Transport CanadaCritical
At a glance
This page covers 14 recalls, 252 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2016 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate what 2016 Ram 2500 owners report, with steering issues also drawing significant attention. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe the diesel engine entering limp mode, sometimes while towing, often tied to the variable geometry turbo actuator failing, a part several owners note has become expensive to source. A recurring and more severe engine complaint involves a grid heater fastener coming loose and getting ingested into the engine, resulting in catastrophic internal damage. Steering complaints center on loss of power assist or stiffness at various speeds. A smaller but consistent group of engine complaints involves the check engine light triggering alongside sudden power loss. A handful of owners also report the gear shifter handle breaking apart, leaving the truck stuck in whatever gear it was in when the failure occurred.
252
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 RAM 2500 has 14 recalls, with the most serious risks including engine stalls without warning on diesel models, a steering drag link that can separate and cause total loss of steering, and side curtain airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal fragments or end caps into the cabin.
The ECM issue on 6.7L Cummins diesel-equipped trucks can cause the engine to cut out unexpectedly while driving. On the steering side, a loose jam nut on the outboard steering linkage can allow the drag link to pull free entirely. The side curtain airbag inflators appear across several recalls, with inflator ruptures or detaching end caps posing an injury risk to occupants; some earlier repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue. There is also a cruise control software defect where the system may not disengage and the vehicle can maintain or increase speed against the driver's input.
The column shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal pressed or a key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. On the mechanical side, Cummins diesel water pumps on certain trucks can leak coolant and raise the risk of an engine fire. Trucks modified with AEV cast aluminum wheels face a separate concern: the wheel surface can fracture and cause rapid air loss. The tailgate on power-locking bed models can unlatch and swing open while driving, spilling cargo. Rough driving conditions can trigger a fault that disables the rollover curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. A supplied fire extinguisher may also
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The side curtain airbag inflators may be defective and could rupture suddenly, sending metal fragments toward the driver and passenger.
What the fix does
A dealership will replace the affected side curtain airbag inflators.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right and left side curtain air bags may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected side curtain air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side air bag inflatable curtain inflator may have a detached end cap or a ruptured sidewall, potentially preventing proper air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the side air bag inflatable curtain assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab can fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate actuator limiter tab at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Off-road driving or debris impact may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault in the restraint controller, disabling the rollover side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the restraint controller software at no cost to restore airbag and pretensioner function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Engine Control Module may have internal damage causing a short circuit, which could result in loss of engine power while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Engine Control Module may short circuit, causing the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
