2016 Ram 3500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Ram 3500 has 180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 182. The most common issue is steering problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: 1st alignment and tire rotation @1800miles "toe set", another rotate then off set ball joint because it developed a "pull" and "climbed crown", 3rd rotation, was told no more alignment available within specs, 3,800 miles needs rotation due to outer tire wear, shimmy on minor road imperfections has j. There are 16 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.
180
Total Complaints
16
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
STEERING
29 complaints- • 1ST ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION @1800MILES "TOE SET", ANOTHER ROTATE THEN OFF SET BALL JOINT BECAUSE IT DEVELOPED A "PULL" AND "CLIMBED CROWN", 3RD ROTATION, WAS TOLD NO MORE ALIGNMENT AVAILABLE WITHIN SPECS, 3,800 MILES NEEDS ROTATION DUE TO OUTER TIRE WEAR, SHIMMY ON MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS HAS J
- • DRAG LINK FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. APPARENTLY THREADS STRIPPED OUT IN THE COUPLER NUT RESULTING IN TOTAL STEERING LOSS. *DSY
- • DRAG LINK FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. APPARENTLY THREADS STRIPPED OUT IN THE COUPLER NUT RESULTING IN TOTAL STEERING LOSS. *DSY
“1ST ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION @1800MILES "TOE SET", ANOTHER ROTATE THEN OFF SET BALL JOINT BECAUSE IT DEVELOPED A "PULL" AND "CLIMBED CROWN", 3RD ROTATION, WAS TOLD NO MORE ALIGNMENT AVAILABLE WITHIN SPECS, 3,800 MILES NEEDS ROTATION DUE TO OUTER TIRE WEAR, SHIMMY ON MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS HAS J”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Ram 3500
Based on 104 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 22K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
WHEELS
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
OTHER
BRAKES
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (16)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Ram 3500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ram 3500 Service Intervals
5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2016 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 180 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐STEERING: 1ST ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION @1800MILES "TOE SET", ANOTHER ROTATE THEN OFF SET BALL JOINT BECAUSE IT DEVELOPED A "PULL" AND "CLIMBED CROWN", 3RD ROTATION, WAS TOLD NO MORE ALIGNMENT AVAILABLE WITHIN SPECS, 3,800 MILES NEEDS ROTATION DUE TO OUTER TIRE WEAR, SHIMMY ON MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS HAS J
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE HEATER WAS RUNNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐WHEELS: NEXEN TIRES RODIAN LT HRX 235/80/R17 ON A NEW DODGE RAM 3500 HAD 14,000 MI WHEN DISCOVERED PIN HOLES IN THE SIDE WALL WHICH CANNOT BE REPAIRED, SPLITTING VISIBLE BETWEEN THE TREADS AND TIRES CONTINUOUSLY LOOSING AIR. NO BLOW-OUT HAS YET OCCURRED RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY. THE SITUATION IS BEING B
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: THE TRUCK WAS LOADED WITH APPROXIMATELY 1,400 POUNDS OF HAY IN THE BED. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE TOWARD THE REAR. IT WAS PLACED INTO PARK AS WITNESSED BY THE 2 PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AS THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE DOOR. A COUPLE OF SECONDS LATER, T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 16 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ram 3500 — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 180
- Recalls
- 16
- Fire reports
- 7
- Crash reports
- 10
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 182
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Ram 3500