Reliable Auto DB

2016 Ram 3500 reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2016 Ram 3500 holds 134 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 18 per year. 3500 years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 17 complaints per year. NHTSA has 16 recalls on file, including Inflator, Lug nuts, and Latch.

2012 Ram 3500
Photo by MercurySable99, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

134

Per year

18

Recalls

16

Years on the road

11

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (29 of 134), then Engine (21) and Wheels (21). Those filings include 12 that report a crash, 5 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Next to 2015 and 2017

The 2015 3500 has 136 complaints, 18 per year, and the 2017 has 310 complaints, 21 per year. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2015. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Ram 3500. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (16)

Recall air bags, side and window, curtain, inflator 2025-01-16 · NHTSA campaign 25V010000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall air bags, side and window, curtain, inflator 2021-08-12 · NHTSA campaign 21V632000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall wheels, lug nuts 2021-05-27 · NHTSA campaign 21V398000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall latches, locks, and linkages, tailgate, latch 2019-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall steering, linkages, drag link, link, connection 2019-01-25 · NHTSA campaign 19V021000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall steering, linkages 2018-10-16 · NHTSA campaign 18E096000
Summary Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Remedy Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Recall structure, body, tailgate 2018-07-27 · NHTSA campaign 18V486000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2018-05-17 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall Equipment 2017-12-21 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000
Summary 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
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.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shifter 2017-12-20 · NHTSA campaign 17V821000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall engine and cooling, engine, diesel 2017-09-12 · NHTSA campaign 17V562000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall Wheels 2017-08-10 · NHTSA campaign 17V499000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall Air bags 2017-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 17V302000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall powertrain, transfer case 2016-07-01 · NHTSA campaign 16V495000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall Equipment 2016-05-16 · NHTSA campaign 16E041000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Recall Engine 2015-09-23 · NHTSA campaign 15V592000
Summary 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.
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.

Complaints by component (134 total)

Steering
29
Engine
21
Wheels
21
Powertrain
19
Service brakes
11
Electrical system
10
Suspension
10
Air bags
8
Fuel and propulsion system
7
Speed control
7
Engine and engine cooling
4
Tires
4
Structure
3
Back-over prevention
2
Exterior lighting
2
Forward collision avoidance
2
Latches, locks, and linkages
2
Hydraulic brakes
1
Seat belts
1
Visibility
1
Show 12 more Show less
Crash-flagged

12

Fire-flagged

5

Injury reports

4

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

162016232017162018312019620205202162022102023720249202552026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Pursuant to a manufacturer-issued safety recall (V06) on a steering assembly component, the manufacturer's remedy permanently damaged an otherwise functioning, adjustable steering component and created a financial…"
    Steering, Suspension, Wheels · filed 2026-08-18
  • "The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that when he took his vehicle to be aligned, he was advised that the vehicle was not able to be aligned, due to a previous recall repair where the drag link was…"
    Steering · filed 2026-05-15
  • "The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle to the dealer for recall repair for a drag link failure, from a previous owner, the vehicle was misaligned and the vehicle was unable to…"
    Steering · filed 2026-05-11
  • "The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…"
    Powertrain, Engine · filed 2026-05-08
  • "The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering rack fractured, and the contact was no longer able to maneuver the vehicle. The contact strapped the steering…"
    Steering · filed 2026-03-13

Specs and fitment

Fourth-generation HD, 2012–2018
Body styles Pickup
Oil Diesel oil per Cummins CES / API CK-4 (see manual by climate) , 12 qt capacity
Tire size 275/70R18, 285/60R20 (SRW); 235/80R17 (DRW)

Known issues for this generation

Pre-2019 Ram 3500 diesels retain the older Bosch CP3 high-pressure fuel pump layout that later trucks briefly left behind. Shared HD campaigns still matter on these years, including power-locking tailgate latch failures covered under NHTSA 19V-347 (and related expansions) on many 2013–2018 Ram 1500/2500/3500 pickups where the actuator limiter tab could fracture and let the tailgate open while driving. Confirm open tailgate and other HD recalls on the VIN; diesel trucks also accumulate DEF/EGR and emissions-system complaints typical of post-2013 Cummins trucks.

Compare

Previous year 2015 Ram 3500 Next year 2017 Ram 3500 See every Ram 3500 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Ram 3500 reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2016 Ram 3500 holds 134 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 18 per year. 3500 years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 17 complaints per year. NHTSA has 16 recalls on file, including Inflator, Lug nuts, and Latch.

What are common problems with a 2016 Ram 3500?

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (29 of 134), then Engine (21) and Wheels (21). Those filings include 12 that report a crash, 5 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Is the 2016 Ram 3500 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2015 3500 has 136 complaints, 18 per year, and the 2017 has 310 complaints, 21 per year. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2015. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Ram 3500 been recalled?

The 2016 Ram 3500 has 16 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Ram 3500?

Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 2016 Ram 3500 with NHTSA.

What oil does a Ram 3500 Cummins take?

Diesel oil per Cummins CES / API CK-4 (see manual by climate)

What does NHTSA recall 21V-880 cover on the Ram 3500?

2019–2020 Ram 3500 (and sibling 2500/4500/5500) trucks with the 6.7L Cummins are covered by NHTSA campaign 21V-880 (FCA Y78): the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump may fail prematurely, send metal debris through the fuel system, and cause fuel starvation or loss of motive…

What generation is the 2013 Ram 3500?

Fourth-generation HD (2012-2018).