2016 Ram 2500: complaints, problems and recalls

LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION: THE 2016 2500 RAM DIESEL TRUCK HAS A PROBLEM THAT CAUSES IT TO DO A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING. A COMPLETE LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ARE LOST, INCLUDING A... COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE... BRAKE LIGHTS... POWER STEERING... POWER BRAKES. EVERYTHING DIES WITH NO WARNING. JUST DEAD! FIAT DODGE RAM KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE ALLOWING THESE VEHICLES TO BE SOLD TO AN UNKNOWING PUBLIC. THE REASON I KNOW THIS IS BECAUSE WHEN THE DEALER CALLED THE STAR HOT LINE AT RAM THEY WERE TOLD EXACTLY WHERE TO GO…

Owner-reported narrative. 124 miles reported. Look up ODI 10785445 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, HOWEVER, RE-FLASHED THE COMPUTER. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT A TERMINAL ON THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE WAS SHEARING OFF CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS…

Owner-reported narrative. 124 miles reported. Look up ODI 10785556 at NHTSA ↗

PURCHASED A NEW RAM 2500 DIESEL. AFTER 1200 MILES, THE DIESEL EMISSION FLUID (DEF) GAUGE BECAME ERRATIC AND GAVE ME A MESSAGE THAT AFTER 200 MILES THE TRUCK'S MAXIMUM SPEED WOULD BE 5 MILES/HOUR. THE AM DEALER IN OLYMPIA, WA TRACED THE PROBLEM TO A COMPUTER MODULE. THIS MODULE IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER WITH NO DELIVERY DATE IN SIGHT. I AM ON MY WAY TO ALASKA, AND AM STUCK IN OLYMPIA, WA FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG. THE TRUCK IS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER, EXCEPT THAT IT IS PROGRAMMED TO STOP (OR GO 5MPH) AFTER 200 MILES UNLESS THE DEF PROBLEM …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10812058 at NHTSA ↗

THROTTLE RESPONSE, THERE IS A HUGE DELAY BETWEEN ACTIVATING THE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE REACTING TO THAT INPUT. CROSSING A BUSY STREET FROM A STANDSTILL IS A GAMBLE WHETHER OR NOT YOU'LL ACCELERATE IN ENOUGH TIME.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10821612 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, THE REDUCED THROTTLE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,600.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10837923 at NHTSA ↗

NO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS

Owner-reported narrative. 16 miles reported. Look up ODI 10850660 at NHTSA ↗

HAD PHONE CHARGING FROM USB PORT IN TRUCK. PULLED INTO GAS STATION AND AS I WAS TURNING THE WHEEL TO PARK IN A SPOT, I TOUCHED THE PHONE AND THE ENGINE DIED.

Owner-reported narrative. 430 miles reported. Look up ODI 10850661 at NHTSA ↗

B/T 15-20 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. NO WARNING, NO NOISE, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE GOES TO NOTHING, AND RPMS DROP TO 0. I LOOSE CONTROL OF STEERING AS WELL. EVERYTHING ELSE HAS POWER TO IT (RADIO, LIGHTS, ETC WORK) HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES, 3 IN A ROW, SPENT 2 DAYS AT DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HAPPENED THE 4TH TIME AND I HAVE IT ON VIDEO. ITS GOING BACK TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY FOR THEM TO TRY AGAIN. CHRYSLER DODGE IS AWARE OF IT, AND HASN'T CALLED TO SPEAK WITH ME OR RETURNED MY PHONE CALLS, ITS BEEN 2WKS.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,654 miles reported. Look up ODI 10851761 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2015-09-23 (September 23, 2015)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.

Consequence: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.

Reported: 2017-05-09 (May 9, 2017)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

Reported: 2017-08-10 (August 10, 2017)

Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

Consequence: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

Reported: 2017-09-12 (September 12, 2017)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.

Reported: 2017-12-20 (December 20, 2017)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Reported: 2017-12-21 (December 21, 2017)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Reported: 2018-07-27 (July 27, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Consequence: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

Reported: 2019-01-25 (January 25, 2019)

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.

Consequence: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2019-05-09 (May 9, 2019)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Consequence: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

Reported: 2021-08-12 (August 12, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Consequence: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

Reported: 2025-01-16 (January 16, 2025)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.