NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 14 recalls and 133 owner complaints for the 2016 Ram 3500.
Steering and wheels dominate the complaint picture for the 2016 Ram 3500. Owners most frequently report steering problems, with the most serious accounts describing a complete loss of steering control, several owners say the steering rack fractured while driving, leaving the vehicle unable to be guided normally. Wheel-related complaints make up the second-largest group, though the specifics across those reports vary. The powertrain draws a smaller but notable share of complaints, where owners describe loss of power and failure to accelerate as expected, sometimes accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes related to boost and turbo control. A separate thread in the complaints involves the steering wheel airbag harness, where a handful of owners report the connector being damaged during unrelated service work, with the airbag warning light coming on afterward.
133
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 RAM 3500 has 14 recalls, with the most serious including a steering drag link that can separate and cause a complete loss of steering control, and a transfer case output shaft that can fracture and cut drive power without warning.
Two airbag recalls cover the side curtain inflators: in one, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, and in another, the inflator end cap can detach and be propelled toward occupants. A third airbag recall involves the roll rate sensor triggering a fault that disables the side curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners entirely. On the engine side, the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine control module can short circuit and stall the engine without warning, and a leaking coolant pump raises the risk of an engine compartment fire on diesel-equipped trucks. The column shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal depressed or a key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. Cruise control software on certain vehicles may fail to disengage, causing the truck to hold or increase speed against the driver's input. Two wheel-related recalls address AEV-modified cast aluminum wheels that can fracture and deflate rapidly, and lug nuts that can be over-tightened due to incorrect manual specifications, potentially breaking a wheel stud and separating the wheel. Power locking tailgates on trucks with certain bed lengths can unlatch while driving and drop cargo onto the road. There is also a recall covering a Kidde fire extinguisher that may fail to discharge when needed
At a glance
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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 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 owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
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 transfer case may have a misshapen main output shaft with voids that can cause the shaft to fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transfer case at no cost.
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.