2016 Ram 5500 Safety Report

2016 RAM 5500: Low Complaints, High Recall Count for Critical Safety Issues, No Crash Test Data

16Complaints
7Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (5)Wheels (4)Wheels,Unknown Or Other (1)Steering,Service Brakes (1)Power Train,Electrical System (1)Electrical System (1)Suspension,Wheels (1)Steering,Suspension,Structure (1)Steering,Suspension (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ram 5500

The 2016 RAM 5500 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a significant number of recalls addressing critical components, despite a relatively low number of overall NHTSA complaints. With only 16 total complaints, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, the raw complaint data might suggest a safer vehicle. However, the 7 recalls issued for this model year are concerning, covering serious issues such as potential wheel separation, unintended vehicle acceleration due to cruise control malfunction, engine compartment fires from leaking water pumps, and loss of motive power due to transfer case fracture. These recalls directly address high-severity risks that could lead to crashes or injuries. Common complaint patterns, even with the low volume, align with some recall themes. 'POWER TRAIN' is the most reported component with 5 complaints, followed by 'WHEELS' with 4 complaints. These categories directly relate to recalls concerning transfer case fracture (POWER TRAIN) and incorrect wheel lug nut torque information leading to wheel separation (WHEELS). The single fire complaint also aligns with the recall for engine compartment fires caused by a leaking water pump. The crash test performance for the 2016 RAM 5500 is not rated by NHTSA (all N/A), which means there's no independent crashworthiness data available to assess its occupant protection capabilities. Overall, while the complaint volume is low, the nature of the complaints and the extensive recall history point to several high-risk mechanical and structural issues. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings means buyers cannot rely on standardized performance metrics for crash protection. Potential buyers should prioritize ensuring all 7 recalls have been properly addressed and repaired by a certified dealer.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Ram 5500 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

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:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Wheel Separation Due To Incorrect Lug Nut Torque Information
Incorrect information in service/owner's manuals regarding wheel lug nut torque can lead to wheel separation, increasing crash risk. Multiple complaints describe wheels detaching.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Loss Of Motive Power Due To Transfer Case Fracture
The main output shaft in the transfer case can fracture, causing loss of motive power and inability to place the vehicle in park, increasing crash risk. One complaint explicitly mentions a 'transfer case failed (blow apart) causing a fire'.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Engine Compartment Fire From Leaking Water Pump
A leaking water pump in Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. One complaint mentions a fire after a transfer case failure, which could be related or a separate incident.		 High Rare N/A miles
Unintended Vehicle Acceleration (Cruise Control)
Faulty wiring can prevent cruise control deactivation, leading to unintended acceleration and increased crash risk. One complaint describes the vehicle not going into park after a vibration and dash lights.		 High Rare N/A miles
Unintended Vehicle Movement (Transmission Linkage)
Transmission can be shifted without pressing the brake or having a key in the ignition, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement. One complaint describes the vehicle rolling away while parked.		 High Rare N/A miles
Engine Stalling
Certain 6.7L Cummins engines may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.		 High Rare N/A miles
Loss Of Power Steering And Power Brakes
High pressure booster hose interior liner can come apart and jam, causing loss of power steering and power brakes. One complaint details this exact scenario in an ambulance, resulting in a near miss.		 High Rare N/A 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:

Power Train 31% of complaints

Issues related to the transmission and transfer case, including loss of motive power and unintended vehicle movement, are the most frequently reported, accounting for 5 out of 16 complaints.

Wheels 25% of complaints

Problems with wheels, including separation due to lug nut issues, are a significant concern, with 4 out of 16 complaints directly related to wheels.

Steering 19% of complaints

Steering issues, including non-responsive steering and vehicle sway at highway speeds, are reported in 3 out of 16 complaints.

Electrical System 12% of complaints

Electrical system malfunctions, such as corroded wires affecting steering column functions, account for 2 out of 16 complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ram 5500

Is the 2016 RAM 5500 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM 5500 has a low number of overall complaints (16), but a high number of recalls (7) addressing critical safety issues like wheel separation, loss of motive power, and potential engine fires. NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for this vehicle, so its crashworthiness is unknown. It's crucial to ensure all recalls have been completed.

What are common problems with the 2016 RAM 5500?

The most reported issues for the 2016 RAM 5500 are related to the POWER TRAIN (31% of complaints), including transfer case failures and unintended vehicle movement, and WHEELS (25% of complaints), specifically wheel separation due to lug nut issues. Steering problems and electrical system malfunctions are also noted.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 RAM 5500?

Yes, there are 7 recalls for the 2016 RAM 5500. These include recalls for WHEELS (incorrect lug nut torque), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (cruise control malfunction), POWER TRAIN (transmission linkage and transfer case fracture), and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (leaking water pump leading to fire risk, and engine stalling).

What are the most serious safety concerns for the 2016 RAM 5500?

The most serious safety concerns for the 2016 RAM 5500 include the risk of wheel separation, loss of motive power due to transfer case fracture, potential engine compartment fires from a leaking water pump, unintended vehicle acceleration, and loss of power steering and brakes. These issues are addressed by multiple high-severity recalls.

How does the 2016 RAM 5500 perform in crash tests?

The 2016 RAM 5500 has not received any crash test ratings from NHTSA. All categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) are listed as 'N/A', meaning there is no independent government data available on its crashworthiness.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the significant number of high-severity recalls and critical component failures, thoroughly verify that all 7 recalls have been completed by a certified dealer before purchasing a 2016 RAM 5500, and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on power train, wheels, and steering components.

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.