2016 Ram 5500 Safety Report
2016 RAM 5500 Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Ram 5500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Ram 5500. 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 (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (16) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 5500 with 3 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 5500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 5500 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 5500 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 5500 | 18 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ram 5500 | 13 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Ram 5500 | 31 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | 10 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | 8 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Ram 5500 | 3 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Ram 5500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Ram 5500, 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.
Power Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlyWheels
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Ram onlyWheels,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels,Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlySteering,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyPower Train,Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Ram onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ram 5500
Reliability Score
The 2016 Ram 5500 receives a reliability score of 82 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 5500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ram 5500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels Recalled due to lug nuts and bolts that can become loose or missing, leading to wheel detachment. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Recalled for wiring issues that can cause power steering and brake failures. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Recalled for lever and linkage issues that can cause transmission failure. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transfer Case Recalled for failure leading to a fire, indicating a high severity issue. |
High | Common | 30k-60k 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 5500:
Issues with lug nuts, bolts, and wheels are the most common problems.
Problems with wiring and power steering are frequent.
Transmission issues are less common but still a concern.
Transfer case failures are rare but can be severe.
Recall Details for the 2016 Ram 5500
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Ram 5500 by NHTSA:
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 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: 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: 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 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 5500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Ram 5500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transfer case. The contact st...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while his driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake violently when all four tires detached from the vehicle. As a result, the contact’s driver was able to navigate the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that the wheels studs had deta...
We have sent this in for recall repairs and Dodge either did not have the parts or said it would be weeks before they got the parts and we, as a company have had three dodge ram 5500's in the last week that have broken all the wheel studs off, snapped a single stud, or the the lug nuts have gotten loose even after torquing them to the newly recommended 129ft/lbs. We have 30 plus of these trucks an...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH the driver's side rear outer wheel suddenly detached from the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that all ten lug nuts securing the wheel had sheared off causing the failure to occur. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the vehicle under the NHTSA recall campaign number: 21V3...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn the dual left rear tires had separated from the vehicle and the vehicle landed on the axle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to a dealer who determined that the studs had sheared from the wheel and found that his vehicle...
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the local dealer and other unknown dealers informed the contact that they could not accommodate the vehicle for recall repair. The contact stated while his driver was driving at 50 MPH, the rear passenger's side tire inadvertently detached and rolled away. The driver was able t...
THE HIGH PRESSURE BOOSTER HOSE INTERIOR LINER CAME APART AND JAMMED INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE PORT. THIS CAUSED LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF POWER BRAKES. THIS IS AN AMBULANCE, WE HAVE MULTIPLE OF THIS SAME YEAR AND MODEL. IT WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND RESULTED IN A NEAR MISS. THROUGH AN INTERNET SEARCH AND CALLING THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND SPEAKING TO THE MECHANIC, THIS IS A CO...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AN VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V495000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE W...
OUR TRANSFER CASE FAILED (BLOW APART) CAUSING A FIRE . WE HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO OUR DEALER AND FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS DODGE HAS NOT ALLOWED THE REPAIR TO PROCEED OR PROVIDED US WITH CONTACT INFORMATION OR A PATH FORWARD. WE HAVE NO TRUCK OR PLAN FOR IT TO BE FIXED. THE TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED.
WAS DRIVING 65 MPH IN CRUISE CONTROL, ON THE HIGHWAY, IN MOTION WHEN I FELT A VIBRATION FOR MAYBE 10 SECONDS, DASH LIGHTS CAME ON WITHIN A COUPLE SECONDS OF VIBRATION STARTING, PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, TRUCK WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. SOMEONE HAD TO BRING A TRUCK AND TRAILER TO COME PICK UP MYSELF AND THE TRUCK AND A WRECKER TO LOAD TRUCK ON TRAILER. WHEN TRUCK WAS LOADED, YOU COULD SE...
ALL FUNTIONS OF STEERING COLUMN FAILED. FOUND UNPOWERED WIRE TO 6STEERING COLUMN MODULE. TRACED WIRE TO FUSEBOX AND FOUND SEVERAL CORRODED WIRES ALONG WITH RUBBER COATING FALLING OFF. REPLACED BAD WIRE ENDS AND AM NOW LOOKING FOR A PERMINENT FIX.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 5500. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED AWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PARKED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED TO PREVENT IT FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAGUIRE DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 959 HIAWATHA BLVD W, SYRACUSE, NY 13204, (315) 487-6211) TO BE DIAGNOSED, ...
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I FELT A SLIGHT VIBRATION AND THEN A LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM UNDERNEAT THE TRUCK. I LOST POWER AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN FOUND PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD AND ALOT OF FLUID. THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING BUT DID NOT CATCH FIRE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TEXAN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (18555 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,610.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WAS NOT ALIGNED AND THE FRAME WAS LEANING TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER LOCATED AT 903 S BURLINGTON BLVD BURLINGTON, WASHINGTON 360-757 0038) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANU...
TRUCK STARTS SWAYING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (62-72MPH) STEERING IS NON-RESPONSIVE WHEN TRYING TO CORRECT THE SWAY AND THEN STEERING WILL CATCH IMMEDIATELY AND THE SWAYING GETS WORSE. HAVE TO SLOW TO 40 MPH TO REGAIN CNTROL OF THE VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN OTHERS AROUND YOU ARE DRIVING 65-76 MPH. HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN 60-75 MPH. THIS VEHICLE HA...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Ram 5500
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: Power Train
Opened 2019-12-12 · Closed 2023-10-22
On December 12, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-017 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging failures of the front driveshaft and/or transfer case, resulting in conditions of 1) a loss of engine power, 2) loss of steering assist, 3) loss of foundation brakes, 4) unintended air bag deployment and 5) engine/cab fires from combustible fluids striking hot exhaust components. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ram 5500
Has the 2016 RAM 5500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 RAM 5500 has 7 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 5500 have?
The 2016 RAM 5500 has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 RAM 5500?
The 2016 RAM 5500 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 5500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 RAM 5500 involve power train (5 complaints), wheels (4 complaints), wheels,unknown or other (1 complaints). Other affected components include steering,service brakes, power train,electrical system, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 RAM 5500 have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2016 RAM 5500 out of 16 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 RAM 5500 out of 16 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 RAM 5500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 5500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 RAM 5500?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 RAM 5500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 RAM 5500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 5500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 16 complaints, 7 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 RAM 5500?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 RAM 5500 are: 1. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), 2. WHEELS (4 complaints), 3. WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 4. STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 RAM 5500?
Be aware of potential recalls for wheels, electrical system, and transmission issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents. The 2016 RAM 5500 has 16 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 RAM 5500?
The 2016 RAM 5500 receives a reliability score of 82/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 16 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Wheels and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2016 RAM 5500?
Known issues with the 2016 RAM 5500 include: Wheels, Electrical System, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case. These are based on patterns found across 16 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 RAM 5500?
Yes, there are recalls for wheels, electrical system, and transmission issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 RAM 5500?
The most common issues are with wheels, electrical system, and transmission.
Can electrical system issues lead to dangerous situations?
Yes, electrical system issues can cause power steering and brake failures, leading to loss of control.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential recalls for wheels, electrical system, and transmission issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ram 5500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ram 5500. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 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