2016 Ram 2500 Complaints
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
258
Total
15
Crashes
3
Fires
10
Injuries
1
Deaths
Most Reported Components
Owner Complaint Reports
Showing 25 of 258 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/10/2026
I am reporting a transmission safety problem with my 2016 Ram 2500 Cummins that began shortly after FCA campaign U29 was performed. Before the recall work, the transmission and original solenoid were functioning normally. I had no transmission symptoms, warning lights, or transmission codes. The dealership performed U29 and replaced the transmission solenoid May 4-6, 2026. I picked the truck up May 6 at 149,091 miles. About 79 miles later, the check-engine light came on and transmission problems began. While driving, including on the interstate, the truck would suddenly jerk, the RPMs would rise quickly, and the truck would lose speed. On several occasions, traffic behind me had to react quickly to avoid hitting me. The dealership told me the solenoid installed during the U29 repair was defective and replaced it with another solenoid. The same problems continued. The truck later developed code P0871, became undriveable, and was towed back June 1. The original transmission ultimately failed. The dealership then installed a Mopar remanufactured transmission. I picked it up June 13. Within roughly 600 miles, it developed substantially identical symptoms and failure patterns, including P0870 and P0871, limp mode, and another major transmission failure. It was towed back June 24. The dealership later found the overdrive clutch had disintegrated and metal was present in the transmission fluid. The failed remanufactured transmission is now being handled under its Mopar warranty, and the dealership is looking to install a third transmission without identifying a clear reason for the repeated failures. I am concerned the same problem could happen again and believe the U29 repair, replacement parts, or another related transmission problem should be investigated.
POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/25/2026
On August 25, 2026, my 2016 Ram 2500 was parked on private property. The driver states that she placed the automatic transmission in PARK before exiting the vehicle. After she exited, the unoccupied vehicle unexpectedly began rolling and struck a tree, causing vehicle damage. No one was injured. There were no known warning lights or messages indicating a problem before the incident. The cause has not yet been determined and the vehicle has not yet been inspected for this incident. The vehicle is available for inspection. This vehicle is equipped with a steering-column-mounted automatic transmission shifter. I am concerned that the incident may involve the transmission/shift interlock/Park system. I am aware of NHTSA Recall 17V-821 (FCA T79), involving unintended rollaway in certain Ram trucks, as well as NHTSA Recall Query RQ25003 concerning reported BTSI failures in vehicles including Ram 2500 models. The NHTSA VIN lookup currently shows zero unrepaired recalls for this vehicle; however, I do not yet know whether the prior T79 recall repair was performed on this specific vehicle or when it was performed. I did call the dealership and they said possibly 0ctober 3, 2018. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle rolled after the driver reports placing the transmission in PARK and exiting the vehicle.
STEERING — Filed 08/01/2026
the V06 Recall on this vehicle that for some reason was approved is an inadequate repair. The steering wheel is not adjustable with the "Weld Fix". Stellantis should have to replace the defective parts. My truck is not not able to be aligned 100%. The repair was done in 2019, and I have complained about this in the past once I realized what they did to "FIX" the issue for the recall. They have been no help and said that because it was and approved repair even though this should never of been a long term solution.. according to them I'm SOL and the dealership can align it but other shops are saying that you can't truly align the car and steering with that fix in place. I would hope that you put pressure on them to make this right.
STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 04/28/2026
This complaint is against HENDRICK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN HOOVER ALABAMA misaligned solid-axle geometry and compromised tire casings triggered a violent, uncontrollable oscillation through the steering system, rendering the truck an immediate highway safety hazard. The vehicle was so dangerous to operate that it could not be driven home and remains stranded at a secondary residential location. IV. EXPEDITION OF COMPLAINT: DEALERSHIP BAD-FAITH REFUSAL Following the failure, a corporate case file was officially opened with Ram Corporate Customer Care. Upon notification of the corporate escalation, the owner/general management of Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hoover, AL placed a direct phone call to the consumer. During this conversation, the dealership owner explicitly and aggressively stated that the dealership would do anything they had to do to get out of fixing the mistakes made on the drag link, directly refusing to authorize a safe flatbed tow, refusing to replace the ruined, improperly welded linkage, and refusing to assume liability for the three structurally destroyed tires. REQUESTED REMEDIAL ACTIONS The complainant requests that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Trade Commission, and the Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division launch an immediate investigation into Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for faulty execution of federal safety mandates, reckless endangerment of motorists, and bad-faith commercial practices. The dealership must be held legally and financially accountable for: The immediate cost of a flatbed tow from the vehicle's stranded location to a certified repair facility. The complete removal of the ruined, welded steering components and the installation of Ram’s updated, factory-authorized non-welded, clamp-style drag link assembly. The complete financial reimbursement or replacement of three (3) structural tires destroyed as a direct consequence of the failed recall execution.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/01/2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting a no-cost replacement of the factory Uconnect 8.4 radio in my truck (VIN: [XXX]) due to daily safety-related failures that significantly affect the safe operation of my vehicle. Every day, the radio experiences a startup delay where the screen remains black and many center stack functions are unavailable. This delay often lasts 5–10 minutes before the system becomes operational. During normal driving, the radio also displays repeated “Vehicle Phone Requires Service” error messages, creating a constant distraction that takes my attention away from the road. When these issues occur, the factory backup camera is unavailable. Losing the backup camera eliminates an important safety feature intended to help prevent collisions with pedestrians, children, vehicles, and objects while reversing. Additionally, the factory navigation and GPS no longer function at all. These are not minor convenience issues—they are daily safety concerns. Safety-related features should work immediately every time the vehicle is started. A factory infotainment system that fails every day, disables the backup camera during startup, and repeatedly distracts the driver while the vehicle is in motion presents an unacceptable safety risk. Because these failures occur daily and involve factory-installed safety equipment, I believe Stellantis should replace the defective Uconnect radio at no cost. I respectfully request that this complaint be documented and that a no-cost replacement be authorized. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STEERING — Filed 06/18/2025
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel independently steered the vehicle to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the contact was informed that the alignment could not be completed because of an unrepaired recall repair. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed in July 2019. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall repair was covered under warranty for two years from the date of completion. The contact stated that the recall repair was not performed, but marked as completed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/11/2024
Electronic brake controller faulty
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 02/05/2026
Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.
ENGINE — Filed 02/17/2026
Adding to form 11717793
POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/01/2019
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off with the key out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled backward and crashed into some trees. Additionally, the contact was able to move the gear shifter while the vehicle was turned off. The contact's son was inside the vehicle when the failure occurred; however, no injuries were sustained. No Police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the recall repair failed prevent the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/31/2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and running, she opened the front driver's side door and stepped on the running board with her body between the front driver's side door and the vehicle frame. The vehicle lunged forward independently, turned to the left and crashed into the front end of the passenger's side of the unoccupied vehicle parked next to it. The contact became trapped between the two vehicles and pinned between the driver's side door and the frame of her vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was squeezing continuously as if it had shifted into drive. The contact attempted to honk the horn by extending the keys on her left arm but was unsuccessful and started screaming for help. Two individuals arrived at the scene but could not unlock the door and were unable to break the front passenger's side window to unlock the door in order to extract the contact. The contact squeezed her body and reached out the unlock button on the driver's side door, and she unlocked the door. One of the individual got inside the vehicle, shifted into reverse and reversed slowly in order to release and extract the contact. The vehicle was parked. The contact was then extracted but was knocked unconscious. The contact was airlifted to the hospital where she was informed that she had sustained six broken ribs, damaged clavicle required surgery, damaged lungs due to squeezing, squeezed organs to one side of her abdomen, bruises on both glutes and bruised hips. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the local collision center. The collision center informed the contact that the driver's side frame of the vehicle she was squeezed against was dented, which showed the severity of the squeezing. The local Chrysler dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
AIR BAGS — Filed 02/28/2022
I was involved in a single vehicle accident due to a medical issue. I hit a utility pole, took out a cyclone fence, proceeded across a front yard of a home then almost directly into a block retaining wall. I was wearing my seat belt. My airbags did not deploy but I have no idea how fast I was going. From the damage to the pole and the wall and my truck I had to be going a decent speed. The police report noted that when they arrived my foot was on the accelerator and the back wheels were spinning for what that’s worth.
POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/10/2021
My transmission got so hot climing up a hill it caught the excused on fire, thankfully had water in the truck an put the fire out no warnings nothing, just flush transmission hot went to stop an realized it was on fire, had to have transmission rebuilt an cooler lines an cooler repaired, still not runing right.
POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/06/2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE GEAR SHIFTER SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRYANT MOTORS (2901 SOUTH LIMIT AVE, SEDALIA, MO) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. LATER, WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SWITCH INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY DRIVE IN FOURTH GEAR AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID. ON ONE OCCASION, AFTER SWITCHING INTO THE PARK POSITION WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING, THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DROVE BACKWARDS AND KNOCKED THE DRIVER TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE ALSO STRUCK TWO ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE POSITIONED BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES AND A MOTORCYCLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CAUSE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.*DT
POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/20/2019
TL* THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY, IT SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED IN REVERSE UP A SMALL HILL, CRASHED INTO A HOUSE, AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP ONLY BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM REVERSING ANY FURTHER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER WAS UNLOADING AT THE TIME AND DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE. TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAN) AT DAYTON ANDREWS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM DEALER, (LOCATED AT 2301 24TH ST N, ST PETERSBURG, FL 33713, (727) 321-0500). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/25/2019
HAVE 2016 RAM TRUCK, JUMPS OUT OF GEAR HITS A FENCE. TAKE IT TO A DEALER THEY ADMIT THERE IS A RECALL. THEY REPAIR THE RECALL AND TELL ME TO CALL FCA CUSTOMER SUPPORT 1800-992-1997 I SPEAK WITH QUINTIN AND HE TELLS ME SINCE THE DEALER ALREADY REPLACED THE PART, THEY CAN NOT CONFIRM THAT IS WHY MY TRUCK ROLLED INTO A FENCE. AND DENIED THE BODY REPAIRS. I ASK FOR DOCUMENTATION THAT STATES WHY THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR DAMAGE DUE TO THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THEY TELL ME THAT IS CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT I NEED TO GO THRU MY INSURANCE TO MAKE A CLAIM. SO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT. LESSON LEARNED DON'T PURCHASE FROM CHRYSLER ...
ENGINE — Filed 09/01/2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REGENERATION PROCESS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXTREME HEAT COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCSWEENEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2605 DR JOHN HAYNES DR, PELL CITY, AL 35125, (205) 814-7300) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. AT NIGHT, BLUE FLAMES CAME OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE WHEN THE REGENERATION PROCESS BEGAN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,775. *TT CONSUMER STATED IT IS NOT A FAILURE BUT A DESIGN OVERSIGHT. UPDATED 11/27/18*JB
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/06/2018
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 35 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST MY BRAKES. I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER CAR AND ENDED UP ON THE SIDEWALK. I THEN PUSHED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE IN TO STOP. I RAN INTO A STREET SIGN AND THE FRONT PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL, LIGHT AND MIRROR WERE DAMAGED. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO GET A TOW TO MY OFFICE I REALIZED THAT WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THE SHOCK HAD BROKEN OFF THE AXLE AND SEVERED THE BRAKE LINE. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT THIS SHOCK HAS COME OF THE AXLE AND DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. NOW MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER ALONG WITH THAT OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. THANK GOD A PEDESTRIAN WASN'T ON THE SIDEWALK OR THEY WOULD BE DEAD.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 04/06/2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN THE REVERSE POSITION, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MOBILE HOME AND A PORTABLE SHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND MID-SECTION. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
AIR BAGS — Filed 08/02/2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE MISSING SPRINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND DEEMED OPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 09/16/2017
WHEN PULLING A CAMPER THE TRUCK SHUT OFF (THERE WAS NO FUNCTION OF THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL) CAUSING THE CAMPER TO JACK KNIFE AND HIT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT. WHEN THE CAMERA CAUGHT UP TO THE TRUCK WET SPUN 180 DEGREES AT 65 MPH THEN FLIPPED. NO AIRBAG WENT OFF AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT STAY LOCKED. MY SON WHO WAS SITTING IN THE BACK CLIMBED OUT OF THE BACKSEAT WITHOUT UNLATCHING HIS SEATBELT.
POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/09/2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO INCREASE IN SPEED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (WHITES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP AND RAM 1325 N. MAIN STREET, URBANA, OH 43078) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,248.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT — Filed 12/12/2016
2016 RAM DIESEL 6.7 L EXPERIENCING STALLING WHEN DECELERATING TO STOP - LOSE POWER, RAN OFF ROAD AS RESULT. VEHICLE HAS 3 SECOND DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE- SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR MISSES
AIR BAGS — Filed 07/16/2016
I WAS DOING ABOUT 50MPH DOWN A STATE ROAD WHEN A GUY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME ATTEMPTING TO GO IN THE DIRECTION I WAS COMING FROM. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND TURNED THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT TO SO IT WAS NOT A DIRECT T-BONE. THE FRONT END OF MY BRAND NEW TRUCK WHICH HAD 292 MILES ON IT WAS CAVED IN AND THE HIT MADE HIS VEHICLE COME AROUND AND HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY TRUCK. NOT ONE AIRBAG WENT OFF. I'M ASSUMING I WAS DOING 40-45MPH ON IMPACT. ...UPDATED 07/10/17 *BF *CN
AIR BAGS — Filed 03/30/2016
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TRAVELING AROUND 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. I COULDN'T STOP SO I DID HIT THIS OTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON. I TBONED THIS OTHER VEHICLE AND THEIR AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY, HOWEVER, THE AIRBAGS ON MY $70,000 2016 6K MILE TRUCK FAILED TO DEPLOY.
About This Data
Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.
View on NHTSA.gov