2016 RAM 3500 reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2016 RAM 3500 — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 180
- 54 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- STEERING
- 27 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 14
- see below
- Reported harm
- 17 reported crashes · 8 injuries · 8 fires
How this record compares
raw NHTSA counts, not defect ratesComplaint rank
#2,812
of 4,194 vehicle records
Vs RAM median
-130
median 310 across 37 RAM records
Vs 2014-2018
-117
median 298 complaints in 596 records
Top component share
15%
Steering: 27 complaints
What owners report fails — 2016 RAM 3500
- STEERING 27
- ENGINE 21
- WHEELS 20
- POWER TRAIN 19
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 16
14 recalls on record for the 2016 RAM 3500
- NHTSA 25V010000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
- NHTSA 21V632000 · 2022 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other c
- NHTSA 21V398000 · 2021 · WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
- NHTSA 19V021000 · 2019 · STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
- NHTSA 19V347000 · 2019 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increa
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2016 RAM 3500
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2016 RAM 3500 units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 RAM 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 180 consumer complaints on record for the 2016 RAM 3500 and 14 recalls. The most-reported problem area is steering (27 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2016 RAM 3500 units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 RAM 3500?
Owners most often report problems with: steering (27), engine (21), wheels (20), power train (19). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2016 RAM 3500?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.