |
| 11002737 | Emission Recall 67A D Truck Engine Calibration |
| 11002526 | EMISSION RECALL 67A D Truck Engine Calibration |
| 11001134 | "6.7L Diesel Emissions Warranty Extension XQ1 Special Warranty Extension" |
| 11001125 | "6.7L Diesel Emissions Warranty Extension XQ1 Special Warranty Extension" |
| 11001049 | Warranty Bulletin D-24-10 (XQ1) Emission Control System Components Select 2013 - 2019 RAM 2500 Pickup (DJ) and 2013- 2019 RAM 3500 Pickup (D2) |
| 11001020 | On Board Diagnosis (OBD) Monitor Readiness Information |
| 10251812 | Emission Recall 67A D Truck Engine Calibration |
| 10251783 | Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On |
| 10248914 | Emission Recall 67A - D Truck Engine Calibration |
| 10248846 | Steering Drag Link If drag link had been welded due to V06 recall repair and there is an alignment concern, prior to drag link replacement ensure that the welded draglink toe setting procedure has been followed first. ~ ~ Service Library: 02 - Front Suspension / Wheel Alignment / Standard Procedure / TOE SETTING PROCEDURE FOR TRUCKS WITH DRAG LINK RECALL WELD ~ |
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244356 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10243209 | FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC |
| 10243208 | Warranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev. B) |
| 10242795 | 6.7L New Oil Usage Information Incorrect oil used. This bulletin provides information regarding the correct oil grade to use on the 6.7L Cummins used in the 2023 to 2013 HD Trucks. The following information is intended to eliminate confusion. |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10239957 | Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant |
| 10236933 | wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK |
| 10236873 | Ambient Air Temperature Missing, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Lamp On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open, P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High |
| 10236871 | Ambient Temperature Sensor Servicing. |
| 10235028 | Headlamp Bulb |
| 10234420 | Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On |
| 10231735 | Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Steering loss due to linkage separation
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation