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.
This page covers 7 recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2016 Ram 5500.
Powertrain and wheel issues dominate what owners report for the 2016 Ram 5500. On the powertrain side, the transfer case draws the most attention, with owners describing recurring abnormal noises from underneath the vehicle that initially come and go before becoming a consistent problem. The wheel complaints are striking: multiple owners report rear wheels detaching while driving, in several cases with all lug nuts shearing off simultaneously. This happens at both low speeds and highway speeds, and in at least one instance the vehicle came to rest on the axle after both rear dual tires separated. Steering complaints round out the top three reported systems, though at lower volume. The wheel separation pattern, specifically lug nut shear failure on rear wheels, is the most consistently described symptom across these reports.
16
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 RAM 5500 has 7 recalls, the most serious covering several independent risks including engine compartment fire, unexpected rollaway, sudden engine stall, and wheel separation that can each lead to a crash or injury.
On the fire and drivetrain side, the 6.7L Cummins diesel's water pump can leak coolant onto hot engine components, raising the risk of an engine fire. The transfer case output shaft can fracture and cut drive power without warning. A software fault can cause the cruise control system to maintain or increase speed even when the driver tries to shut it off. The engine control module on certain trucks built in a narrow window in mid-2015 can short-circuit and stall the engine without warning. Separately, the column shifter can be moved out of park without pressing the brake or having a key in the ignition, allowing the vehicle to roll away on its own. Incorrect torque specifications in the owner's and service manuals can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, broken wheel studs, and a wheel coming off while driving. There is also a recall covering an included Kidde fire extinguisher that may fail to discharge properly when needed.
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.
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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 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 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.