YearToAvoid

2016 Ram 2500 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 71 engine complaints for the 2016 Ram 2500, 28% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 8,000. A related recall (17V562000) covers water pump failures on the Cummins 6.7L diesel engine.

Engine complaints
71
28% of 258
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
8,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine stalls suddenly at highway speeds with no warning, sometimes with dash warning lights illuminating afterward.
  • Throttle response lags for one to three seconds when accelerating, which owners say is dangerous when merging or pulling into traffic.
  • Reduced throttle warning indicator comes on and leaves the vehicle unable to move, sometimes recurring multiple times before reaching a dealer.
  • Accelerator continues to increase speed on its own even after the pedal is released or the transmission is shifted to neutral.
  • Total loss of engine power and electrical systems occurs while driving, including headlights and dashboard going dark.
  • Extreme heat from the exhaust during the regeneration process was noticed by owners, with dealers reportedly already aware of the issue.

When 2016 Ram 2500 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 22, 2015, latest Apr 22, 2026.

2016 Ram 2500 engine complaints: complaints filed per month7Oct 2015Aug 2016May 2017Feb 2018Jan 2019Jul 2020Feb 2023Apr 2025
71 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2015 to Apr 2026; peak Feb 2018 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Ram 2500

  1. NHTSA 17V562000Sep 12, 2017Engine443,874 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Engine complaints by 2500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201354 (30%)
  2. 201487 (26%)
  3. 201553 (25%)
  4. 201671 (28%)
  5. 2017117 (17%)
  6. 2018380 (15%)
  7. 201941 (21%)
  8. 202036 (22%)
  9. 202129 (27%)
  10. 202238 (21%)
  11. 202312 (25%)
  12. 202410 (17%)
  13. 202511 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2016 Ram 2500 owners reported engine problems?
NHTSA lists 71 engine complaints for the 2016 Ram 2500, which is 28% of the 258 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ram 2500 engine?
Yes. Recall 17V562000 covers 2013-2017 Ram 2500, 3500, and cab chassis trucks with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps; dealers replace the water pump free of charge.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 engine problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 8,000 miles.
What kind of engine failures do 2016 Ram 2500 owners describe?
Owners describe sudden stalling at speed, delayed throttle response of one to three seconds, unintended acceleration, and full loss of engine power and electrical systems while driving.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.