2016 Ram 3500 Safety Report
2016 RAM 3500 Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Ram 3500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Ram 3500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (16) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (130) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 17 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 3500 with 59 complaints and 9 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 3500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 3500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 3500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ram 3500 | 296 | 13 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ram 3500 | 135 | 16 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ram 3500 | 743 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ram 3500 | 132 | 14 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | 111 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Ram 3500 | 59 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Ram 3500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Ram 3500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Ram onlyWheels
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Ram onlyUnknown Or Other
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlyEngine
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ram onlyFuel/Propulsion System
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ram onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ram 3500
Reliability Score
The 2016 Ram 3500 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2016 Ram 3500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ram 3500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Linkages Recalled due to drag link issues, leading to potential steering failure at high speeds. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbags Recalled for airbag inflator defects, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Wheels Recalled for lug nuts and bolts that may become loose or missing, leading to potential wheel failure. |
Medium | Rare | 0-100k miles |
| Tailgate Latches Recalled for tailgate latches that may fail, leading to potential cargo loss or injury. |
Low | Rare | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ram 3500:
Issues with steering linkages and drag link connections.
Airbag malfunctions and recalls.
Recalls for lug nuts and bolts.
Recalls for tailgate latches.
Recall Details for the 2016 Ram 3500
The following 16 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Ram 3500 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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 De...
Summary: 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 f...
Consequence: 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 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 curren...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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. 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 this recall is U74.
Summary: 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 c...
Consequence: 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, 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 d...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Summary: 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 v...
Consequence: 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 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 i...
Summary: 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 op...
Consequence: 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 contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 for this recall is T25.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Ram 3500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Ram 3500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering rack fractured, and the contact was no longer able to maneuver the vehicle. The contact strapped the steering wheel into place to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to ...
Took vehicle to dealership for repair of heater. Once the repair was complete the dealership called to say the heater was fixed but the airbag light is now on. Once doing more testing they called back to say my steering wheel airbag harness either shorted or was crushed during the heater repair The part is no longer available and no remedy was available. I just have to take my car back compro...
I have a complaint that needs to be addressed. On Sept. 11 2025 I had a fire in the cab of my 2016 Ram 3500 truck while it was sitting in my drive way. It was not even running. The fire was not very big and it could have been repaired. So I called FCA and opened a case with them. They informed me that I needed to bring my truck into the closest dealership so that it could be inspected. So I then c...
On Sept. 11, 2025 my truck parked in my drive way. It was parked there all night. When I opened the doors to get in smoke and flames started coming out. The center console was on fire. The next day on Sept. 12, 2025 while at the dealership to have the truck inspected it caught fire again further burning the center console, the passenger seat and the roof. The dealership told us there is nothing th...
The parking brake issue per recall was supposedly done based on information from safetycar. Vehicle can not be shut off unless in park. I'm assuming a safety feature. A few times when I attempted to shut off,even though clearly in park. Truck wouldn't do so. I shifted back into gear and then back into park with foot on brake as required. Unless I have a horse trailer hooked up, I usually don't e...
Odometer Fraud. The contact's husband owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that her husband was recently interested in trading in the vehicle. While on Facebook Marketplace, a person interested in vehicle requested a Carfax report of the vehicle. Upon obtaining the Carfax report, the contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purch...
Def pump failed, I had to have it replaced before it degraded my travel speed to 5 mph. After spending $250 to Dodge dealer in Oxnard Service department for them to tell me exactly what it said on the truck code DEF pump needed replacing, I decided I didn't want to spend an extra $1000 for the dealer to fix it ($3900 they wanted for this job). On 11/16/22, I paid ($2865.81) to a reputable dies...
I am writing to report an ongoing issue with my 2016 Ram 3500 (V6), related to Safety Recall V06 (NHTSA 19V-021) for the drag link, which was performed in 2020 before I purchased the vehicle two years ago. The recall "fix" involved welding the adjustable nuts on the steering linkage, rendering it non-adjustable. Since then, I have been unable to get a proper front-end alignment at any service shop...
" The Hydraulic Control Unit Chrysler part number 68143491AA failed and been replaced multiply times on my vehicle. I have the current failed part available for inspection upon request. This causes the Anti-lock braking system, Traction control system, Park Assist and Cruise Control to no longer function properly. This puts the driver and others at risk. Lights came on while the truck was not in ...
Upon shifting into reverse the rear tailgate backup camera operates intermittently causing me to loose rear visibility directly behind truck. When this occurs the Uconnect displays a fuzzy & distorted image as if there’s signal interference. Opening & closing the tailgate sometimes alleviates this issue but only temporarily.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that upon inspection, the tires showed excessive wear. The contact stated that the vehicle had been previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (STEERING); however, the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. T...
My def pump failed. Paid for repair. Now they have a recall for the part. I submitted a claim they denied my claim because I didn't have download 67a done before repair download wasn't available at that time. My truck is in the milage and dates required. I need help
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a horse trailer with horses inside, there was a message displayed that the vehicle would enter LIMP Mode. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the destination. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it remained undiagnosed and unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the ...
DEF pump failed around 62500 miles. Ram sent emission recall notice 67a that states they will reimburse for costs incurred if issue was before recall. Submitted paperwork and they denied due to me replacing the part myself after buying parts from Dodge dealer. I paid $1687.44. Going to a dealer SHOULDN'T be a requirement
death wobble incident in my Ram 3500. Incident occurred while pulling a 35' foot Living Quarters horse trailer weighing over 26,000 pounds on the interstate. Have major vibration, shaking, and thumping sound in truck which gets worse the faster I accelerate. Chrysler needs to issue a recall on this issue get it resolved. See that this has already been report to NHTSA. February 24, 2024 NHTSA ID ...
Four death wobble incidents in the last 18 months. Unknown part failure, Replaced front track bar, right front wheel bearing pack, front suspension stabilize shock.
The contact owns 2016 Ram 3500. The contact became aware that the front passenger's side tires had been wearing out prematurely. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, and the contact was informed that an alignment could not be performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be referred to a specialist for assistance. The specialist call...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that after the vehicle was involved in an accident, the contact stated he immediately depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle however, the vehicle continued moving forward. The contact stated that the ABS module activated, and the vehicle stopped. The veh...
The cruise control switch is very intermittent. It can be difficult to get it to engage. Getting the cruise control to release with the brake or switch is also intermittent. I am very worried that it will cause a crash.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and slowed down unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors were faulty due to wear and tear. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manu...
Showing 20 of 130 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Ram 3500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Opened 2025-07-03
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 b...
Component: Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection
Opened 2018-12-17 · Closed 2019-12-12
On 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 a...
Component: Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection
Opened 2019-12-01 · Closed 2025-11-20
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 th...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ram 3500
Has the 2016 RAM 3500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 RAM 3500 has 16 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 RAM 3500 have?
The 2016 RAM 3500 has 130 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 12 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 RAM 3500?
The 2016 RAM 3500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 3500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 RAM 3500 involve steering (20 complaints), wheels (18 complaints), unknown or other (10 complaints). Other affected components include engine, fuel/propulsion system, power train.
How many crash reports does the 2016 RAM 3500 have?
There are 12 crash reports associated with the 2016 RAM 3500 out of 130 total complaints (9.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 RAM 3500 have?
There are 5 fire reports for the 2016 RAM 3500 out of 130 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 RAM 3500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 3500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 RAM 3500?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 3500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 RAM 3500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 3500 is proceed with caution. It has 130 complaints, 16 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 RAM 3500?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 RAM 3500 are: 1. STEERING (20 complaints), 2. WHEELS (18 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints), 4. ENGINE (8 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 20 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 RAM 3500?
Be aware of potential steering and airbag issues, and ensure regular inspections and maintenance. The 2016 RAM 3500 has 130 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 RAM 3500?
The 2016 RAM 3500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 130 owner complaints, 16 recalls, and 17 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Linkages and Airbags.
What are the known issues with the 2016 RAM 3500?
Known issues with the 2016 RAM 3500 include: Steering Linkages, Airbags, Wheels, Tailgate Latches. These are based on patterns found across 130 NHTSA complaints. 16 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 RAM 3500?
Yes, there are recalls for steering, airbags, wheels, and tailgate issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 RAM 3500?
The most common issues are steering linkages, airbags, wheels, and tailgate latches.
Can the airbag recall affect the safety of my vehicle?
Yes, the airbag recall can pose a significant safety risk, so it's important to address it promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential steering and airbag issues, and ensure regular inspections and maintenance.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ram 3500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ram 3500. The data includes 130 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 16 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 12 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16