2016 RAM 2500 Reliability & Recall Report
Based on 14 NHTSA recalls and 258 owner complaints. All data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — free, no signup required.
F
26/100
Very High Reported Activity — 2016 RAM 2500
The 2016 RAM 2500 shows very high recall and complaint activity in NHTSA data. Counts are raw and are higher for popular models, so see how we score this below. Review the issues and recalls carefully, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.
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14
NHTSA Recalls
14 recalls on record
258
Owner Complaints
Filed with NHTSA
15
Crash Reports
3 fire reports
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NHTSA Recalls — 2016 RAM 2500 (14)
All recalls listed below must be repaired by an authorized RAM dealer at no charge to the owner.
🔧 Steering: Linkages: Drag: Link: Connection
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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….
🔧 Steering: Linkages
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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…
🔧 Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch
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.
Remedy: 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…
🔧 Structure: Body: Tailgate
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.
Remedy: 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…
🔧 Electrical System: Wiring
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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,…
🔧 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator
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.
Remedy: 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…
🔧 Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever And Linkage: Column Shift
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…
🔧 Wheels
If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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…
🔧 Equipment
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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…
🔧 Air Bags
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.
Remedy: 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…
Showing 10 of 14 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
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Most Common Problems — 2016 RAM 2500
Based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Bars show relative complaint frequency.
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RAM 2500 — Complaints by Year
A spike means more owner complaints were filed for that model year. The 2016 model year is highlighted.
→ Recently checked RAM 2500 VINs — free recall, safety and specs report for any VIN.
→ Decode a RAM VIN — free RAM VIN decoder guide: where to find the VIN and what each part means.
⚠ Higher-complaint years: 2018 — These model years have more owner complaints in NHTSA data than the other years compared.
✅ Best model years: 2010, 2013, 2015 — Lowest complaint rates for this model.
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Frequently Asked Questions — 2016 RAM 2500
Is the 2016 RAM 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 2500 has 14 recall campaigns and 258 owner complaints. This model year shows elevated recall or complaint activity — review the details and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2016 RAM 2500 have?
The 2016 RAM 2500 has 14 NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include: see recall details above. All recalls are repaired free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 2500?
The most commonly reported problems for the 2016 RAM 2500 are: Power Train, Steering, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other. See the complaint breakdown above for full details.
Is the 2016 RAM 2500 safe to buy?
The 2016 RAM 2500 has some safety and reliability items to review before buying. Ensure all 14 recalls are completed at a dealer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended.
What year RAM 2500 should I buy?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the best years for the RAM 2500 are: 2010, 2013, 2015. These show the lowest complaint rates. Years with higher complaint counts: 2018.
How we score this: The score starts at 100 and subtracts points for the number of NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints filed for this model year, and for complaints that report crashes or fires. Newer model years get a small bonus because they have had less time to collect reports. These are raw counts and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so popular models tend to have more recalls and complaints. Complaints are unverified owner reports. This grade is not a prediction about any individual vehicle and is not an inspection: check a specific car’s VIN for open recalls and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Data source: All recall and complaint data is sourced directly from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public API. Data is cached and refreshed every 7 days. Recall and complaint counts reflect data available at the time of last cache update.
For the most current recall status on a specific vehicle, enter the VIN above or visit
NHTSA.gov/recalls.