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Your vehicleHome›Ram›3500› 2016
Ram · Pickup truck

2016 Ram 3500

Heavy-duty pickup
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
30 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls4 critical 14
Complaints12 crash · 5 fire · 6 injured reported 134
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Ram 3500 is a pickup truck; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's recall, complaint and investigation records. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 134 complaints, most often about the steering.

Ram Heavy Duty — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ram Heavy Duty · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

No EPA fuel-economy record: the EPA does not certify vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR. Recall, complaint and investigation data below come from NHTSA.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
GVWR classClass 3: 10,001 - 14,000 lb (4,536 - 6,350 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement6.7 L

Fuel Economy

FuelDiesel

Transmission

Drivetrain4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Laramie, Longhorn, SLT, ST). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length227.2–256.7 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.5–96.1 in
Wheelbase140.2–169.7 in
Track, front68.9 in
Track, rear68.5 in
Curb weight6,023–7,414 lb

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 14 configurations: Ram Crew Cab L/Box 2WD Drw, Ram Crew Cab L/Box 2WD Srw, Ram Crew Cab L/Box 4WD Drw, Ram Crew Cab L/Box 4WD Srw, Ram Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Ram Crew Cab S/Box 4WD …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 3500
Other years The 2024 3500 Recalls Ram recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Ram 3500 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (14)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Air Bags

05C, 09C, 10C
6,066 vehicles 33% reported repaired
Problem 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 An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. Fix 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 with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V010000 reported Jan 16, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

Y55
212,373 vehicles 47% reported repaired
Problem 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 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. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V632000 reported Aug 12, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Wheels

Y26, Y36
447,985 vehicles 59% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash. Fix 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V398000 reported May 27, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

V44
1,103,209 vehicles 59% reported repaired built Feb 5, 2013 – Mar 31, 2018
Problem 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 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. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V347000 reported May 9, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

V06
795,575 vehicles 72% reported repaired built Feb 7, 2013 – Dec 29, 2018
Problem 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 A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V021000 reported Jan 25, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

U74
1,149,223 vehicles 76% reported repaired built May 30, 2014 – Aug 2, 2017
Problem 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 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. Fix 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 with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V486000 reported Jul 27, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

U49,U59-U65,U68,U73
4,815,661 vehicles 77% reported repaired built Jun 6, 2013 – May 24, 2018
Problem 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 depress Risk If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Fix 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 transmissi
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 reported May 17, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Equipment

T82
61,791 vehicles 48% reported repaired built Jul 12, 2011 – Nov 14, 2017
Problem 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/201 Risk If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 reported Dec 21, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

T79
1,482,874 vehicles 59% reported repaired built Sep 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2016
Problem 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 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. Fix 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 with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V821000 reported Dec 20, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

T51
443,874 vehicles 81% reported repaired built Oct 24, 2012 – Feb 28, 2017
Problem 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 The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V562000 reported Sep 12, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Wheels

1,765 vehicles 11% reported repaired built Apr 14, 2015 – May 2, 2017
Problem 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 If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V499000 reported Aug 10, 2017 Streetcar ORV LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

T25
1,021,279 vehicles 68% reported repaired built Jun 4, 2013 – Jul 10, 2015
Problem 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 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. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V302000 reported May 9, 2017 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

S48
889 vehicles 87% reported repaired built Jul 24, 2015 – Jan 7, 2016
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V495000 reported Jul 1, 2016 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

R52
41 vehicles 93% reported repaired built Jul 31, 2015 – Aug 13, 2015
Problem 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 An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash. Fix 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 with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V592000 reported Sep 23, 2015 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks. The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever. The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100. Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park with

Opened Jul 3, 2025 · action RQ25003 · the investigation’s page →

Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection — Steering loss due to linkage separation closed

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.  During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag link w

Opened Dec 1, 2019 · closed Nov 20, 2025 · action EA19004 · the investigation’s page →

Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection — Steering loss due to linkage separation closed

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system. Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver t

Opened Dec 17, 2018 · closed Dec 12, 2019 · action PE18016 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific 3500

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ram publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ram’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Ram 3500, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Ram 3500

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this 3500 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
134complaints filed

12 involved a crash · 5 a fire · 6 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 16 · 2017: 23 · 2018: 16 · 2019: 31 · 2020: 6 · 2021: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2023: 10 · 2024: 7 · 2025: 9 · 2026: 5

Most-cited components

Steering 30
Engine 25
Wheels 21
Power Train 19
Unspecified 16
Service Brakes 12

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

I was traveling w/b on I-78 approximately 45 mph(in a snow storm),and I was trying to pass a tractor -trailer. When I was about 150ft from his trailer, their tractor proceeded to jack-knife in front of me.
Air Bags at 61,242 miles Mar 30, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10969495
2016 3500 cummins turbo diesel with aisin automatic transmission and 342 gear ratio has sluggish acceleration and what seems to be an unresponsive throttle and what seems to be called a dead pedal or torque management system, maybe to help fuel economy to meet government guide lines.
Fuel/Propulsion System at 17,000 miles Mar 15, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10966215
Brand new vehicle with less than 1,000 miles on it has a violent shake at highway speeds between 62-72 MPH. Three different Ram dealers and Ram customer support team states that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and it's operating as designed. Potentially a safety issue as the shake seems to make the truck unstable at times.
Power Train Feb 28, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10957508
Daily occurrence. While dead stopped at light or idling along after lifting foot off of brake pedal, then slowly depressing accelerator pedal, there is a 2-4 second delay before truck starts to accelerate. Feels like a dead pedal. This has become worse as the truck accrues miles.
Engine at 2,124 miles Feb 13, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10954371
Truck has a terrible vibrations at highway speeds feels if the truck is coming apart i've taken the truck back, new 1600$ tires no help
Suspension Feb 13, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10954176
On 1/17/2017 I took my 2016 Ram 3500 into the selling dealer service department (dwayne lane's everett, wa) to check for the cause of a "check trailer wiring" visual and audible warning which had been present intermittently with brake pedal application since shortly after purchase of the vehicle (new).
Service Brakes at 6,554 miles Jan 23, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10947244

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

When owners reported it

Reported at 24k

miles, typically

Half the 78 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 10,000 and 61,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 20
10k–20k 11
20k–30k 11
30k–40k 2
40k–50k 4
50k–60k 8
60k–70k 6
70k–80k 2
80k–90k 0
90k–100k 1
100k–150k 6
150k + 7

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine1424,0000.39×
Wheels1420,0000.84×
Steering1459,6501.24×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: engine (0.39×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 1 filing by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Stellantis warranty extension (117) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 490
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-21
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 489 service bulletins, 1 warranty extension

Most often about: Equipment, Electrical System, Engine, Power Train, Fuel/Propulsion System.

  • 9100923 Service bulletin
    2026-09-21 · Engine
  • AIR CLEANER - NONE Instruction to Dealers while ordering the PN# 68137142AD. 1. If the Air Cleaner Assembly is functional and only the MAF Sensor has failed, the dealer should order and replace only the MAF Sensor(68002441AC). 2. If the Air Cleaner Assembly has failed and the MAF Sensor remains functional, the dealer should order the new Air Cleaner Assembly PN(68137142AD) and reuse the existing M
  • S1203000003 REV. A Service bulletin
    2026-06-26 · Service Brakes
  • Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
  • 112906 Service bulletin
    2026-06-17 · Engine
  • BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
  • 112906 Service bulletin
    2026-06-17 · Engine
  • BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
  • S1623000028 Rev. K Service bulletin
    2026-06-12 · Electrical System
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S1623000028 REV. J Service bulletin
    2026-06-05 · Structure — Body
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S1623000028 REV. I Service bulletin
    2026-05-29 · Electrical System
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S2623000032 Service bulletin
    2026-04-30 · Structure — Body
  • Squeak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One Door Or More. The Noise Can Be Present In Either The Upper Or The Lower Hinge.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
U110EManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train21 bulletins
P0218Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train18 bulletins
P0868
P0868 on Ram →		Transmission line pressure has been measured below the required level.Power Train18 bulletins
P205EManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train18 bulletins
P0421Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train14 bulletins
P2281Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →12 bulletins
P2280Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train11 bulletins
P218F
P218F on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train10 bulletins
P207F
P207F on Ram →		The quality of the reductant (diesel exhaust fluid) in the tank is out of specification.Engine9 bulletins
P2610
P2610 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0128
P0128 on Ram →		The engine is not reaching its normal operating temperature in the expected time — usually the thermostat.Engine · Thermostat →6 bulletins
P0456
P0456 on Ram →		A very small leak in the evaporative emissions system.Power Train · Gas cap →6 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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3500 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 C 4 28 2025 C 5 43 2024 B 2 45 2023 D 5 17 Park outside2022 F 12 190 Park outside2021 F 9 62 Park outside2020 F 11 116 2019 F 14 137 2018 F 10 809 2017 F 12 315 2016 this page F 14 134

Common questions about the 2016 3500

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Ram 3500 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ram 3500, 4 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V010000, covering Air Bags. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Ram 3500?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2016 Ram 3500 yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (30/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Ram 3500?

Transport Canada measured it at 227.2–256.7 in long, 79.5–96.1 in wide (body, without mirrors), on a 140.2–169.7 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 6,023–7,414 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Ram 3500?

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 3500, most often about steering, engine, wheels. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 6 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Ram 3500?

The manufacturer has filed 490 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Ram 3500, most often covering equipment, electrical system, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-09-21. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurationsnoneEPA certification recordsThe EPA does not certify vehicles rated over 8,500 lb GVWR, so heavy-duty nameplates have no entry at all.
Emission certificatesnoneEPA emission certificatesThe EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page.
Recalls14NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints134NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratingsnoneNHTSA NCAPNHTSA has not tested this model year. Cars are selected for testing, so untested is not unsafe.
Service bulletins490NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations3NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA6 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions6 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2024 3500 The 3500 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ram recall on file All campaigns filed against Ram vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this 3500 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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