Fourth generation (DS/DJ Heavy Duty)
2016 Ram 2500
The most reported problem on the 2016 Ram 2500 is brake wear, with 35 complaints, usually around 50,000 miles.
- 258owner complaints
- 14recalls
- 15involved a crash
- 27,022median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your 2500 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Ram 2500 reliable?
The 2016 Ram 2500 has 258 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 278 for 2016 pickups on this site. Of the 13 2500 model years since 2014, it has the 4th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 23 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs well under the 2017 (70). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, brake wear, covers 35 of the 258 complaints (14%), and stalling is next with 20 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 12 owners who gave a mileage for brake wear saw it by about 23,000 miles, and half by about 50,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 17 of the 258 complaints (7%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 15 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 10 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death. The most crash reports, 5 of 15, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as brake wear. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2018 at 44 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 13. So far in 2026, 15 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 35 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
258 complaints is about the median for a 2016 model on this site and about the median for a 2016 pickup. Among the 10 2500 model years here it ranks 4th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Ram 2500
Ram filed 463 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Ram 2500. 21 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 35 complaints
Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
ABS light on 1 bulletin · 17 complaints
Brake Pedal Sensor For vehicles with DTC's P0572 or C0042, or complaints of brake lights staying on or cruise control not setting, please use wiTech to check the Brake Pedal Home Position setting and actual pedal resting position under brake pedal status in ...
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 3 bulletins · 12 complaints
Chatter, Shudder, or Vibration From Rear Axle During Turns
Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system.
1 more on this problem
Flash: Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM) System Enhancements This Bulletin involves updating the (ASCM) software. A customer may describe the following: · **Cluster stays awake after ignition is turned off for 10 minutes or more.** · False message Battery ...
Check engine light or misfire 12 bulletins · 11 complaints
Ambient Air Temperature Missing, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Lamp On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open, P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
10 more on this problem
Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter ...
Intake Grid Heater, Grid Heater Relay 2012 - 2016 6.7L Cummins engines with Intake Heater issues or DTC P2609 and P0542, please replace the Intake Heater Grid and Relay as a set. 68210071A$ (heater grid) and 05187880A$ (relay).
Flash: 6.7L Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) with the latest available software.
EGR Cooler If a customer comes in with a check engine light for P0401, P2281 or P0234 and the,technician has determined the EGR Cooler is plugged with soot, please contact Stephen Alvarado at the STAR Center at (866) 799-1695 ext. (4720271).
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached.
High Pressure Connector Tube/Fuel Injector For 2016 6.7 Cummins - When replacing Fuel Injector for a Misfire Code (P0300- P0306), please also replace the High Pressure Connector Tube and return tube with the injectors.
Flash: Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Camshaft Position Sensor If replacing a camshaft position sensor for P0340 and/or P0344 fault codes, please review information below and contact Andrew Action on his cell phone: (248) 421- 4130.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Before replacing this part due to a P0335 fault code, please contact Andrew Acton at cell (248) 421-4130.
Camshaft Position Sensor If replacing a camshaft position sensor for P0340, P0344, P0345, P0349, P0365, P0369, P0390 or P0394 fault codes, please review information below and contact Tom Nies on his cell phone: (248) 494-0187.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 1 bulletin · 11 complaints
Tire pressure monitoring module Prior to replacing tire pressure monitoring module, for DTC's C151D, C1581, please contact Michael Wang at cell (248) 701-5351. If no response or contact is made within 15 minutes, proceed with repairs as necessary.
Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor.
Tailgate or liftgate will not open or close 1 bulletin · 7 complaints
SAFETY RECALL U74 & V44 ? TAILGATE LATCH (UPDATED) WIC ARTICLE 2688- RECALL RELATED DAMAGE 2015-2017MY RAM TRUCKS
Doors, latches or locks fail 1 bulletin · 6 complaints
Door latch Before replacing this part please contact Kevin Murphree at Cell (248) 613-3417 or Samantha Kallman (248)-576-1532. If you are unable to get a response within 15 minutes, please continue with the repair.
Complaints filed by year
44 complaints came in 2018. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Steering loss due to linkage separation. Closed nov 20, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Steering loss due to linkage separation. Closed dec 12, 2019, led to recall 19V-021.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Ram 2500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 14 recalls on the 2016 Ram 2500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Ram 2500?
Brake wear, with 35 of the 258 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 50,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 problems start?
Of the 143 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 11,000 miles and half by about 27,000.
Is the 2016 Ram 2500 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has fewer complaints than the 2017: 23 a year against 70.
How many 2016 Ram 2500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
17 of them (7%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2016 Ram 2500?
No recall on file for the 2016 Ram 2500 is on the same system as brake wear. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.