NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
The 2016 RAM 4500 has 8 recalls, the most serious involving multiple risks of rollaway, unexpected engine stall, fire, and loss of drive power that can each lead to a crash.
Two recalls address drivetrain integrity: the transfer case output shaft can fracture and cut drive power without warning, and the column shifter allows the transmission to be moved out of park without the brake pedal pressed or the key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. On the engine side, the engine control module can short circuit and stall the engine on trucks built in a narrow window in August 2015 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel, and a coolant leak from the water pump on earlier Cummins 6.7L diesel engines can cause an engine compartment fire. There is also a wheel safety concern: incorrect torque specifications in the owner's manual can lead to overtightened lug nuts, broken wheel studs, and wheel separation. Two additional electrical issues round out the list: a software defect can cause cruise control to maintain or increase speed even when the driver tries to cancel it, and a Kidde-brand fire extinguisher included with certain vehicles may not discharge properly in an emergency.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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
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 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 transfer case's rear output shaft may fracture, causing loss of engine power to the wheels and loss of parking brake function in two-wheel drive mode, increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the entire transfer case.
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.
