2016 Ram 2500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 64 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Ram 2500, 25% of all 258 complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 25,500, with 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries tied to this area, and a related recall (17V821000) covers park/rollaway issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 64
- 25% of 258
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 25,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles reported rolling away or out of park after being parked and turned off, in some cases striking trees, houses, or other objects.
- Owners describe a gear shifter that separated from the steering column, leaving the transmission stuck in a single gear.
- Some drivers report a delay or complete failure to accelerate when pressing the pedal, sometimes with the check engine light illuminated.
- One owner reported the transmission overheating while climbing a hill, leading to a fire that required the transmission, cooler, and cooler lines to be replaced.
- A complaint noted that shifting into reverse instead moved the vehicle forward, resulting in a crash into a structure.
When 2016 Ram 2500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 13, 2016, latest Aug 31, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Ram 2500
- NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
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 open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 2500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA lists 64 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Ram 2500, which is 25% of the 258 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Ram 2500?
- Yes. Recall campaign 17V821000, reported December 20, 2017, covers Transmission & Powertrain issues and involves a software update and inspection or replacement of the park mechanism (BTSI); it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Ram 2500 is 25,500 miles.
- Are the 2016 Ram 2500 transmission issues dangerous?
- NHTSA data ties 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year, including reports of the vehicle rolling away unattended.