2016 Ram 3500
The 2016 Ram 3500 appears in 14 NHTSA recall campaigns (air bags, wheels and latches/locks/linkages) and in 68 consumer complaints filed with the agency.
The component named most often is power train: 147.4 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, close to the 128.6 per 1,000 across all 2016 model-year vehicles and against 132 per 1,000 for the Ram 3500 line as a whole.
That is more than the average of 26.6 complaints per model year across the 17 Ram 3500 model years on this register; 8 complaints reported a crash and 1 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2017 (23); the most recent in the file is dated 15 May 2019.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 3 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign 05C, 09C, 10C).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign Y55); components: air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator; air bags:side/window:curtain.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign Y26, Y36).
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign V44).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign V06).
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign U74); components: structure:body:tailgate; latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign U49,U59-U65,U68,U73); components: electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiring.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign T82).
- 17V821000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFTReported 20 Dec 2017 · 1,482,874 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign T79).
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign T51).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Streetcar ORV LLC.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign T25); components: air bags:side/window:curtain; air bags.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign S48).
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
Consequence: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign R52); components: electrical system:ignition:module; engine and engine cooling:engine.
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2016 Ram 3500 (black) against all 2016 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2016 | 3500 line | All 2016 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 147.4 | 132 | 128.6 |
| Engine | 136.8 | 123.4 | 119.7 |
| Steering | 115.8 | 136.3 | 56.4 |
| Wheels | 84.2 | 54.5 | 24.3 |
| Service Brakes | 73.7 | 60.3 | 76.8 |
| Unknown or Other | 73.7 | 60.3 | 120.5 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 14 | 147.4 | 132 | 128.6 |
| Engine | 13 | 136.8 | 123.4 | 119.7 |
| Steering | 11 | 115.8 | 136.3 | 56.4 |
| Wheels | 8 | 84.2 | 54.5 | 24.3 |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 73.7 | 60.3 | 76.8 |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | 73.7 | 60.3 | 120.5 |
| Electrical System | 6 | 63.2 | 78.9 | 100.4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 52.6 | 51.6 | 54.3 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 42.1 | 27.3 | 48.1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 42.1 | 63.1 | 43.9 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 31.6 | 17.2 | 4.5 |
| Tires | 3 | 31.6 | 11.5 | 7.3 |
| Suspension | 3 | 31.6 | 91.8 | 28.8 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | 21.1 | 2.9 | 4.5 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 21.1 | 15.8 | 33.3 |
| Visibility | 1 | 10.5 | 2.9 | 7 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 10.5 | 5.7 | 12.7 |
| Structure | 1 | 10.5 | 20.1 | 49.7 |
68 unique complaints, 95 component mentions; 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ25003 | Recall query | Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure | power train:automatic transmission | 3 Jul 2025 | open | — |
| EA19004 | Engineering analysis | Steering loss due to linkage separation | steering:linkages:drag:link:connection | 1 Dec 2019 | 20 Nov 2025 | — |
| PE18016 | Preliminary evaluation | Steering loss due to linkage separation | steering:linkages:drag:link:connection | 17 Dec 2018 | 12 Dec 2019 | 19V021000 |
Other Ram 3500 model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 74,811 |
| 2008 NHTSA | 1 | 3 | 74,811 |
| 2009 | 2 | 2 | 402,988 |
| 2013 | 16 | 84 | 8,044,700 |
| 2014 | 15 | 149 | 13,790,576 |
| 2015 | 14 | 81 | 13,620,012 |
| 2016 | 14 | 68 | 11,542,605 |
| 2017 | 12 | 43 | 10,806,115 |
| 2018 | 10 | 22 | 7,731,977 |
| 2019 | 14 | 0 | 2,959,289 |
| 2020 | 11 | 0 | 3,195,719 |
| 2021 | 9 | 0 | 2,745,945 |
| 2022 | 12 | 0 | 3,918,991 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | 798,607 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 223,415 |
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | 647,487 |
| 2026 | 4 | 0 | 597,029 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Ram 3500 model years · Ram: 10 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?
14 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 25V010000, was reported to NHTSA on 16 Jan 2025 and concerns air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator. Across all model years the Ram 3500 line has 62 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2016 Ram 3500?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 3 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2016 Ram 3500 complain about most?
Power Train: 14 of 95 component mentions (147.4 per 1,000). Next is engine with 13. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.