2016 Ram 3500 Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

21Engine complaints

15.8%Of all 133 complaints

#2Most-reported category

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

How engine ranks on this vehicle

STEERING27 · 20.3%

ENGINE21 · 15.8%

WHEELS20 · 15%

POWER TRAIN19 · 14.3%

Unspecified / other16 · 12%

Share of the 133 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2016 Ram 3500 overview page.

What owners report

“DEF pump failed around 62500 miles. Ram sent emission recall notice 67a that states they will reimburse for costs incurred if issue was before recall…”NHTSA complaint 11595747 — filed 06/21/2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and slowed down unintendedly. No warning light was…”NHTSA complaint 11546696 — filed 09/26/2023

“My 2016 dodge ram 3500 mega cab had a light come on the dash at about 89000 miles I drove it to the dealership, I…”NHTSA complaint 11454470 — filed 02/28/2022

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Ram 3500 have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2016 Ram 3500: 21 of 133 complaints on file (15.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2016 Ram 3500 have in total?

133 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 12 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 6 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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.