2016 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Ram 3500 has 134 NHTSA complaints, 14 recalls, and a complaint index of 53, ranking 8th worst out of 16 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires as the top problem area at 24% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 53/100
- #8 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 134
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 12
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2016 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in front and rear-end collisions at speeds above 40-50 mph, sometimes with resulting fires.
- Brake booster retaining clips were reported missing or improperly installed, leading to sudden brake failure while backing a trailer.
- Wheels detached from the vehicle while driving at highway speed, in one case at 80 mph, without prior warning signs.
- The gear shift reportedly moved on its own from park to drive, causing the truck to roll and strike a fence.
- Steering linkage jam nuts loosened, causing loss of directional control while towing a loaded trailer at freeway speed.
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 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 134 complaints and 14 recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500, giving it a complaint index of 53 and a Caution verdict relative to other Ram 3500 model years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 Ram 3500?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads with 32 complaints, 24% of the total, including 3 crashes and 1 fire, with a median failure mileage of 20,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Ram 3500 have any airbag recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 25V010000 for side curtain airbag inflators that may rupture, and recall 21V632000 for side airbag SABIC assemblies covering 2015-2016 Ram 3500 trucks.
- How does the 2016 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 53, the 2016 model ranks 8th worst of 16 years tracked. It fares better than 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022, which are rated Avoid with higher indexes.
- How many recalls affect the 2016 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ram 3500, covering airbags, suspension, steering, structure and body, and electrical system components.