2016 Ram 2500 problems: what to check before you buy
The 2016 Ram 2500 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns to check, the newest filed in 2025, plus 258 owner complaints, the third-most of the eight Ram 2500 model years in our 2015–2022 collection, with the powertrain (64) and the engine (53) named most often. Before you buy one, run its VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup; the $14.99 original ClearVIN PDF shows title brands, odometer readings, accident and auction records on file.
Buying this 2016 Ram 2500? Enter its VIN.
The decode is free. The original ClearVIN PDF is $14.99 one time, with no account: title brands, odometer readings, accident and auction records on file for that VIN. Check open recalls with NHTSA’s free VIN lookup.
Title brands · Odometer records · Auction history, where reported
No subscription. No charge to check the VIN. Report contents vary by vehicle; applicable tax is shown at checkout.
See what the paid report includes →NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2016 Ram 2500, alongside 258 owner complaints filed with the agency, most often about the powertrain. Eligible recall remedies are generally free through the manufacturer's approved repair process, even after the warranty ends; some software remedies are delivered remotely. Federal no-charge coverage has an age limit for vehicles first sold more than 15 years before the recall notice; manufacturers may cover older vehicles voluntarily. Check the specific VIN — a previous owner may already have had the work done.
Half of the 148 NHTSA owner complaints on the 2016 Ram 2500 that list mileage came after 23,000 miles (NHTSA complaints file of November 11, 2026). How many miles will a Ram 2500 last? →
One VIN. One $14.99 history report.
For $14.99, VIN Lookup delivers an original ClearVIN vehicle-history PDF for the 2016 Ram 2500 VIN you enter: title brands, odometer readings, accident and auction records on file. ClearVIN is on the U.S. Department of Justice’s list of approved NMVTIS data providers; VIN Lookup sells that original report. The records returned vary by VIN.
The VIN decode is free. No card is needed until you choose to buy; applicable tax is shown at checkout. A missing record is not proof that an event never happened.No account · Refund reviewed if not delivered, unopenable or wrong VIN by our error · Sold by VIN Lookup (SH LLC, Sheridan, WY)Original provider PDF
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What to check before buying a used 2016 Ram 2500
Model-year data describes the production run, not the car in front of you: two cars of this model year can differ entirely, one with every recall repaired and the other with none. The counts below are from NHTSA data collected on 2026-09-15.
- Verify the 14 recall campaigns by VINCopy the 17-character VIN from the windshield or driver-door label, not from the listing, and run it through NHTSA's free recall lookup. It shows unrepaired recalls within its coverage and does not show completed repairs, so ask the seller for dated repair paperwork. The 8 campaigns listed below cover the airbags, the tailgate latch, steering, the body structure and more. 1 of the 14 was filed in 2025 or 2026 and has had the least time to be repaired.
- Test-drive for what Ram 2500 owners report most64 of the 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the powertrain: on the drive, check that the transmission shifts smoothly from a stop and at highway speed, with no shudder, slipping or delay into gear. Another 53 name the engine: start it cold, listen for knocking or ticking, watch for warning lights and smoke, and look for oil or coolant leaks. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not proven defects, but they show where to look.
- Check the title and odometer in the history reportRecall and complaint data describe the 2016 production run, not this car's past. The VIN decode here is free; the $14.99 original ClearVIN PDF lists title brands, odometer readings, accident and auction records on file for that VIN. Records vary by vehicle, and a missing record does not prove nothing happened.
- Book an independent pre-purchase inspectionHave a mechanic you choose inspect this Ram 2500 before you buy, and ask them to look hardest at the powertrain, the engine and steering.
Is the 2016 Ram 2500 a good truck to buy used?
NHTSA's records cannot rate one used 2016 Ram 2500; they can show how this model year compares with the other Ram 2500 years in this site's 2015–2022 NHTSA collection. The 2016 has 258 owner complaints on file; of the eight Ram 2500 model years in this site's 2015–2022 NHTSA collection (2015–2022), two drew more and five drew fewer. The median of the Ram 2500 years with enough complaints to compare is 203. The 2018 stands out instead, at 2,567. Its 14 recall campaigns compare with 8 to 15 across the Ram 2500 years in the 2015–2022 collection; the 2015 has the most. These counts track how many were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they rank years within the Ram 2500, not build quality; whether one 2016 Ram 2500 is a good buy depends on its own history and condition.
Which 2015–2022 Ram 2500 years have the most complaints?
Among the eight Ram 2500 model years in this site's 2015–2022 NHTSA collection, the 2018 has the most owner complaints, 2,567. The 2016 has 258. Older and better-selling years have had more time and more owners to file reports.
2016 Ram 2500 recalls and reported problems at a glance
What owners report most
These are the vehicle systems named most often in complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 2500. A complaint is an unverified owner report: it does not establish a defect, and a high count can simply reflect a popular model. Use it to decide where an inspection should look hardest.
| Vehicle system | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 64 |
| Engine | 53 |
| Steering | 43 |
| Electrical System | 38 |
| Service Brakes | 34 |
| Unknown Or Other | 33 |
Recall campaigns for the 2016 Ram 2500
Each campaign below is an official NHTSA record. An eligible remedy is generally free through the manufacturer’s approved process, which may be an authorized service visit or remote software update. Federal no-charge coverage has a 15-year first-sale limit measured at the recall notice; manufacturers may cover older vehicles voluntarily. A campaign covers a production range. Check the VIN for open recalls within NHTSA’s coverage; confirm applicability and completed repairs with the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
| Campaign | Component | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 25V010000 | AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR | 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. |
| 21V632000 | AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR | 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 th… |
| 19V347000 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH | 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… |
| 19V021000 | STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION | 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. |
| 18E096000 | STEERING:LINKAGES | Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering … |
| 18V486000 | STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE | 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. |
| 18V332000 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 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 Chrysle… |
| 17V824000 | EQUIPMENT | 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 m… |
NHTSA records 14 campaigns in total for this model year; the 8 most recent are listed above. Run the VIN through NHTSA’s free lookup for open recalls within its coverage, not a complete recall history.
What this data cannot tell you
- A complete recall or repair history for one vehicle. NHTSA’s VIN lookup covers unrepaired recalls within its scope; confirm missing campaigns and completed work with the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
- Whether a complaint is accurate. NHTSA publishes owner reports without verifying them.
- How reliable the model is overall: complaint volume tracks how many vehicles were sold as much as how they hold up.
- Anything about title brands, accident history, odometer records, or liens on an individual vehicle.
Primary sources behind this page
Open the underlying public source and verify that its scope matches the question you are asking.
- Recalls Lookup by VINNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Vehicle recall remedy age limitNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall and complaint datasets: scope and API documentationNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Vehicle Product Information Catalog (vPIC)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 25V010000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 21V632000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 19V347000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 19V021000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 18E096000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 18V486000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 18V332000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 17V824000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 17V821000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 17V562000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 17V499000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 17V302000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 16E041000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recall campaign 15V592000National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Approved NMVTIS Data Providers — checked October 26, 2026U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance
The 2026-09-15 data collection queried these NHTSA model names for 2016 Ram: 2500. Records appearing under more than one name are counted once. The documentation explains the collection endpoints; a campaign link opens its official record across all affected vehicles, not the recall status of a specific VIN.
2016 Ram 2500 questions
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Ram 2500?
Check the 14 NHTSA recall campaigns against the car's VIN with NHTSA's free lookup and ask for dated repair paperwork. Owners name the powertrain and the engine most often in 258 complaints; those are unverified reports, not proven defects, but they show what to test on the drive. Recall data says nothing about this car's past: the $14.99 original ClearVIN PDF lists title brands, odometer readings, accident and auction records on file for the VIN. Finish with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram 2500 have?
NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls covering the 2016 Ram 2500 as of 2026-09-15. Whether a specific vehicle is affected — and whether the repair was already done — depends on its VIN.
What are the most common 2016 Ram 2500 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the powertrain, the engine and steering to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports and do not establish a defect, but they show where to focus an inspection.
Are Ram recall repairs free?
Generally, yes for eligible vehicles, even after the warranty ends. Federal law limits the required no-charge remedy when a vehicle was first sold more than 15 years before the recall notice; a manufacturer may still cover an older vehicle voluntarily. Check the VIN with the manufacturer for the approved remedy, which may be a dealer visit or a remote software update.
Can I check recalls on a specific 2016 Ram 2500 VIN?
Yes. NHTSA's free VIN lookup reports unrepaired recalls within its coverage. It excludes completed repairs and can omit some recent recalls, older campaigns and vehicles outside its coverage. A zero result is not a complete recall or repair history. Ask the seller or manufacturer for dated repair documentation.