2016 Ram 3500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Owners filed 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Ram 3500, about 14% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 15,399. Two related recalls (17V821000 and 16V495000) cover shift/park and transfer case issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 19
- 14% of 134
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 15,400 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the gear shifter independently moving from park to drive without warning, in one case leading to a rollaway crash and injuries.
- Some describe the truck slipping out of park on its own and rolling backward while the driver was outside the vehicle.
- A recurring complaint is a 2-4 second delay between pressing the accelerator and the truck actually responding, described as a dead-pedal feel that owners say worsens with mileage and is dangerous when merging or passing.
- Some trucks reportedly shake violently at highway speeds between 62 and 72 mph, with dealers unable to find a fix.
- One owner reported repeated rear differential (rearend) failures well before expected service life across multiple Ram 3500 model years including 2016.
When 2016 Ram 3500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 30, 2016, latest May 8, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Ram 3500
- 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.
- NHTSA 16V495000Jul 1, 2016Transmission & Powertrain889 vehicles
Power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Risk: If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500, which is about 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission-related recall on the 2016 Ram 3500?
- Yes. Recall 17V821000 covers the transmission and BTSI shift-interlock system, and recall 16V495000 covers the transfer case; dealers replace parts or update software free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2016 Ram 3500?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year is 15,399 miles.
- Did any 2016 Ram 3500 transmission complaints involve a crash or injury?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury among the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500, tied to a reported unintended shift from park to drive.