CarModelProblems.com

2016 Ram 3500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
133Complaints
16Recalls
12Crashes
5Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (20.3% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Steering complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering27 · 20.3%RecalledRecall 19V021000 · Recall 18E096000
Engine21 · 15.8%RecalledRecall 17V562000 · Recall 15V592000
Wheels20 · 15%RecalledRecall 21V398000 · Recall 17V499000
Power Train19 · 14.3%RecalledRecall 17V821000 · Recall 16V495000
Service Brakes11 · 8.3%not available
Electrical System9 · 6.8%RecalledRecall 18V332000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING27 · 20.3%
ENGINE21 · 15.8%
WHEELS20 · 15%
POWER TRAIN19 · 14.3%
Unspecified / other16 · 12%
SERVICE BRAKES11 · 8.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9 · 6.8%
SUSPENSION9 · 6.8%
AIR BAGS8 · 6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7 · 5.3%

Percentages are the share of the 133 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 16 campaigns

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

NHTSA campaign 19V021000 · 2019 · reported 01/25/2019

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:linkages

NHTSA campaign 18E096000 · 2018 · reported 10/16/2018

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 2019 · reported 05/09/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:tailgate

NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 2018 · reported 07/27/2018

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018 · reported 05/17/2018

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 2021 · reported 08/12/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA campaign 21V398000 · 2021 · reported 05/27/2021

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 2017 · reported 12/20/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Wheels

NHTSA campaign 17V499000 · 2017 · reported 08/10/2017

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 2017 · reported 12/21/2017

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 2017 · reported 05/09/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

NHTSA campaign 17V562000 · 2017 · reported 09/12/2017

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)

NHTSA campaign 16V495000 · 2016 · reported 07/01/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 15V592000 · 2015 · reported 09/23/2015

An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 16E041000 · 2016 · reported 05/16/2016

If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 2025 · reported 01/16/2025

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“The contact owns 2016 Ram 3500. The contact became aware that the front passenger's side tires had been wearing out prematurely. The vehicle was taken…”NHTSA complaint 11567434 — filed 01/24/2024 · STEERING
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected and informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V021000 (Steering) and 18E096000…”NHTSA complaint 11520555 — filed 05/05/2023 · STEERING
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated after purchasing the vehicle, the local dealer informed him about NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering)…”NHTSA complaint 11456841 — filed 03/15/2022 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

2220163220172420184020198202052021820221520239202412202552026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram 3500?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 27 of 133 NHTSA complaints (20.3%), followed by engine (21), wheels (20), power train (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Ram 3500 have?

133 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Ram 3500 have any recalls?

Yes — 16 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V021000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Ram 3500's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.