Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Ram 3500?

Yes. Recall campaign 19V021000, reported January 25, 2019, covers the outboard steering linkage jam nut, which can loosen and allow the drag link to separate.

How common are steering complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500?

NHTSA lists 29 steering complaints for the 2016 model year, which is 22% of the 134 total complaints filed for that year.

At what mileage do steering problems tend to show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 59,650 miles.

Has the steering issue caused any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data links 2 crashes and 1 injury to steering complaints on the 2016 Ram 3500.

How does the 2016 Ram 3500's steering complaint rate compare to other years?

The 2016 model's 22% share is higher than 2017 (6%), 2018 (4%), and most later years, though lower than 2013's 32% share.

2016 Ram 3500 Steering Problems

NHTSA has logged 29 steering complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500, 22% of its 134 total complaints that year, tied largely to a recall (19V021000) for a drag link jam nut that can loosen and cause steering separation. Two crashes and one injury are linked to this issue, with a median failure mileage of 59,650.

Steering complaints: 29; 22% of 134
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 59,650 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners describe the drag link jam nut backing off the threads, letting the drag link separate and causing sudden loss of steering control.
Some report the steering wheel turning to an extreme angle (as far as 90 degrees) with no warning while driving, sometimes while towing a trailer.
Several owners say the dealer-applied fix involves welding the jam nut to the adjuster sleeve, which they consider an unacceptable makeshift repair that blocks future alignment adjustments.
Multiple complaints describe long waits for recall parts, with dealers reporting delays of about two months before the drag link assembly could be replaced.
One owner reported repeated tire wear and alignment problems, including a persistent pull and a shimmy over minor road imperfections, before any drag link failure occurred.

When 2016 Ram 3500 steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 30, 2017, latest Aug 18, 2026.

29 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2017 to Aug 2026; peak May 2019 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500

NHTSA 19V021000Jan 25, 2019Steering795,575 vehicles
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Steering complaints by 3500 model year

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

201337 (32%)
201441 (20%)
201521 (15%)
201629 (22%)
201718 (6%)
201834 (4%)
20195 (4%)
20207 (6%)
20211 (2%)
20227 (4%)
20231 (6%)
20242 (5%)
20252 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Ram 3500?: Yes. Recall campaign 19V021000, reported January 25, 2019, covers the outboard steering linkage jam nut, which can loosen and allow the drag link to separate.
How common are steering complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500?: NHTSA lists 29 steering complaints for the 2016 model year, which is 22% of the 134 total complaints filed for that year.
At what mileage do steering problems tend to show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 59,650 miles.
Has the steering issue caused any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data links 2 crashes and 1 injury to steering complaints on the 2016 Ram 3500.
How does the 2016 Ram 3500's steering complaint rate compare to other years?: The 2016 model's 22% share is higher than 2017 (6%), 2018 (4%), and most later years, though lower than 2013's 32% share.