2016 Ram 2500
Common Problems
Ranked from 104 federal NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Brake Malfunction Leading to Loss of Control
26complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes fail suddenly, causing the vehicle to lose control and potentially resulting in accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Steering Column Slack and Unstable Steering
25complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering column feels loose and the steering becomes unstable during driving.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V021000, 18E096000
- 3
Throttle Delay or Dead Pedal
25complaintsHigh severityEngineThe throttle does not respond immediately when depressed, causing a delay in acceleration.
Related recalls: 17V562000, 15V592000
- 5
Powertrain Malfunctions
19complaintsHigh severityTransmissionPowertrain components, such as the engine and transmission, experience failures leading to loss of power and engine damage.
Related recall: 17V821000
- 6
ABS/HCU Failure
18complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Harness Control Unit (HCU) fail, leading to erratic braking and loss of cruise control.
- 7
Tailgate Failure Leading to Cargo Loss
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe tailgate unlatches and opens independently, causing items on the bed to fall onto the highway.
- 8
Electrical System Issues with Backup Camera Malfunction
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe backup camera intermittently stops working or shows distorted images, affecting visibility behind the vehicle.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 9
Electrical System Failures Causing Vehicle Shutdown
5complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle suddenly shuts down while driving, leading to complete loss of electrical systems and engine function.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 10
Suspension Issues Leading to Unexpected Vehicle Movement
4complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe suspension allows the vehicle to lunge forward unexpectedly when opening the door, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
ABS and Traction Control System Failure
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system fail, leading to loss of vehicle control.
- 12
Engine Fan and Radiator Shroud Interference
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine fan and radiator shroud interfere with each other, causing damage and potential safety issues.
$400–$1,000est. radiator replacement · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 17V562000, 15V592000
- 13
Fuel Gauge Inaccuracies
2complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe fuel gauge inaccurately reports the remaining fuel, potentially leading to unexpected engine shutdowns.
- 14
Tailgate Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe tailgate falls open unexpectedly while driving or when the truck is in motion.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.