2016 Ram PROMASTER 3500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Ram PROMASTER 3500 has 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 25. The most common issue is engine problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram promaster 3500. while operating the vehicle, the headlights suddenly shut off. the contact stated that the headlight bulbs were replaced 34 separate times in 17 months due to continued failures. the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but the cause of the failure .
25
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
5 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER 3500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED 34 SEPARATE TIMES IN 17 MONTHS DUE TO CONTINUED FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE
- • THERE HAS BEEN A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED TO ADDRESS AN OVERHEATING ISSUE IN FAN MOTORS. IT AFFECTS PROTESTERS WITH 3.0 L DIESEL OR 3.6 L GASOLINE ENGINES, WHICH OURS IS.THERE IS A HEIGHTENED RISK OF ENGINE FIRE, THEREFORE THEY HAVE ADVISED WE SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE VAN. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO FIX, AND W
- • A COOLING FAN STALL / SEIZURE EVENT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL OVERLOADING OF THE FAN MOTOR POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN THE THERMAL DEGRADATION OF THE BRUSH HOUSING, WHICH MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE. ON THIS RECALL I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY HAVE NOT FOUND A SOLUTION. I CALLED THE FCA NUMBER AND
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER 3500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED 34 SEPARATE TIMES IN 17 MONTHS DUE TO CONTINUED FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Ram PROMASTER 3500
Based on 15 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 48K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Ram PROMASTER 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 PROMASTER 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 PROMASTER 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 25 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER 3500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED 34 SEPARATE TIMES IN 17 MONTHS DUE TO CONTINUED FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE RAM PRO MASTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16E039000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: THE BOLTS TO THE TRANSMISSION/MOTOR MOUNT BROKE. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED ALMOST HITTING THE GROUND.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE RAM PRO MASTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16E039000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ram PROMASTER 3500 — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 25
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Ram PROMASTER 3500