YearToAvoid

2016 Ram 3500 Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 32 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500, 24% of all complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 20,000 miles, with 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported. Two related recalls cover lug nut torque specs and aftermarket wheel finish.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints
32
24% of 134
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
20,000 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

  • Wheels have separated from the truck while driving, including at highway speed, sometimes leading to a fire or crash.
  • Original-equipment Nexen tires developed sidewall pinholes, tread splitting, and rotten sidewalls at low mileage, sometimes losing air without a full blow-out.
  • Owners describe strong vibration or shuddering at highway speeds that persisted even after new tires were installed.
  • Tire pressure monitoring system sensors failed repeatedly under varying conditions, including overnight and during highway driving.
  • Rear suspension components were diagnosed as needing replacement after abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle.
  • Rear hubcaps detached while driving, even after hitting only small bumps in the road.

When 2016 Ram 3500 suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 8, 2016, latest Aug 18, 2026.

2016 Ram 3500 suspension, wheels & tires complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2016Oct 2017Mar 2019Nov 2019May 2020Dec 2022Aug 2026
32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2016 to Aug 2026; peak Oct 2017 (3).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 17V499000Aug 10, 2017Suspension, Wheels & Tires1,765 vehicles

    Wheels

    Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

    Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by 3500 model year

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

  1. 201326 (23%)
  2. 201451 (25%)
  3. 201531 (23%)
  4. 201632 (24%)
  5. 201739 (13%)
  6. 201844 (5%)
  7. 201922 (16%)
  8. 202012 (10%)
  9. 202111 (18%)
  10. 20223 (2%)
  11. 20233 (18%)
  12. 20247 (16%)
  13. 20254 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheels and tire complaints does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?
NHTSA lists 32 complaints in this area for the 2016 Ram 3500, which is 24% of the 134 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls related to suspension, wheels, or tires on the 2016 Ram 3500?
Yes. Recall 21V398000 addresses incorrect lug nut torque information in the manuals, and recall 17V499000 covers aftermarket AEV wheels on 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3,500 trucks.
At what mileage do these suspension and wheel problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area on the 2016 Ram 3500 is 20,000 miles.
Have any crashes or fires been linked to these issues?
NHTSA data shows 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the 32 suspension, wheels, and tires complaints filed for the 2016 Ram 3500.
Is the suspension, wheels and tires problem worse in 2016 than other Ram 3500 years?
The 24% share for 2016 is close to 2013 (23%), 2014 (25%), and 2015 (23%), and higher than most years from 2017 onward, based on NHTSA complaint data.

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.