2016 Ram 3500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
42/100
#8 most-complained of 13 3500 years
The 2016 Ram 3500 ranks 8th out of 13 model years, with a Complaint Index of 42 and a "Good" verdict relative to other Ram 3500 years. NHTSA lists 134 complaints and 14 recalls for this year, led by suspension/wheels/tires issues.
- Complaints
- 134
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Ram 3500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (24%)
- Engine29 (22%)
- Steering29 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain19 (14%)
- Other16 (12%)
- Brakes12 (9%)
- Electrical System12 (9%)
- Airbags8 (6%)
- Fuel System7 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal and rear-end collisions, including one crash at over 50 mph that also caused a fire.
- Owners report the brake booster retaining clip missing or not installed, leading to a loss of braking while backing a trailer.
- Some drivers describe the gear shift independently moving from park to drive without warning, causing the vehicle to roll and crash.
- Front passenger side wheels have reportedly come off while driving at highway speed, in one case leading to a fire after the wheel separated.
- Steering wheel control was reportedly lost while towing a loaded trailer, with the drag link jam nut found completely loose in one case.
2016 Ram 3500 recalls
14 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 21V398000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires447,985 vehicles
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
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.
Risk: 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 December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
2016 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ram 3500 a good year?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 Ram 3500 a Complaint Index of 42 and a "Good" verdict, ranking 8th of 13 model years for this model. It has fewer complaints and a lower index than years like 2017, 2018, and 2022, which carry "Avoid" verdicts.
- What are the most common problems on the 2016 Ram 3500?
- Suspension, wheels and tires account for 24% of complaints (32 total), followed by engine at 22% (29 complaints) and steering also at 22% (29 complaints). Median mileage at failure for suspension issues was 20,000 miles.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500, covering airbags, steering, structure and body, and electrical system components. None of these recalls are do-not-drive orders.
- Does the 2016 Ram 3500 have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two airbag recalls affecting the 2016 Ram 3500, both involving side curtain air bag inflators or SABIC assemblies that could rupture or fail.
- What year Ram 3500 should I avoid instead of 2016?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2022 carry "Avoid" verdicts, with 2018 showing the highest Complaint Index of 100 and 802 complaints.