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#BS-2016-RAM350-4AA72016 Ram 3500Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 183 owners and 16 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 183 complaints, 17 crashes, 8 fires, and 16 recalls.
Top reported problems
shaking while driving
3 complaints • Severity 6.7/10
loss of power while driving
3 complaints • Severity 9.3/10
heater block cord missing
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
4wd warning message
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
key gets stuck in ignition
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
28 owners reported steering issues — failures commonly reported around 23K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (59 reports) • Median: 23K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Steering (28 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Ram 3500: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 15% of all reports filed for the 2016 Ram 3500, with 28 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 22,690 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 23K-mile mark.
Wheels & Tires Issues
Wheels & Tires complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2016 Ram 3500, with 24 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to wheels & tires-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 12% of all reports filed for the 2016 Ram 3500, with 22 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2016 Ram 3500, with 19 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Ram 3500. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (16 recalls)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
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.
EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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.
WHEELS
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.
+ 11 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (3)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Steering loss due to linkage separation
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Steering loss due to linkage separation
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The worst model year for the Ram 3500 is the 2013 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is suspension.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 183 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 16 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026.
Other Ram 3500 Model Years
View all Ram 3500 years →2016 Ram 3500: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2016 Ram 3500 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 183 owner reports. Know before you buy.