2016 Ram 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
58/100
#6 most-complained of 13 2500 years
The 2016 Ram 2500 logs 258 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 58, and 12 recalls, ranking 6th worst of 13 model years. That puts it in the Caution range — worse than 2013, 2015, 2019-2021, and 2023, but better than 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024.
- Complaints
- 258
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 15 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Ram 2500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine71 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain64 (25%)
- Steering43 (17%)
- Electrical System40 (16%)
- Brakes36 (14%)
- Other34 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (9%)
- Structure & Body15 (6%)
- Fuel System12 (5%)
- Airbags11 (4%)
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in front-end and t-bone collisions at speeds around 35-50 mph.
- Some drivers report the vehicle stalling or losing power while decelerating, causing loss of control.
- Owners describe the truck failing to accelerate from a stop despite the pedal being depressed, sometimes with the check engine light staying on.
- Several report brake loss while driving around 35 mph, requiring use of the emergency brake to stop.
- Owners report the transmission jumping out of gear unexpectedly, in one case causing a collision with a fence.
- One owner reports the exhaust regeneration process producing extreme heat from the exhaust pipe.
2016 Ram 2500 recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V010000Jan 16, 2025Airbags6,066 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V632000Aug 12, 2021Airbags212,373 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V347000May 9, 2019Structure & Body1,103,209 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
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 fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk: 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 currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
2016 compared with other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ram 2500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Ram 2500 has a complaint index of 58 and ranks 6th worst out of 13 model years, placing it in the Caution category — a middling year for this model.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 28% of all reports, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 25%, Steering at 17%, and Electrical System at 16%.
- Does the 2016 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2016 Ram 2500, covering airbags, steering linkage, tailgate latches, structure, and powertrain software, with none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2016 Ram 2500 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 58 is better than 2017 (92), 2018 (100), and 2022 (83), all rated Avoid, but worse than 2013 (8), 2015 (33), and 2021 (17), all rated Best or Good.
- What mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 24,000 miles overall, with Engine complaints centering around 8,000 miles and Steering complaints around 34,000 miles.