2016 Ram 2500: raw data

Every record we hold for this vehicle, as plain tables, with nothing added. The consumer page shows the same records with the maintenance schedule, price ranges and nearby shops around them.

vehicle2016 / ram / 2500
known issues7 clusters (reviewed 2026-08-20)
complaints258 on file (2015-10-22 → 2026-08-31)
recalls14
investigations3
fars209 occupant deaths, crash years 2010-2024 (legacy-code)
indexedyes
licenseCC BY 4.0 (derived)

Known Issues clusters all years →

Drag link recall weld prevents wheel alignmentSTEERING32 complaints2019-04 → 2026-08ram-2500-2016-drag-link-weld-alignment
  • 11228317 DRAG LINK JAM NUTS KEEP COMING LOOSE. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME SINCE OWNING THE TRUCK
  • 11300416 I CALLED MY DEALER ABOUT A RECENT RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD BE WELDING THE THREADS ON MY CENTER DRAG LINK. THIS PREVENTS THE STEERING WHEEEL FROM EVER BEING ADJUSTED AFTER AN ALIGNMENT
  • 11241993 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TOWING A CARGO TRAILER
ABS control module and HCU failureSERVICE BRAKES16 complaints2021-03 → 2025-12ram-2500-2016-abs-hcu-module-failure
  • 11559441 My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work
  • 11587004 Service ABS SYSTEM warning light came on dash - July 2023. ABS is not functional. Traction /stability control is not functional. Scanned codes - OBDII code C0020
  • 11570136 Abs module failure is common in alot of rams part number 68252611ae
Turbocharger actuator failure on 6.7L Cummins engineENGINE7 complaints2023-02 → 2026-02ram-2500-2016-turbo-actuator-failure
  • 11653069 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
  • 11717792 The vgt actuator failed the truck only has 127000 miles on it ram extended the warranty for 2015 trucks but not 2016
  • 11663742 Towing my trailer with my 2016 Ram 2500, at 48,000 miles I experienced complete turbo failure in heavy traffic at highway speeds
Grid heater bolt failure causing engine damageELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE4 complaints2021-08 → 2026-04ram-2500-2016-grid-heater-bolt-failure
  • 11733046 Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving
  • 11518672 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 $30K in engine repairs
  • 11506481 The grid heater bolt that is on the bottom side of the grid heater. It fails and the bolt falls off and get sucked into the engine destroying the piston and cylinder causing an over 10,000$ expense
Tailgate opens unexpectedly while drivingSTRUCTURE5 complaints2018-04 → 2024-01ram-2500-2016-tailgate-opens-while-driving
  • 11084255 WHEN OPERATING 2016 RAM 2500 AND TOWING A TRAILER, THE TAILGATE DROPPED WHILE TRAVELING CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO BECOME DAMAGED AND STRIKING THE TRAILERS JACK HANDLE AND BENDING TAILGATE
  • 11443970 The tailgate still falls open unexpectedly while driving after the tailgate recall repair was done
  • 11124708 WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TAILGATE UNLATCHED AND OPENED INDEPENDENTLY, WHICH CAUSED THE ITEMS ON THE BED OF THE VEHICLE TO FALL ONTO THE HIGHWAY
Tire tread separationTIRES4 complaints2019-08 → 2024-09ram-2500-2016-tire-tread-separation
  • 11541238 The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the tread of the front passenger’s side tire separated, causing the vehicle to start shaking abnormally
  • 11497118 Truck started shaking like a tire was out of round. Right front tire had separation (several large bubbles on the inside of the tire)
  • 11614360 The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started severely vibrating and shaking on the front passenger’s side of the vehicle
Vehicle shifts out of park or rolls away unexpectedlyPOWER TRAIN17 complaints2018-04 → 2026-02ram-2500-2016-park-rollaway-shifter
  • 11083580 WHILE PARKED AT HOME, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY WHILE ENGAGED IN PARK
  • 11221567 WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY, IT SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED IN REVERSE UP A SMALL HILL, CRASHED INTO A HOUSE, AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP ONLY BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM REVERSING ANY FURTHER
  • 11698580 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

NHTSA complaints (summary) all years →

countearliest_datelatest_datecrash_flaggedfire_flaggedtop_components
2582015-10-222026-08-31153POWER TRAIN:64; ENGINE:53; STEERING:43; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:38; SERVICE BRAKES:35

Recalls all years →

campaign_numberreport_received_datecomponentsummaryconsequenceremedy
19V02100025/01/2019STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTIONChrysler (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.A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.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.
18E09600016/10/2018STEERING:LINKAGESStreetcar 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.The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.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.
19V34700009/05/2019LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCHChrysler (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.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.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.
18V48600027/07/2018STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATEChrysler (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.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.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.
18V33200017/05/2018ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGChrysler (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.If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.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.
21V63200012/08/2021AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATORChrysler (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.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.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.
17V82100020/12/2017POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFTChrysler (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.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.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.
17V49900010/08/2017WHEELSStreetcar 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.If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.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.
17V82400021/12/2017EQUIPMENTChrysler (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.pdfIf the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.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.
17V30200009/05/2017AIR BAGSChrysler (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.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.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.
17V56200012/09/2017ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESELChrysler (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.The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.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.
15V59200023/09/2015ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINEChrysler (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.An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.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.
16E04100016/05/2016EQUIPMENTChrysler (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.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.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.
25V01000016/01/2025AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATORChrysler (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.An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.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.

Investigations all years →

action_numberstatussubjectcomponentsopenedclosedrecall_campaignsummary
RQ25003openPost Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailurePOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2025-07-03··The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA19004closedSteering loss due to linkage separationSTEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION2019-12-012025-11-20·On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link,
PE18016closedSteering loss due to linkage separationSTEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION2018-12-172019-12-1219V021000On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Onc

FARS occupant deaths all years →

crash_yearsoccupant_deathsmatch_typevpic_recovered
2010-2024209legacy-code0

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road.

Cite this

Derived data is CC BY 4.0. Link back to the page you used. Text and BibTeX below.

Wrench.Pro (2026). 2016 Ram 2500 vehicle data [dataset]. https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2016/ram/2500
@misc{wrenchpro_2016_ram_2500_2026,
  author = {Wrench.Pro},
  title = {Wrench.Pro vehicle data: 2016 Ram 2500},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2016/ram/2500}},
  note = {Derived from NHTSA public records. CC BY 4.0.}
}

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