2016 Ram 2500 Safety Report

The 2016 RAM 2500 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a significant number of recalls and a concerning pattern of complaints, particularly related to critical vehicle systems. With 250 total complaints, including 14 crashes, 3 fires, 10 injuries, and 1 death, there are clear areas of concern. The vehicle has been subject to 14 recalls, many of which address serious safety defects such as rupturing airbags, loss of steering control due to drag link issues, and unintended vehicle movement. While NHTSA crash test ratings are largely unavailable for frontal and side impacts, the vehicle received a 4-star rollover rating, which is a positive indicator for stability in that specific scenario. Common complaint patterns highlight issues with the POWER TRAIN (36 complaints), STEERING (31 complaints), ENGINE (19 complaints), and SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints). These categories represent fundamental operational and safety systems. Specific complaints detail problems like shifter breaking, turbocharger failure, integrated trailer brake module malfunctions, and ABS system failures. The high number of recalls, particularly those related to airbags and steering linkages, directly correlates with some of the top complaint categories, indicating that these were widespread and recognized safety defects. Several recalls directly address critical safety components. For instance, two recalls (19V-811 and 19V-812) pertain to side curtain airbag inflators that may rupture, potentially causing injury from metal fragments. Another significant recall (19V-021) addresses a steering drag link jam nut that could loosen, leading to a loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. Tailgate latch issues (17V-740, 17V-821) also posed a crash risk due to potential cargo loss. The recall for the water pump in diesel engines (17V-821) highlights a fire risk. The sheer volume and nature of these recalls, combined with the reported crashes, fires, and injuries, suggest that while many issues have been identified and addressed through recalls, the underlying reliability of certain systems has been a persistent challenge for this model year. In summary, the 2016 RAM 2500 has a notable history of safety-related issues, evidenced by 250 complaints and 14 recalls. While crash test data is limited, the high number of complaints concerning power train, steering, and brakes, coupled with recalls addressing critical components like airbags and steering linkages, indicates potential safety vulnerabilities. Prospective buyers should be diligent in ensuring all applicable recalls have been completed and be aware of the documented patterns of mechanical issues.